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UK-EU Trade Deal: What SMEs Need to Know

23 May 2025

The UK–EU ‘reset’ agreement is a relief for many Leicester SMEs exporting to Europe. After years of post-Brexit complexity, this new deal promises simpler customs procedures and fewer delays, especially crucial for firms in food, drink, and logistics.

Key Opportunities for SMEs:

* Streamlined documentation means fewer disruptions at borders.
* Lower compliance burdens for small exporters, reducing both time and money spent navigating red tape.
* Revived confidence in EU trade, which still represents the UK’s largest export market.

What SMEs Can Do:

* Revisit paused EU export plans: The new deal may make exporting viable again for smaller firms.
* Audit your supply chain: Check where simplifications can improve speed and reliability.
* Reach out to Business Gateway Growth Hub , Department for Business and Trade and East Midlands Chamber to get support to navigate all of these changes.