Workshops to help businesses make sure they’re ready for the final outcome of the UK/EU Brexit negotiations were hosted by the Chamber of Commerce and supported by the island’s government.

More than 70 delegates from a wide range of business sectors attended the four presentations held on the same day at the organisation’s headquarters at Eagle Lab in Douglas.

The event was titled: ’Business preparedness - UK Exiting the EU.’

Workshops provided insight from experts and explained the range of advice and support that’s available to Manx firms from government.

The event covered all aspects of the impact that the final UK/EU deal (or no deal) could have on island businesses.

This includes the latest news about the current situation, possible future scenarios, business preparedness, and customs and VAT considerations for trading with the EU after transition. A question and answer session allowed people to question panelists Steven Beevers, Isle of Man Government’s senior policy adviser on Brexit; David Corlett, head of European and trade policy, and Peter Boxer, executive director, external relations (both from the Cabinet Office); and Stuart Highy and Hayley Turner, both senior executives from Customs and Excise.

Chamber chief executive Rebecca George said: ’Attendees heard from a stellar panel and welcomed the opportunity to put questions to the government’s leading experts on Brexit.

’It proved to be a very useful workshop, and we’re grateful to the panel for offering the opportunity to answer follow-up questions via meetings with the experts.’

The Department for Enterprise’s Enterprise Support team is offering a 50% grant of up to £5,000 as part of the Business Improvement Scheme for local businesses looking to complete a Brexit-related consultancy project.