Business bosses worried about the impact of Brexit should talk to the Department for Enterprise.

That’s the message from Enterprise Minister Laurence Skelly (pictured).

He told the House of Keys: ’We will continue to monitor Brexit as it develops day by day and stand by to address the needs of business in the weeks and months ahead to ensure we can offer a pragmatic and responsive approach.

’I would encourage any business, whatever size they may be, to talk to us about any concerns at the earliest opportunity.’

Mr Skelly was asked by Jason Moorhouse (Arbory, Castletown and Malew) what measures were in place to prepare for Brexit.

The minister said: ’Regardless of how and when the UK may end up leaving the EU, our department, working very closely with the Cabinet Office and other parts of government, has been busy preparing for the various options and scenarios that might ensue.

He added: ’Our preparations are still ongoing and we recognise that exporters who depend in part on EU markets or countries tied in with the EU are likely to be affected in some way.

’Towards the end of last year, as part of our contingency plans, the department published a simple checklist guide with points of contact for assistance, together with answers to essential questions. This guide also highlighted changes that might be ahead for importers and exporters.’

A new grant was introduced to help businesses with the cost of seeking specific Brexit advice.

’Looking ahead, we recognise that certain business could be more vulnerable to Brexit-related delays and other unexpected shocks to their ability to operate,’ Mr Skelly added.

’So we are also reviewing our financial support schemes to ensure we have the appropriate mechanisms in place to cater to such eventualities and short-term disruptions.’

Marketing support grants were already on offer to exporters looking to develop new markets and Mr Skelly said the DfE would continue with promotions in different markets.