Following the announcement of the creation of a £20 million SME Brexit Support Fund from the UK Government, Dr Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:

“Many Scottish businesses have already encountered severe problems with the new EU – UK trading arrangements, particularly in our invaluable food & drink sector. At a time when they are already dealing with restrictions on how they can trade due to the pandemic, trade disruption threatens many of our flagship exports.

“While this announcement is a welcome start and recognition from the UK Government that SMEs need financial help, greater support will be needed if businesses are to successfully navigate the new administrative barriers to trade that they now face.

“The UK Government must act now and fast to distribute this fund as quickly as possible – SMEs cannot afford to wait weeks and weeks at this time.

“Local Chambers across Scotland and the UK are standing by to offer direct support with customs and trade.”