The government has announced £16m of funding for the training of Customs experts in preparation for Brexit. The fund will cover 100% of the cost of training for employees up to a limit of £2,250 for each course. This funding will be applicable against all the courses provided by the UK Customs Academy.
Businesses based in, or with a branch in, the UK can apply for funding ahead of the UK leaving the EU. Grants can be used to support:
- training costs for businesses who complete customs declarations, or who intend to in the future;
- funding for IT improvement, which is available to small and medium sized employers who are currently involved in trade as an intermediary.
The government announcement notes:
“More than 3,000 agents have already been trained as part of an £8 million investment earlier this year, which has also been used to develop new online learning products for customs staff such as an electronic learning package and a new UK Customs Academy, launched on 12 August. This second wave of government grants launching today will go further, with the additional £16 million to be invested to help ensure businesses have all the support they need to get ready for Brexit.”
Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Jesse Norman MP said:
“Brexit takes place on 31 October and we urge all businesses to make the necessary preparations to be fully ready. The government has doubled the support available, so that thousands more customs experts are on hand to help businesses on and after Brexit day.”
The grant scheme is managed by PWC, via its online application portal, which is accessible at: