Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the deal agreed at a summit between EU and UK leaders earlier this week.
The Prime Minister and the European Commission President unveiled a comprehensive agreement aimed at revitalising post-Brexit relations. This "reset" encompasses significant developments in trade, defence, mobility, and energy cooperation.
Commenting on the UK-EU Leaders Summit, Policy Director at Greater Manchester Chamber, Chris Fletcher, said: “Anything that helps trade with the EU has got to be welcomed and this feels like a significant first step in creating a new relationship with the EU. For too long since Brexit businesses have had to contend with damaging delays, excessive paperwork and extra costs dealing with our largest overseas market. Now it seems that there is some shift towards making that easier.
"Coming off the back of the Indian Trade Deal and the deal with the US this does feel like the UK getting its act together, recognising the reality of how the world is now and trying to carve a path through.
"There will no doubt be more announcements made as the details become clearer and we call on government to back this up with recognition that many businesses will need help and support to take advantage of what has been agreed. Businesses need access to good international advice and expertise, the type available through Chambers of Commerce and we look forward to helping our members grow and develop their trade opportunities.”
Susana Córdoba, Head of International Trade at Greater Manchester Chamber, added: "This is good news for traders, especially for those trading food products, as this is one of the sectors that has seen a sharp decline in exports since new regulatory framework and checks came in place, and for companies operating in the defence sector, opening the opportunity to link with EU Funded programmes seeking to strengthen security in the continent.
"We also welcome the positive discussions around Youth Mobility and easier travel and cross-border facilitation- these can really benefit the UK accessing young talent across Europe. Many of the above were asks that the British Chamber of Commerce Network put forward, so we are pleased to see the government listen and has taken action to improve and strengthen the relationship with our largest trading partner."
You can read more about the Key Agreements from the Summit on our International Trade Hub.