SOMERSET businesses can get some expert advice on Brexit at a special event next month.

With continuing uncertainty following the overwhelming rejection by MPs of the Prime Minister’s proposed Withdrawal Agreement, Somerset Chamber of Commerce is organising a half-day Brexit panel discussion to give firms an opportunity to gain insight and advice to help them prepare for business post-Brexit.

A panel of distinguished business leaders will discuss topics including trade, logistics, immigration and more at ‘The Future of Business Post-Brexit’ event on Wednesday, February 6, hosted by Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil.

Following the presentations, there will be a Q&A session giving delegates a unique opportunity to ask questions and source further insight from the expert panel.

Stephen Henagulph, chief executive at Somerset Chamber of Commerce, said: “Undoubtedly the burning issue of the last 18 months has been the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union.

"With much uncertainty still surrounding the exact terms of Brexit, 2019 looks likely to be a challenging year for many companies across the country.

“As a result, we are holding this half-day Brexit panel discussion to help address some of the concerns raised by our local business community.

"The aim is to inform and guide local businesses of all sizes and across all sectors by inviting a variety of experts to speak about their experiences and to answer questions posed by the delegates.”

Delegates will hear from Julian Russell, finance director UK at Leonardo Helicopters, about how the helicopter manufacturer has been preparing for Brexit and all its possible permutations in order to ensure that the company’s EU deliveries and exports run smoothly.

Mark Johnson, national customs and trade control director at Leonardo’s logistics partner, Kuehne & Nagel, which is one of the world's leading logistics companies, will cover the tariffs and customs implications.

He will provide guidance on how businesses of all sizes can prepare for the impact of post-Brexit international trading.

The director of research and economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), Mike Spicer, will give an overall business perspective on the most critical negotiations of a generation, exploring the latest developments from Westminster and what businesses should be doing now to prepare, regardless of size or sector.

The implications of Brexit on the employment of EU nationals will be outlined by David Faulkner-Bryant, corporate immigration consultant at immigration specialists The Visa Office, helping businesses make sure they are well placed to retain EU staff in this changing immigration environment.

For more information - and registration details - log on to business.somerset-chamber.co.uk/events/details/the-future-of-business-post-brexit-19565