Rutland Council is warning that concern over Covid-19 is preventing firms from preparing for Brexit.

Exporters must ready themselves for the end of EU transition on 1 January 2021 but the council says evidence suggests many businesses might not be prepared.

This has led to calls to action from local community leaders.

In September The Bank of England reported that the percentage of businesses reporting that Brexit was in their top-three sources of uncertainty increased from 47% in August to 52% in September. That was the highest level since last December.

After officially leaving the EU earlier this year, Britain's transition period officially ends on 1 January 2021, bringing with it a raft of new rules that will apply to businesses from that date.

To help businesses understand what they need to do to prepare and to access important information they are encouraged to complete a checklist at: www.gov.uk/transition.

Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership has also produced a tool kit to help businesses Lincolnshire & Rutland to prepare for BREXIT: www.greaterlincolnshirelep.co.uk/whats-new/brexit-guide

The Government's www.gov.uk/transition is being signposted as the site for businesses to visit to understand the actions they need to undertake to ensure they are prepared.

Some of the key points businesses need to be aware of include:

· New customs procedures that will affect goods sold to the EU

· Visas or work permits may now apply for business travel to EU destinations

· The new immigration system may impact overseas nationals working for local firms

· Businesses that receive personal data from contacts in the EEA may need to take extra steps to ensure that the data can continue to flow legally

Ensure qualifications that allow businesses to practice or service clients in the EU are recognised by EU regulations.

Coun Oliver Hemsley, Leader of Rutland County Council, said: "Our local businesses have shown remarkable resilience over the past two years, having worked hard to get to grips with the prospect of leaving the EU and respond to a global pandemic.

"It's a big ask for businesses to divert focus away from COVID-19 to address EU Exit – and we wouldn't be doing it if it wasn't essential.

"Please act now and take advantage of the local support that's available to help Rutland safely negotiate the end of the transition period. Ultimately, I know this is what we all want."