According to BCC survey, small businesses aren’t clamouring to be allowed to enjoy the bonfire of EU laws

Small businesses don’t need a bonfire to regulate them in the post-Brexit EU. Only 4 percent of small businesses understand a bill opening the way for their liberalization.

The British Chamber of Commerce (BCC), a surveyor of British Chamber of Commerce, revealed that more than 70% of respondents were not aware of the EU bill and its impact on their business operations.

According to the government, this bill is intended to “facilitate amendment, repeal, or replacement of EU law held within the UK’s statute books to reduce regulatory burdens for UK businesses”.

Only 4 percent of the 938 companies surveyed were aware that the law has changed.

Only 25% knew some details about REUL and its impact when asked. Two-fifths knew nothing. Surprisingly, 30 percent have never heard of the bill.

Companies surveyed also had to give their opinions on deregulation. Nearly 50% said it was a low priority or not at all.

The environment and staffing planning were more important in organizing. 19% of respondents said that worker organizing was high.

“The companies have not asked for this bill, and as our survey highlights, they are not calling for the regulations to be ignited for it,” said William Payne, head of trade policy at the BCC.

“They don’t want to see divergence from EU regulations making it more difficult, expensive or impossible to export their goods and services.

“This bill could also create divergence within both Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Food and environmental legislation, for example, are devolved matters. The Welsh and Scottish governments could easily decide to take a different path and introduce their own legislation on things like the use of pesticides.” or food labels.

These circumstances will require the UK Intra-UK Intra-Trading Market Office to be heavily involved.

“While removing barriers to the growth of SMEs would be welcome, any proposals to amend or repeal the thousands of retained parts of EU law should be carefully examined and should not be rushed.”

He said: “The deadline on this bill should be pushed back to the end of 2026, to give everyone more time to properly consult the process. Safeguards for companies are also required, particularly for exporters and those trading within the UK so that additional barriers are not created for unintentionally doing business.”

More generally, the UK government must listen and explain to businesses all aspects of the bill.

“Most importantly, businesses and government need to focus on the pressing issues we face now. With a difficult 12 months ahead, we cannot afford to forfeit any resources businesses need to stay afloat over the next year.”

The UK government was asked to comment.