Services to help all Cumbria businesses prepare for a no-deal Brexit have been launched.

Cumbria Chamber of Commerce won a bid for cash from the Government’s £10m Brexit Preparedness Fund.

It means that the support is available to all Cumbrian businesses, not just chamber members.

Chamber chief executive Rob Johnston said: “There’s a lot of speculation about whether a no-deal Brexit will happen on October 31.

“Parliament is determined to stop it but the Government might be able to circumvent MPs and there’s always the possibility that the EU could decline to extend Article 50.

“Businesses have to work on the assumption that a no-deal Brexit could happen on October 31, or soon after, and plan accordingly. We’re here to help them do that.

“A no-deal Brexit will present major challenges around trade, employment and supply chains.

“There will be a substantial increase in the volume of documentation, not only for trade with the EU but for trade with any country that has a trade agreement with the EU.

“Those businesses that prepare will enjoy a huge competitive advantage over those that don’t. It makes good business sense to take steps now to ensure that you’re ready."

The chamber carried out a survey earlier this year to discover what help firms in the county needed.

Mr Johnston added: "When we carried out a Brexit-readiness survey at the start of the year, 37 per cent of businesses told us they wanted face-to-face advice and 25 per cent asked for a telephone hotline.

“We now offer both. Businesses can speak to an adviser over the phone or meet in person by appointment.

“The Brexit section on our website is very comprehensive with information on trade, legal and IP issues, employment, travel and transport, guidance for specific sectors and general advice.

“And there are podcasts and webinars to help businesses navigate the challenges posed by Brexit."

It will also offer four Brexit-themed workshops between now and October 31 to help businesses get to grips with the UK's exit from the European Union.

Mr Johnston added: “We’re finalising details of the workshops and these will appear on an events calendar that sits alongside the other resources.”

Businesses can call the chamber’s Brexit hotline – 0845 226 00 40 – to speak to dedicated advisers who can help on any Brexit-related issue from trade to IP and employment.

Its Brexit section on its website is at https://cumbriachamber.co.uk/brexit

Rob added: