Put Brexit transition planning on the radar, ICAEW warns 17 December 2020: A light touch approach as businesses adjust to new rules and a beefing up of support for SMEs are among a list of requirements submitted to the BEIS Committee session on Brexit Preparedness by ICAEW this week. Responding to the committee’s call for evidence, ICAEW warns that Brexit preparedness isn’t on the radar for many businesses as they deal with more pressing business concerns thrust upon them by the pandemic. ICAEW says certainty from a deal is needed at the earliest opportunity, bearing in mind that many businesses will not start their preparations until more is known. “They do not have time to look at things as they develop and alter; they will look at it when negotiations come to a conclusion, but that leaves them little time to prepare,” the submission warns. “In the absence of a deal, a light-touch as businesses adjust to a new world is needed; adjusting operations to deal with no adequacy, or having to pay tariffs for the first time, will take longer than the mere days remaining.”