Call centre help for businesses as Brexit approaches

Support for businesses preparing for Brexit is being stepped up as March 29 approaches, the Economy Secretary said.

Derek Mackay said companies will be able to access more advice and information as the number of staff working at the Scottish Government's dedicated call centre is increased to meet demand.

More than 100 Scottish Enterprise staff will meanwhile be refocused to work on helping businesses prepare, he said.

The website PrepareforBrexit.scot has been set up to help companies identify how the UK's departure from the European Union might affect them and includes a 12-point checklist to help them prepare for any changes.

The campaign is being delivered along with Scottish Development International, Skills Development Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Business Gateway.

Ahead of his visit to a call centre in Clydebank today he said: Last year we launched Prepare for Brexit, a multi-agency campaign aimed at informing companies on a wide range of potential Brexit impacts and encouraging them to proactively prepare.

"Just as we are intensifying our work to prepare for all outcomes, more and more businesses in Scotland are making their own preparations as best they can.

"That is why we are increasing the number of staff dealing with calls from businesses looking for practical advice and why more than 100 Scottish Enterprise Staff will be refocused to work entirely on helping businesses prepare.

"However, we won't be able to mitigate all the damage of Brexit, which is why the UK Government should immediately rule out no-deal and change course.'