Windsor Framework Disrupts Northern Ireland's Trading Relationships

Strategic Insights -

Trading relationships between Northern Ireland and Great Britain are being lost under the Windsor Framework, MLAs have been told. Suppliers are no longer seeing Northern Ireland as commercially viable due to the post-Brexit trading arrangements. A report by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) found that one in three firms surveyed had faced significant disruptions due to the framework.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Windsor Framework has caused significant disruptions to small businesses in Northern Ireland, with one in three firms facing supply chain delays, stock shortfalls, and lost sales.
  • 29% of businesses surveyed anticipate future disruptions due to the framework.
  • A significant number of firms reported that the framework has induced uncertainty into business planning.
  • In GB, 75% of firms rated their knowledge of the Windsor Framework as low, and many reported stopping trading with Northern Ireland due to perceived cost complexity or risk.
  • The framework has led to longstanding trading relationships being lost, with suppliers no longer seeing Northern Ireland as commercially viable.
  • Awareness of dual market access is low among Northern Ireland businesses, with only a small proportion reporting that they understand and have been able to take advantage of it.
  • The UK Government and the Northern Ireland Executive are not adequately explaining or promoting the concept of dual market access.
  • Many businesses feel overwhelmed by which rules apply, who they should contact, and the number of public bodies involved.

Statistics:

  • 778 businesses were surveyed across the UK on the impact of the Windsor Framework on their trade.
  • 1 in 3 businesses (33%) have already faced significant disruptions due to the Windsor Framework.
  • 29% of businesses anticipate future disruptions.
  • 75% of firms in GB rated their knowledge of the Windsor Framework as low.
  • 88% of Northern Ireland businesses reported that they didn't think the concept of dual market access is being adequately explained or promoted by the UK Government or the Northern Ireland Executive.
  • 14% of businesses in Northern Ireland felt they were benefiting from dual market access.

Sources:

  • Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)
  • Stormont's Committee for the Economy
  • PA Media
  • PA Archive
  • The Windsor Framework (2023)