The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has called on the UK and the European Union (EU) to focus on “stable, predictable and functional trading arrangements” to improve cross-border business.
In a submission to the House of Commons Business and Trade Committee, responding to its call for evidence on UK-EU trade, the accountancy body sets out four priorities it says should underpin any effort to strengthen the relationship.
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These priorities include mobility and recognition of professional skills, regulatory co-operation and reduced non-tariff barriers, better support for SMEs trading across borders, and stronger digital trade and data co-operation.
ACCA Technical and Strategic Engagement head Glenn Collins said: “While we’ve seen in the UK in the last few days political debate around Brexit continuing, in the context of an EU-reset we would encourage the Committee to lead dialogue on issues which we believe would have a material impact on trade.”
ACCA says easier movement for qualified finance professionals would reinforce the UK’s industrial strategy by helping them live and work in the country.
The body reports that its members consistently flag non-tariff barriers and regulatory divergence as major obstacles in UK–EU trade.
It is urging closer dialogue on common frameworks for sustainability reporting, digital taxation, AI governance and financial oversight.
ACCA EEMA and UK Regional Policy Development head Jessica Bingham said: “A priority is helping SMEs trade with the EU.
“We know that our members struggle with increasing compliance burdens, including customs administration, VAT complexity, disrupted supply chains and increased reporting. ACCA continues to call for a ‘think small first’ approach.”
The organisation is also pressing the government to recognise that cross-border commerce now depends on digital interoperability and reliable data flows, with businesses relying on compatible digital systems to trade effectively.
Earlier this month, ACCA noted that faster adoption of sustainability reporting and assurance frameworks could support economic growth in the UK and China.
