A three-part toolkit which cuts through the confusion and political rhetoric surrounding Brexit is launched today by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) – exactly a year before the UK leaves the EU.

The first part, which calls on businesses to get Brexit ready and “Communicate, Research, Prepare and Seek Support”, is on the GBCC website today.

It includes straightforward tips on how businesses can start identifying areas of their business that may be impacted by Brexit and get thinking about their response, alongside a “Brexit dictionary” and case studies from local businesses already preparing for Brexit.

Part Two, a “fact pack” on the potential impact of Brexit on the region and businesses views on Brexit, will launch in one week.

Part Three, a manifesto for stakeholders, will launch the week after that.

Henrietta Brealey (pictured), director of policy and strategic relationships at the GBCC, said: “There is a whole lot of jargon, political positioning and confusion around Brexit.

“With part one of our Brexit toolkit, we want to cut through this uncertainty to give businesses straightforward information about Brexit and what it means for them.

“As of today, we are 12 months to Brexit and 33 months until the end of the transition period (based on the current timeline). Any business should start pinning down areas of their organisation that are exposed to Brexit-related risks (and opportunities) and be thinking what they are going to do about them.

“Regardless of where you stand on the political spectrum, there is no denying that Brexit will bring change. With change comes the need for businesses to adapt in order to remain as competitive as possible.

“The resources that we have published today are designed to give businesses the information they need to get thinking practically about how they can get ready for Brexit.

“We may not know what the final deal will be but we do know a lot about the areas most likely to be affected by Brexit which for many businesses is enough to get started on their Brexit strategy.

“The most forward thinking businesses we’ve spoken to are seeing Brexit as a catalyst for getting their business as fit and healthy as possible.

“While the initial impetus for action was Brexit, the steps they are taking make business sense regardless and are all helping them gain and maintain a competitive edge. We are publishing some of these case studies today as part of this resource, which we hope will help inspire more businesses to get Brexit ready.”