WIREDGOV

Business Minister Ian Lucas is urging companies, including SMEs, in the services sector to take advantage of new opportunities to do business with Europe.

Mr Lucas highlighted the opportunities for firms following implementation of the EU Services Directive which comes into force at the end of the year.

The aim of the Services Directive is to reduce the barriers and red-tape that can make it more difficult for service providers to enter new markets and compete outside of their home country. Sectors such as construction, business consultancy, leisure and hospitality, accountancy and legal services could potentially benefit.

Regulations have today been laid before Parliament to implement the Directive in the UK.

Ian Lucas said:

“Services account for about 70 per cent of GDP but only 20 per cent of cross-border trade in the EU.

“But the market for services in Europe is opening up. It’s important that UK firms, including SMEs, are ready to grasp the opportunities this presents for new jobs and growth.”

Mr Lucas added that opening up European markets for services would also be good news for consumers with greater choice and lower prices. The Directive also requires EU Member States to establish ‘web portals’ so that service providers have a single point of contact to find out what legal requirements they must fulfil to operate in the country in question. This one-stop-shop must then allow service providers to apply electronically for any licence or permit they need.

Tina Sommer, Federation of Small Businesses European and International Affairs Chairman, said:

“The Federation of Small Businesses welcomes the European Services Directive which will not only make it easier for small businesses that provide services to trade across the EU, but will also simplify the red tape which small businesses face.

“The Services Directive will also bring trade to the UK. As the economy begins to recover, it is important that all small firms can easily access information as they begin to explore new markets, and the point of single contact web portals will make it simpler for them to do that.”

UK companies will be able to access portals to do business in other countries through a central page on the European Commission website http://ec.europa.eu/index_en.htm and they will all be branded with an ‘EU-GO’ logo.

The UK’s portal will be accessible to UK and European enterprises through the Business Link website: www.businesslink.gov.uk

Notes to Editors

1. For more information on the EU Services Directive, including guidance for businesses, go to: www.bis.gov.uk/servicesdirective.