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.
2. Subject to the will of Parliament, the
Provision of Services Regulations will come into force on December
28 this year.
Department for Business, Innovation & Skills
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is
building a dynamic and competitive UK economy by: creating the
conditions for business success; promoting innovation, enterprise
and science; and giving everyone the skills and opportunities to
succeed. To achieve this it will foster world-class universities
and promote an open global economy. BIS - Investing in our future.
Contacts:
BIS Press Office
NDS.BIS@coi.gsi.gov.uk
Ben Lloyd
Phone: 020 7215 5974
Ben.Lloyd@bis.gsi.gov.uk