No-deal Brexit contingency plan

25 September, 2019

With so much uncertainty remaining, organisations must now plan for the worst and be ready for a disorderly no-deal Brexit. We recommend taking the steps outlined below to help your organisation navigate Brexit successfully.

Prepare: Build Brexit resilience before it hits

Identify your key Brexit impacts
Agree critical business priorities, action and mitigation plans and key implementation dates
Identify key roles and responsibilities and decision-making authority
Mobilise the appropriate governance structures in your business
Identify and resource your Brexit Programme Management Office
Engage with customers, suppliers and employees to build trust and confidence ahead of what may be a difficult time ahead
Secure relevant customs and trade registrations and authorisations (e.g. EORI, Deferred Payment etc.) or regulatory compliance requirements (e.g. financial services) or both
Engage with external stakeholders such as Customs Brokers to ensure that those stakeholders are Day 1 ready to support your business
Train your teams and communicate your Brexit guidance (e.g. create your Day One Operations Manual)
Commence implementation of priority or long lead-time changes

Test: Stress-test your plans

Assess if your key staff are available and briefed on their responsibilities prior to and after the 31 October deadline
Consider if all plans are in place before a potential no-deal Brexit scenario plays out. Doing this can reveal valuable insights that can still be acted upon even at this late stage
With Brexit happening on a Thursday at 11pm, the change mid-week creates significant operational and systems issues. Ensure they are prepared to function properly on Friday, 1 November
Identify risks and weaknesses and adjust your plans accordingly

Respond: Confront Brexit with confidence

Activate the Respond phase in line with any agreed milestones or triggers
Maintain strong governance and decision-making structures
Deploy your Brexit Contingency Management Team
Focus on maintaining critical business activities and de-prioritise less critical activities
Communicate with and reassure your key external stakeholders
Closely monitor and manage your no-deal plan to ensure benefits realisation

Recover: Emerge stronger and more resilient sooner

Implement a smooth, managed transition from the contingency environment
Return to business-as-usual management and governance structures
Refocus on the long-term strategic portfolio and agenda
Resume routine activities that were de-prioritised during the post no-deal period
Collate and analyse lessons learned, consider opportunities for change
Maximise your competitive advantage over underprepared rivals
Maintain vigilance and stay prepared for unexpected developments