Two Windsor Framework related research reports – The impact of The Windsor Framework on Businesses in Northern Ireland and Trade Facilitation Research.
Date published:
The Department for the Economy commissioned two independent research reports to examine the impact of the Windsor Framework on businesses in Northern Ireland and to identify practical measures to minimise friction in the movement of goods from Britain to Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework.
The Impact of the Windsor Framework on Northern Ireland Businesses
This report, produced by Maureen O’Reilly, examines the impact of the Windsor Framework on Northern Ireland businesses.
The research highlights issues reported by businesses relating to administration and compliance, the movement of goods, reduced engagement by GB suppliers, regulatory divergence and the capacity of smaller businesses to respond to changing requirements. It also identifies areas for potential action, including clearer communication, rebuilding confidence among GB suppliers, more streamlined compliance, improved logistics and parcel systems, greater support for smaller businesses, monitoring and early warning for divergence and clarity on subsidy control.
Trade Facilitation Research
This report, produced by Fortior Insight and commissioned by the Department for the Economy and Invest Northern Ireland, identifies practical, trade facilitation measures capable of reducing friction in the movement of goods from Britain to Northern Ireland under the existing Windsor Framework arrangements. The research was informed primarily by engagement with representative bodies, sector organisations and trade and industry associations.
The evidence suggests that the majority of current pressures experienced by businesses arise from implementation complexity, duplication of processes, inconsistent interpretation and limited forward visibility. The report sets out recommendations designed to operate within the existing structures. The recommendations are structured across the short, medium and longer term, focusing on improving clarity, communications and administrative guidance; addressing cost distortions and proportionality; and supporting greater system integration and structural optimisation