Brexit Stair Lifts in the EU
So what does it mean for Sesame Access Systems’ stair lifts at large?
There has been uncertainty up to now regarding Brexit.
As of 15/11/2018 Theresa May at Downing Street confirmed that, ‘’a ‘Draft Withdrawal Agreement’ and ‘Outlined Political Declaration’ has been agreed by the cabinet’’
In the 585 page withdrawal agreement, it indicates that there is to be a new UK-EU customs arrangement.
This has yet to be approved by Parliament and with a flurry of resignations this morning it is not clear this will go ahead.
However, what is clear from the EU is that Donald Tusk - The President of the European Council earlier this morning stated:
‘I will do everything to make this withdrawal agreement the least painful for you and us’.
We may take from this that the UK Government and the EU are keen to keep business channels open.
Regardless of the views people hold on Brexit and whatever the outcome, at Sesame we think all agree that whenever there is a change in life no matter how big or small, a little preparation can go a long way.
That’s why we want to re-assure our friends at home and abroad that we have prepared for any outcome.
Some of our preparations include measures we have already adopted naturally as an international business such as:
- Having Sesame offices and staff based in the UK, EU and Australia with stair lift design, manufacture and install experience
- Existing Global relationships and installations on 6 continents
- Adhering to British, European, American Lift standards and Australian compliance as seen by our Mayfair stair Lift in the Sydney Opera House
- Our materials for the UK are sourced in the UK
- We have adequate stock levels for the foreseeable future
Our motto here at Sesame Access is to strive to give you,
‘The Freedom to go wherever you dare’…
So during and after Brexit, whether it be Paris to Prague or Lisbon to Łódź and you ask us, ‘can I buy a stair lift from Sesame Access?’
We would just like to re-iterate, of course you can,
‘it’s Business as Usual’
Brexit Update
Legal Advice was published by the Attorney General on Monday 3rd December 2019. It was a 43 page, relatively ‘plain English’ translation of the 585 page withdrawal agreement document released last month.
There is still a parliamentary vote to be had regarding the deal but this is currently how things stand:
Single Customs Territory and Movement of Goods
- If no future trading agreement is in place of the currently agreed transition period in December 2020 (which can be extended), the single customs territory is still in effect
What this means for Sesame Access’s Lifts
- This means UK businesses are able to trade as normal with EU businesses and there is no real change in the short term to the trading relationship. Therefore there is no change to the way we procure our raw materials and the sale of our lifts internationally
Citizen’s Rights
- There will be a ‘grace period’ of at least 6 months at the end of the implementation period to allow people to apply for residence status, which can be extended by a year if there are technical problems. Decisions on applications for residence status will have no effect until the end of the implementation period. The agreement allows the UK to require EU citizens to apply for resident status. They have the right to reside in the UK if they have lived here permanently for 5 years, although they can lose that right if they leave the country for more than 5 years. Those who have not lived in the country for 5 years can apply to do so, but will lose their right to reside if they leave for a period of up to six months (and 12 months in certain circumstances, like childbirth)
What this means for Sesame Access’s Lifts
- 5 of our 26 employees in the UK are EU citizens involved in the design, manufacture and sales of our lifts. Going forward, this gives us all the certainty that our highly skilled workforce can continue to remain as integral and valuable members of our team
The Transition Period
- The implementation period will end on 31st December 2020 unless both the UK and the EU agree to an extension. In theory an extension could increase the implementation period up to one to two years and would involve reaching further agreement on the UK’s financial contribution.
What this means for Sesame Access’s Lifts
- Effectively it is business as usual. The uncertainty has ironically given (short term) certainty. Whether intentional or unintentional, the outcome appears to be a situation where we are loosely linked with the EU. What is also certain is that it appears that the UK’s position can be negotiated and renegotiated over the following years. The main outcome being that trade can and will continue with little to no change on our day to day activities from design, manufacture through to the installation of our lifts.
At Sesame we are committed to our ‘Business as usual’ approach and as mentioned previously have pre-planned to welcome or mitigate changes depending on how they will affect our business.
More updates to follow…