HMRC urges small motor businesses and car enthusiasts to be aware of post Brexit changes and prepare themselves ahead of January 2022

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging small businesses and enthusiasts in the automotive sector to be aware of post Brexit rules when sending and receiving parts from Europe or travelling across Europe to attend events, to ensure they don't get caught out.

New rules have been in place since January this year and while larger VAT registered businesses will have familiarised themselves with the changes already, smaller businesses such as independent garages and specialist parts retailers may not be fully aware of the changes to import and export rules and how they apply.

Likewise, for motor hobbyists who may want to order a specialist part from the EU to restore a classic car, or wish to travel across Europe to a rally, many would not have had to navigate the changes until recently.

With rallies, classic car exhibitions and festivals in full swing, including the upcoming Classic Motor Show in Birmingham and then, further afield, the Auto e Moto D'Epoca in Italy, enthusiasts are being encouraged to check they understand the new requirements.

HMRC has produced guidance to help people identify the best way to navigate the changes.

There is also an Online Trader Tool to ensure small businesses don't get caught out by unexpected charges or unnecessary delays, as well as highlighting processes they can follow. The guidance also provides information needed to ensure small businesses are prepared ahead of next January when full customs declarations and controls will be introduced.

If small businesses are also moving parts or equipment between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, they can register with the free Trader Support Service.

Katherine Green and Sophie Dean, Directors General, Borders and Trade, HMRC, said:- "With the lifting of travel restrictions and more events being held, we want auto enthusiasts to be able to continue to enjoy their cars, motorbikes and campervans like they always have. However, we know that many people would not have anticipated that the changes introduced at the beginning of the year would impact them, which is why we urge them to make sure they understand the new obligations by using the guidance available to them on:- Gov.UK, from 1 of our YouTube videos or through our customer forums. Getting used to the new processes now will stand them in good stead ahead of January."

The HMRC customer service advisors are available to answer queries on the Customs and International Trade helpline. They'll help with importing, exporting and customs reliefs. The helpline is open, from 8am to 10pm, Monday to Friday, and from:- 8am to 4pm, at weekends. Call:- 03003229434, to speak to an advisor.

Southport Classic and Speed
Photos by Patrick Trollope.

ON 10 October 2021 the Aintree Circuit Club held the very 1st Southport Classic and Speed on Victoria Park, Southport. The event was free to attend and ended with a Parade of Modified, Veteran and Vintage cars thought Southport's Town Centre, along with Mayor of Sefton, Cllr Clare Carragher, will perform the ceremonial flag drop outside Bliss Hotel. The event was a fantastic success that had steam cars to modern race cars taking part. The event also had a competition for those exhibiting and the Winners for this years Awards were presented as follows:-

► BEST IN SHOW - Jim Clarke - 1914 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost.

► BEST PRE 1918 David Fellows - 1901 Bertrand.

► BEST PRE WAR UP TO 1939 Mike Postle - 1931 Austin Seven.

► BEST POST WAR TO 1966 - Chris Walker - 1962 Aston Martin DB4.

► BEST 1966-90 - John Dickenson - 1968 Wolseley Hornet Mk 3.

► BEST POST 1990 - Martin Higgins - 2007 Subaru RB320.

► BEST E-TYPE - Jack Ashcroft - 1961 Jaguar E-type OBL Prototype.

► BEST BENTLEY - David Lawson - 1935 Derby.

► BEST ROLLS-ROYCE - Graeme Calvert - Thomson - 1996 Silver Spirit IV.

This automotive is set to return in 2022, with a 2 day event. We are told that the Aintree Circuit Club would like to thank all who took part along with all who visited the show. They also added that they welcomed that amazing support from Victoria Park Events as well as Sefton MBC and Southport BID. The show was sponsored by:- Cataclean and Porsche Preston Bowker Group.