Dear Members,

As we look ahead to 2026, we wanted to take a moment to speak to you directly about what lies ahead, what we know so far, and how the GFSB is supporting you through what will be an important year of change.

Like many of you, we are hopeful that 2026 will finally bring publication and implementation of the Brexit treaty. That remains the single biggest milestone on the horizon. Not because it removes all uncertainty, but because it replaces limbo with a framework we can work within.

It is worth reminding ourselves that this situation was never one of choice. There was always a fork in the road: a treaty, or no treaty at all. Having listened closely to our members over many years, the GFSB’s consistent view has been that an agreement, while imperfect, is better than none. Above all, businesses need certainty to plan, invest and adapt.

That said, we are under no illusions. While the treaty may be positive overall, we know it will not feel positive for everyone. Many members are understandably concerned about how the changes will affect their day-to-day operations, their margins, and their ability to compete, particularly in sectors like retail which are already under pressure. Recognising that reality is essential.

Our role as the GFSB is to stand alongside those members who will face the strongest headwinds, while also helping the wider membership understand and make the most of the opportunities that will emerge.

To that end, we want to be clear about what we are doing on your behalf.

1. We are actively pressing Government to recognise the very real challenges facing businesses, particularly in the retail sector. We are making the case that transition costs, operational disruption and competitive pressures must be properly understood and factored into policy decisions. This engagement is ongoing and will remain a priority.

2. We are challenging Government to produce clear, detailed written guidance. Verbal reassurances are not enough. Businesses need certainty in writing, in plain English, and in a form that can be referred back to when making decisions. We continue to push for this clarity and will keep doing so.

3. We are working on providing members with an expert-led review of what the Brexit treaty is likely to mean in practice. This will look honestly at both the challenges and the opportunities, and how different scenarios may play out across sectors. Our aim is not to oversimplify, but to equip you with realistic, grounded insight you can actually use.

4. In light of the absence of a comprehensive Government FAQ, we have taken matters into our own hands. As many of you will have seen, we have built our own Brexit AI FAQ, drawing on hundreds of pages of official material and reporting, so members can ask questions and receive sourced, explanatory answers. This reflects exactly what you have been telling us you need.

5. Finally, we are working on practical training and support to help businesses transition into a post-Brexit operating landscape. Understanding new processes, requirements and ways of working will be critical, and we want to ensure members are not left to navigate that alone.

Alongside all of this, we continue to push for greater strategic clarity. The treaty will set the framework, but businesses also need to understand the broader direction of travel. Where is effort being focused? Where will opportunity be encouraged? How do we collectively make the most of what comes next? These are questions we will keep asking on your behalf.

We want to reassure you that the GFSB is here to help. Our door is always open. If you have concerns, questions, or simply want to talk through how these changes might affect your business, please get in touch. Your input shapes our work, and your experiences strengthen our advocacy.

The year ahead will not be without challenges, but you will not face them alone. We will continue to support, challenge, explain and advocate for you at every step.

With best wishes,

The GFSB Board of Directors