Dorset Chamber has welcomed yesterday’s announcement of the Northern Ireland Brexit deal and hopes it will give businesses the confidence to trade overseas and to invest in exporting.

Girling continued: “Clearly, it will need to be considered in detail and receive approval at Parliament but it is welcome and offers hope that we can finally move on from Brexit.

“International trade has undoubtedly suffered since Brexit and I hope that this breakthrough will go some way towards stabilising relations between the UK and the EU.

“There is now the potential to move to a new phase of co-operation on trade, regulation, climate, migration and supply chain issues.

“The deal must also act a starting shot for the government to sign more trade deals worldwide to give business the confidence to consider overseas trade and investing in exporting.

“I hope the UK Government, EU member state governments, and the EU institutions will seize this opportunity to improve our relationships, cut costs and remove red tape for businesses.

“Dorset Chamber remains on hand to support all businesses on their international trade journey whether they are new, established or seeking to re-enter markets.”