New government reforms to the UK Internal Market Act aim to make it easier for businesses to trade across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland - with less friction and more certainty.

Following feedback from businesses, the changes are designed to simplify the rules that apply when trading across the UK’s four nations, while still allowing each devolved government to reflect local priorities.

What’s changing?

• Clearer and more consistent rules across the UK to help avoid confusion and unexpected costs when doing business across borders.
• Fewer trade barriers – particularly when rules in one nation differ slightly but don’t have major economic impacts.
• Greater transparency and engagement in how new rules are developed, with opportunities for businesses to get involved made easier.
• Devolved governments will still be able to make decisions that suit their regions, but the process will be more collaborative and business-focused.

Why it matters

The UK’s internal market supports over £129 billion of trade each year – a lifeline for many small and medium-sized firms, especially those in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, where sales to the rest of the UK often make up over half their external trade.

What business owners should consider

• If you trade across borders within the UK, you may find processes more straightforward in future, with less chance of being caught out by diverging regulations.
• Keep an eye on consultations and rule changes, particularly in sectors like manufacturing, chemicals, food, and retail – areas likely to see more aligned rules.
• Use the breathing room to plan – clearer rules mean more confidence in pricing, logistics and investment decisions.

This could be a positive step for UK-wide trade, particularly for businesses that operate across more than one nation. If that’s you, it’s worth reviewing how these reforms could help you.

See: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/improved-trade-rules-to-boost-business-and-growth-across-the-uk