Commenting on the announcement that the UK and Japan have secured a free trade agreement, BCC Director General Adam Marshall said:

“Businesses will warmly welcome this milestone free trade deal with Japan, which provides access to a major market for traders across the UK.

“Chambers of Commerce stand ready to work with government to ensure that the benefits of this agreement are felt by businesses on the ground. Firms will want to seethe specific provisions to support small businesses replicated in future trade deals to help business communities thrive and grow in future.

“Whilst this agreement is undoubtedly cause for celebration, securing a Free Trade Agreement with the EU remains critical to the future of businesses in the UK. We urge Ministers to redouble their efforts to reach a comprehensive partnership with our largest trading partner at a crucial time in the negotiations.”