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Many of the UK’s trades are being excluded from installing goods and services in Europe, according to Hillier Hopkins.
The accountancy firm reports that businesses on the continents are preferring to use local contractors for installations in lieu of British services.
Furthermore, Hillier Hopkins notes this move is notable primarily in France, and affects businesses with shop and leisure fitouts, residential construction, exhibitions and arts installations.
Ruth Corkin, VAT and indirect tax Principal at Hillier Hopkins, said: “UK businesses providing often technical or specialist services to EU customers are finding that their own installation contractors are being prevented from installing goods or services.
“This may be due to local laws appearing to require installation to be handled by resident nationals only, and possibly due to health and safety.”
She added: “This does not appear to be EU wide but is common in France. It appears European domestic businesses are interpreting local legislation to the letter.
“We are beginning to see the same happen in other European countries as the Covid restrictions lift, and it does have significant implications for customers in Europe and for UK businesses.”
