Research and analysis

Research into experiences of traders moving goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Qualitative research exploring the experiences of businesses preparing for the Northern Ireland Protocol and trading under it.

Documents

Appendix 1: Achieved sample

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Details

The UK left the EU on 31 January 2020 and entered a transition period which lasted until 31 December 2020. From 1 January 2021, the Northern Ireland Protocol took effect, which established special provisions for moving goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) commissioned Verian to undertake qualitative research to provide insight into:

  • levels of understanding and preparedness for the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol amongst Great Britain-based small and mid-sized businesses

  • their experiences of moving goods to Northern Ireland following the end of the transition period

Verian undertook 45 in-depth interviews with GB-based businesses and 10 in-depth interviews with NI-based businesses. All fieldwork took place between March and June 2021.

Updates to this page

Published 15 July 2025

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