The trade agreements between the UK and Australia and New Zealand have now taken effect, from May 31st. They are the first that the UK has negotiated from scratch since leaving the EU.
The deals are expected to increase trade between the UK and both countries. They scrap tariffs on UK exports, including machinery, and make it easier for professional workers to move to and from the UK. The agreements also pledge to facilitate trade for SMEs.
New Zealand has a coherent, consistently-funded, national programme to support SME manufacturers to adopt best processes and technology. It is called Callaghan Innovation. UK should implement something similar, EAMA has said.
Gov.uk links, Australia: GOV.UK and the GREAT website.
Gov.uk links, New Zealand: GOV.UK and the GREAT website.
Callaghan Innovation: Manufacturing & Industry 4.0 | Callaghan Innovation