THE government has been accused of leaving businesses “hung out to dry” with insufficient information about what will happen if Britain leaves the European Union without a deal.

Business group the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has published a list of 20 critical questions which it said remained unanswered about life after a no-deal Brexit.

These included the issues of what trade agreements will be in place with other countries, whether skilled staff will be able to move between the UK and EU, and which regulations they need to follow.

Adam Marshall, director-general of the (BCC), said: “In less than 50 days, UK firms could face the biggest change to their terms of trade in over a generation, without the information and clarity they need to navigate their forward course.

“There is a very real risk that a lack of clear, actionable information from government will leave firms, their people and their communities hung out to dry.”

Ian Girling, chief executive of Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “We share the concerns of the British Chambers of Commerce and the tone of their comments reflect the significant concerns the business community has around the lack of clarity on so many critical issues.

“With the economy showing its lowest growth levels for 10 years, it’s essential we do all we can to get the best deal as we leave the UK. We implore the politicians to act in the interests of UK businesses.

“This is now at a critical stage with only 50 days until we leave. To try and support businesses, Dorset Chamber has just announced a major Brexit conference with an expert panel in Bournemouth on March 1.”

A government statement sai:d “The best way to support our economy, protect jobs and provide certainty for businesses and individuals as we leave is to back the deal we have agreed with the EU. We are focused on securing the necessary changes to ensure the deal passes through parliament.

“In January alone, government carried out around 250 engagements with businesses and others on no deal. We have published more than 100 pages of guidance for businesses on processes and procedures on the border and contacted 145,000 businesses directly about how they can prepare.”

Dorset Chamber’s conference will be at the Hallmark Carlton Hotel, in partnership with Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership and Bournemouth University.

Speakers will include Bournemouth West MP Conor Burns, economist Professor Nigel Jump of Bournemouth University, HSBC regional director Dave Ford, Helen Stacey of Aspire Jobs, REIDsteel managing director Simon Boyd and Matthew Elliott, chief executive of Vote Leave.

The 20 questions the BCC wants answered:

1. What tariffs will my company need to pay when importing goods to the UK from the EU and rest of the world?

2. When will the UK Government launch an official market access database to provide this information?

3. If any trade agreements with third countries are operational on the day after Brexit, what rules of origin will I need to comply with?

4. Will I still be able to fly people and/or goods between the UK and the EU after Brexit day – or could travel be disrupted?

5. I know I will need to register for an EORI number. How simple will it be for me to register for any other new registration requirements or processes?

6. How will my lead times be impacted by new customs procedures?

7. Will any of the agreements be rolled over or replaced on a bilateral basis in the event of no deal? 8. 8. Will I be able to use any trade preferences with any markets?

9. Will there be confirmation that I will be able to continue importing tariff free goods from developing and least developed countries under the generalised system of preferences (GSP) programme after March 29?

10. Will there be new safety and security requirements and inspections at the UK-EU border that my company will need to deal with? Where will inspections be held?

11. What system will I be using to input customs data – will HMRC’s new Customs Declaration Service (CDS) be ready in time for 29 March 2019?

12. What procedures will my company face trading between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland?

13. Will this be different to operating at any other UK border?

14. Will staff spending longer than 90 out of 180 days in the EU be subject to further administration, costs or visas?

15. Will my business be able to move skilled staff members between the UK and the EU after March 29 and if so, under what conditions?

16. Which regulator will be overseeing my business after March 2019 29 and what rules do I need to follow?

17. Is the UK government going to charge businesses for the creation of new regulatory agencies in the UK?

18. If my company is in dispute with another in the EU, what form of resolution and means of redress will be available to my business after March 29?

19. Will my business have to pay mobile roaming charges in the EU after 29 March 2019?

20. Will my business continue to be able to hold and transfer data and personal information without any interruptions after March 29?