Brexit benefits: business and finance

Business and finance: the benefits

1. 31

   A UK subsidy system

   Replaces EU state aid rules with faster, simpler UK rules on public support to business.

   Only possible outside the EUIn force Jan 2023Source: Subsidy Control Act 2022

2. 32

   Simpler public procurement

   New rules make it easier for small firms to win public contracts.

   Only possible outside the EU24 Feb 2025Source: Procurement Act 2023

3. 33

   UK control over financial regulation

   Retained EU financial law can be replaced by rules written for the UK market.

   Only possible outside the EU29 Jun 2023Source: Financial Services and Markets Act 2023

4. 34

   Insurance reforms to free up investment

   Solvency UK replaces EU Solvency II rules, freeing insurers to invest more in UK infrastructure. Insurers have pledged £100bn over ten years and invested £10.9bn in 2024.

   Only possible outside the EUFrom 2023Source: HM Treasury; Prudential Regulation Authority; Association of British Insurers

5. 35

   The EU bankers' bonus cap scrapped

   UK regulators removed the EU cap on bonuses.

   Only possible outside the EU31 Oct 2023Source: Prudential Regulation Authority; FCA

6. 36

   Less paperwork on working hours

   Employers no longer need detailed daily records of every worker's hours.

   Only possible outside the EU1 Jan 2024Source: Working Time Regulations amendments (2023)

7. 37

   Simpler wine rules

   Reforms include ending mandatory foil caps and mushroom stoppers on sparkling wine and allowing new products such as piquette.

   Only possible outside the EU2024–25Source: DEFRA wine reforms

More topics: Sovereignty and law · Trade · Borders and immigration · Tax and cost of living · Business and finance · Health and science · Farming, fishing and nature · Tech and data · The full selection of 52

The numbers match our full selection of 52 Brexit benefits. We only list changes that are in force or signed, with a date and a primary source. "Only possible outside the EU" means EU law or EU exclusive powers would have blocked it. "Made easier by leaving" means it was possible in principle but faster or simpler outside.