The head of one of the 海角视频's largest business organisations has warned that a no-deal Brexit could cost the West of England £13billion.
Carolyn Fairbairn, director general of the CBI, met with businesses in Bristol to hear their views on Brexit.
She says although companies are preparing, many in the region are "hugely concerned" about the disruption that is going to be caused at ports and the ability to transport goods across borders on time.
"Even if the disruption at ports is relatively short-lived, they are facing competitors in the EU who are waiting to exploit that," she said.
"Countries in the EU say they want the paperwork in order for goods to cross the channel... and the main concern [of businesses] is the disruption that will be caused on November 1.
"Exporting is a great strength of the South West. Businesses are being very can-do and are preparing but the cost [of no deal] mustn’t be underestimated."
Another concern, says Fairbairn, is the imposition of tariffs for companies exporting into Europe, which may face WTO tariffs if the 海角视频 leaves the EU without a deal.
She also pointed out that while bigger businesses have stockpiled and are taking the trouble to get the right paperwork to move goods around, smaller businesses are "far less" prepared.
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"Your supply chain is only as strong as your weakest link," she told Business Live. "It has been so confusing and it’s very difficult to be ready when you don’t know what to be ready for.
"Many smaller businesses have said they are going to wait until it happens and then deal with it but that is going to be a problem for every business that relies on their product in a supply chain."
The CBI is now urging the government to provide as much information as possible to businesses and to prioritise getting a deal.
She added: "Businesses are supportive of getting Brexit done but a no-deal brexit will mean the economy is smaller in 15 years time than it could have been. It is the friction that is introduced and the tariffs it is subjected to.
"There needs to be a real honesty about the scale of the challenge. Although we all need to be optimistic about the future, we also need realism.
"What businesses would like to see is the Government putting as much effort into getting a deal as they are into preparing for no deal."
The advice from the CBI is for businesses to find out what tariffs will be on their products and what paperwork they will need to ship their goods at ports.
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Bristol Port has openly spoken about the "opportunity" Brexit is going to bring - whether there is a deal or not. It does not believe there will be any issues with the companies using the port in Bristol.
John Chaplin, director of external affairs and special projects, said: "We do not deal with food for people and we do not deal with accompanied roll-on, roll-off traffic (like Dover).
"We have systems in place and anticipate 'business as normal'. We have capacity to accommodate more trade; though our location is not ideal to substitute for short-sea shipping diverted from south coast ports. Bristol Port has received no public funding in preparation for a no-deal Brexit.”
Fairbairn admitted some businesses have spoken of the opportunities surrounding Brexit, especially when it comes to European regulation, but believes those companies are speaking in reference to the 海角视频 getting a deal.
"Once we are out with a deal - at that point the opportunities are there to be looked for.
"We do not hear members jumping up and down with joy over a no-deal Brexit. Even the ones who are not directly affected by Brexit itself want to maintain consumer confidence and protect the economy.
"We need a deal. If it is no deal that is a very challenging environment for too many businesses."
The warning by the CBI over no-deal Brexit comes as the Government announces it is making the EORI number - the number businesses need to have before the October 31 deadline - automatic.
Last week Business West warned that 24,000 companies in the South West needed to take urgent action and register for an EORI number as the prospect of a no-deal Brexit loomed larger.
Phil Smith, managing director of Business West said: “This step is long overdue, yet welcome nonetheless. We have campaigned for many months for Government to issue EORI numbers to businesses, rather than simply wait for them to apply.
"This common-sense step will prompt more traders to prepare for change, and consider what else they need to do to be ready for an unwanted no-deal scenario.
“Businesses do not want a messy and disorderly no-deal Brexit on October 31, but given the ticking clock, it’s prudent that both Government and industry be as prepared as possible.
"The proportion of firms applying for EORI numbers in the South West was concerningly low, and automatic issuance will help ease the administrative burden facing companies in the weeks and months ahead."
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