UK firms urged to get ready for "new start" regardless of EU-UK trade talks outcome

LONDON, Oct. 11 (Xinhua) -- British Business Secretary Alok Sharma on Sunday urged firms to prepare for the end of Brexit transition period due on Dec. 31, 2020, regardless of the outcome of the country's negotiations with the European Union (EU).

"With just 81 days until the end of the transition period, businesses must act now to ensure they are ready for the UK's new start come January," said the secretary, asserting that "there will be no extension to the transition period, so there is no time to waste."