Businesses voice frustration over Brexit at chamber AGM

Agenda item three at Mid Argyll Chamber of Commerce’s annual general meeting on Friday March 8 generated plenty of discussion – but no answers – in a reflection of the national position.

The agenda item comprised a single six-letter word with no clear meaning – ‘Brexit’.

Politicians can expect to hear from the chamber over Brexit uncertainty, and frustration was evident among Mid Argyll business leaders as the never-ending saga grinds on with little sign of a clear conclusion.

Businesses dealing in exports said they expect demand to be ‘softer’ over the next year as Brexit bites. Stock management is another challenge, with reliability of supply up in the air after the UK leaves the EU.

The supply of plastics in the building trade, for example, has largely come from the EU. Chamber of commerce members expressed concern over how products such as drainage components and insulation materials will be sourced post-Brexit.

And the meeting heard small businesses are less able ‘There is nothing the chamber of commerce can do other than write to our MP and MSP highlighting our concerns.’ to buy materials ahead, so are left in a more vulnerable position than bigger concerns.

The point was also made that the pricing of jobs is difficult when the cost of materials is unknown.

In the tourism trade, lack of certainty has affected the accommodation sector, while there has been anecdotal evidence of some bookings from EU countries being cancelled.

Another potential postBrexit problem is that of labour, as the supply of EU nationals could dry up.

Just as frustrated as members around the room, chairwoman Jane MacLeod said: ‘There is nothing the chamber of commerce can do other than write to our MP and MSP highlighting our concerns.’

Businesses seeking information on doing business around Brexit should visit the www.prepareforbrexit.com website.