Brexit is an opportunity for exporters
I GET somewhat mesmerised trying to understand the mass of figures churned out by Government relating to the UK’s performance in the field of exports.
It was therefore encouraging to read figures I do understand from the industry freight monitoring body, Discover Ferries. These indicated the amount of freight exported from the UK in terms of containers and tonnage increased by 3.5 per cent in 2016.This is solid progress, and with sterling at its present level, there is reason to suppose this will continue.
In fact, I believe there is an excellent chance that opportunities to export will increase.
At the moment, many mainland European firms seem reluctant to source from the UK due to Brexit. It therefore follows, that as their goods become more expensive due to exchange rates, entrepreneurial British companies will enter the market creating more jobs and providing very severe competition to continental manufacturers.
In my discussions with business people on mainland Europe, it is evident they are nervous of the line adopted so far by the European negotiators. They can see that bullying Britain could be counter-productive.
Their exports to the UK could drop and most certainly they would have to reduce their prices to compete with cheaper British products, with France being more severely handicapped due to the effects of their mandatory 35 hour week.
For British manufacturers, Brexit has so far been good news, and I believe will continue to be in the years to come as we rid ourselves of cloying European red tape and do deals with businesses in other nations worldwide. What is now needed is for Government to create the circumstances where entrepreneurs can get access to capital.
Government often promises to lean on the money-lenders, but sadly there is a glaring difference between rhetoric and action. Some banks still seem to have grave suspicions about smaller firms seeking hard cash to develop a new idea. Nevertheless, a window of opportunity exists for the courageous. Russell Luckock is chairman of Birmingham pressings firm
AE Harris