‘We aim to make the most of new opportunities’
One firm looking forward to new opportunities the new year will bring is John Reid & Sons Ltd (Reidsteel).
Managing Director Simon Boyd said: “We are incredibly positive about the new start, not only for our business but also for the UK economy. International trade is in the DNA of our company from its birth over a century ago to the modern day.”
His £30 million turnover structural steel company has exported to more than 140 countries to date, directly employing 130 staff and at peak times providing work for 400 subcontractors.
“I believe it is a tremendous opportunity to restore British Standards to their rightful position as a hallmark of excellence worldwide while giving a shot in the arm to British manufacturing,” continued the MD.
“We will be seeking to invest as a company and take full advantage of the benefits the new start will bring, allowing us to improve productivity, create jobs, grow our business, ultimately boosting the economy and Great Britain’s place in the world.”
Reidsteel is well versed in the intricacies of trading in the European Union and worldwide, having drawn on its own expertise while also utilising UK Government resources such as the gov.uk/transition website for detailed planning to ensure business continuity in the days, weeks and months leading up to December 31 as well as for longer term strategic considerations.
Reidsteel has long-standing plans in place to capitalise on the benefits the new start will bring, including a multi-millionpound new manufacturing facility.
Mr Boyd said: “We immediately hit the go button on our long-held plans for a new manufacturing facility once the country voted to leave the EU. It will considerably boost the company’s productivity, allow us to create more jobs, take our apprenticeship programme to the next level, provide more work for firms in our supply chain and grow our business.
“But, more than that, we see it is a vote of confidence in Great Britain. We are an ambitious company, both for ourselves and the country. This gives us the potential to achieve those ambitions.”
Reidsteel has used home products for
most of its history but consolidated that in December when it made British Steel its primary supplier.
Mr Boyd continued: “We do trade in Europe, but not as much as we would like, as the bureaucracy and protectionism that has built up over many years can make it extremely difficult.
“The gov.uk/transition site does the hard work by identifying key issues of concern for individual businesses.
“Many businesses could be forgiven for wanting to switch off but it is critical that they engage,” added Mr Boyd.
“It is not too late to get to grips with the issues involved, and the gov.uk/ transition site is the best place to start.
“With its interactive format it will only
present the relevant issues affecting a business, which means a hard-pressed director or time-poor SME boss doesn’t have to plough through reams of information.
“It serves as a checklist of issues to consider or address, but also has links to other government resources for relevant information.
“But, more than that, it can also serve as inspiration for potential business opportunities after transition or for ways to improve business efficiency or productivity.
“I would encourage all firms to view this move positively and take advantage of the support on offer from the UK Government.”
We are an ambitious company, both for ourselves and the country. This gives us the potential to achieve those ambitions.