Barnbrook Systems Ltd aim to profit from leaving the EU
ONE BUSINESS hoping to prosper from Brexit is Fareham manufacturing firm Barnbrook Systems Ltd.
The 45-strong firm is a designer, developer and manufacturer of electronic and electro-mechanical components for the aerospace, defence, marine, rail, fire and commercial industries.
Barnbrook exports to customers in the European Union and worldwide. They include Italian aviation giant Leonardo and French aerospace and defence firm Safran. Other clients include Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd for the Indian Air Force and Babcock for the MoD.
Managing director Tony Barnett, who founded Barnbrook Systems in 1978, said: ‘Brexit has become a fact of life.
‘It has been in the background for the past three or four years so we have had a chance to prepare but it has now become reality over the past three months.
‘Although we have clients in the European Union, we have not been impacted as severely as many other businesses appear to have been.
‘Business has remained steady and to some extent we have been insulated against the worst effects because of the nature of our business.
‘Our products are not perishable although they are safety critical so logistics and timely deliveries remain incredibly important.
‘Most of our own supply chain is based locally, so we are not exposed to the vagaries of import delays and customs issues which have affected some parts of the economy.
‘We also have a strong customer base in the UK, including the defence, rail and aerospace sectors, which continue to support the business.’
Tony, who is a director of the Farnborough Aerospace Consortium trade group, added: ‘More generally, the impact of Covid has muddied the waters and made it harder to gauge the direct impact of Brexit.
‘Looking ahead, Brexit is an opportunity to be positive about the UK and promote trade outside of the EU.
‘Our company already exports to customers across the world. We have strong links with India where business is growing and we will be seeking to expand even further in international trade.
‘Brexit gives an opportunity to trade on the excellent reputation of Great Britain and really take advantage of growing international markets.’
Robin Simpson, from the Manufacturing Growth Programme in the Solent region, said that there are reasons to stay positive.
He said: ‘Whilst our recent barometer survey of the manufacturing sector highlights some valid concerns about the UK’s departure from the European Union, there are a number of promising findings from those businesses based in the south east.
‘For example, almost a quarter (24 per cent) of respondents anticipate that their sales will increase due to the businesses that they supply bringing work back to the UK; referred to as ‘reshoring’. Similarly, almost a third (29 per cent) of manufacturers expect their employee numbers to increase over the next six months.’
In his role providing free guidance and financial assistance to independent manufacturers based in Portsmouth and Hampshire, Robin has seen first-hand the effects of the pandemic and the shift in the UK’s trading position with Europe.
‘The last 12 months has brought the toughest challenges that I have ever seen businesses have to face,’ he said.
‘The way in which firms, like Penta Precision and others in the manufacturing sector, have risen to these challenges has been nothing less than tremendous.’