Relief – but big questions need answers

THERE was a sigh of relief in the business world as the results of the General Election poured in.

Now the UK’s commercial sector can look forward to five years of predictable policies without the interruption of a second referendum, or complication of a hung parliament.

But there are still dark clouds: will Boris be able to negotiate a trade deal with Euroland within 12 months, and will he be able to find common ground with the unpredictable President Trump?

The answers to those questions will become apparent in the relatively near future, but both are absolutely vital for British trade.

Doom-mongers are busily forecasting that Boris will find stitching together new rules for the game almost impossible to achieve within stated time scales.

There will be all sorts of pressures and vested interests wishing to exert influence, but I believe that deals can and will be done, perhaps not to the extent of that currently envisaged, but maybe a softer Brexit, and some blurred edges with the USA.

One major factor that the UK has in its favour, is that the quality of British manufactured goods is held in very high esteem abroad.

Customers want to buy our products for both quality and durability. They will be willing, if the terms are right, to pay for this level of reliability, so it is up to the politicians on all sides to sort out the contentious difficulties expeditiously.

I have been surprised with the level of investment taking place in modernising our ports both for the export and import of goods.

New quays are being built and high-speed cranes purchased as more goods become containerised. It must mean that experienced brains are forecasting a substantial increase in trade. The election result will be music to their ears, and I think that they will be proved right.

Running a business can be very stressful, but I think there will be a general welcome of the present turn of events. Perhaps therefore business people will have a more peaceful stress less Yuletide. A happy Christmas to all.

Russell Luckock is chairman of Birmingham pressings firm

AE Harris