Make UK conferences spell out impending Brexit implications

An estimated 250 senior leaders from industry attended the events in London on Monday and Manchester today (23 October), which sought to provide clarity on the possible effects on day-to-day operations, particularly in the context of a potential no-deal Brexit.

Head of corporate affairs Hilary Douglas commented: “With just over a week until the UK is scheduled to leave the EU, it is vital for jobs and the economy that manufacturers do all that they can to prepare for every eventuality."

She said that the workshops focused on ensuring that manufacturing leaders had practical knowledge to ensure that export and imports remain as frictionless as possible. Speakers included Cusdec MD Keith Robe and Make UK director of labour market & skills policy Tim Thomas. 

With just over a week until the UK is scheduled to leave the EU, it is vital for jobs and the economy that manufacturers do all that they can to prepare

Hilary Douglas, head of corporate affairs, Make UK 

Key customs topics covered included overviews of the likely new import and export processes, and explanations of trader responsibilities, and tariff classifications and measures. The personnel requirements session covered all essential information required for employing EU citizens.  

Added Douglas: “Hearing from two of the UK’s leading experts on customs and migration, delegates were also supported to identify the key possible cost saving measures that can enable manufacturers to make the most of post-Brexit opportunities.”

 A recent poll conducted by Make UK found that, over the last two years, almost two-thirds of companies in the manufacturing sector have seen their profit margins suffer as a result of Brexit concerns. Of the respondents, half noted that EU customer and supplier attitudes towards their businesses had worsened.