A Decade On: Brexit Through The Eyes Of a British Manufacturer

23 June 2016 – a key date in the UK’s history when the population voted to leave the EU. A decade on, Callum Jensen and Scott Wood of Haddonstone, the UK’s leading manufacturer of architectural and landscaping cast stonework, discuss their take on Brexit 10 years on.

Photographed above (left) Callum Jensen, Senior Commercial Manager, and right, Scott Wood, Export Supervisor (Transport)

It’s always healthy to focus on the positive, so despite the many difficulties that Brexit has brought us, our team has met them in the same way that we overcome any challenge; with patience, professionalism, and a ‘can-do’ attitude. Overall, Brexit has been troublesome for export business operations. As well as more red tape, higher costs, and lower trade volume, it’s difficult to quantify any direct business benefits for exports to the EU.

However, on a positive note, it’s Haddonstone’s strong international reputation as a leading UK manufacturer, and its commitment to craftsmanship and quality, that enables us stand out in an increasingly volatile global market. Our team has noticed a rise in the reputation and popularity of premium British-made goods, and as a company that has championed the “Made in Britain” message for over five decades, this continues to hold us in good stead.

Secondly, we are now able to open and increase non-EU trade opportunities, for example to the US, and in new markets in previously untapped countries. This has increased flexibility, growth potential, and resilience.

Another benefit has been the reduction in outdated, manual paperwork across logistics, driven by the adoption of more modern, integrated systems. In this respect, the world has become smaller, more efficient, and more collaborative. After a decade of challenges and experimentation in transport and logistics, these systems have gradually become more standardised and digitalised.

Of course, as with any change, Brexit has brought its fair share of obstacles. But, as a resilient 55-year-old company, Haddonstone’s team continues to step positively into the future, putting its clients front of mind and at the heart of everything they do, wherever in the world they may be! For further information, call 01604 770711 or visit  www.haddonstone.com