My Business Can't Survive This Mess - BREXIT

[Paul FilmMaker]

Importing from Britain should be no more complex than importing from the rest of the world. There is no particular reason why handling fees should be any more expensive than importing from China, or the US, or Australia, or anywhere else.

There are lot of reasons why fees are different.

So back in the day, fees were different in France if products were imported from different countries. Even identical products imported from the same country had different fees. E.g. Back when I was working on it, goods imported from the UK associated with Eurotunnel were automatically waved through and were treated differently to anything else from the UK. It's just one example but the rules were a labyrinthine mess of weird agreements. And that was not taking into account cultural and legal differences which meant more delays and fees.

So when the draft negotiating agreement came out, I took a brief glance at the inspection rules which are simply a disaster for British exporters.

E.g. Inspections. It's in black and white. British exporters to EU countries are heavily penalised and at a severe disadvantage compared to other countries.

So the rules are different. Fees are different. It's just a lot more complicated and difficult.

 

[gpietersz]

So when the draft negotiating agreement came out, I took a brief glance at the inspection rules which are simply a disaster for British exporters

Can you give some examples? Does it work both ways?

 

[Confused!!]

Quick update - I was surprised by the lack of empathy, of some, to my original post.
I think that reflects their standing on BREXIT in general not a community support this forum should be. I'm content to say I left the UK, set up in the EU & haven't looked back! I wish the best to all who are having to navigate the consequences of BREXIT but especially to those who never wanted it in the first place. We shot ourselves in the foot in my opinion & we're wondering why it hurts! I think history will be the best judge of BREXIT, sadly those hurting will be consigned to it. Surly none can still be singing the virtues of the outcome the UK achieved!

 

[Paul FilmMaker]

Quick update - I was surprised by the lack of empathy, of some, to my original post.
I think that reflects their standing on BREXIT in general not a community support this forum should be. I'm content to say I left the UK, set up in the EU & haven't looked back! I wish the best to all who are having to navigate the consequences of BREXIT but especially to those who never wanted it in the first place. We shot ourselves in the foot in my opinion & we're wondering why it hurts! I think history will be the best judge of BREXIT, sadly those hurting will be consigned to it. Surly none can still be singing the virtues of the outcome the UK achieved!

You're 100% right. Brexit cost me and my customers a load of money.

It hurt my business and the businesses of a number of my friends.

I have great customers so I'm lucky but a number of competitors were less lucky. Plus part of the time I live on the coast so the fishing industry in that area has been decimated by Brexit. But hey, I guess people have to live and learn.

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

Quick update - I was surprised by the lack of empathy, of some, to my original post.
I think that reflects their standing on BREXIT in general not a community support this forum should be. I'm content to say I left the UK, set up in the EU & haven't looked back! I wish the best to all who are having to navigate the consequences of BREXIT but especially to those who never wanted it in the first place. We shot ourselves in the foot in my opinion & we're wondering why it hurts! I think history will be the best judge of BREXIT, sadly those hurting will be consigned to it. Surly none can still be singing the virtues of the outcome the UK achieved!

Thank you for returning with your update I myself am very pleased that you have worked around our leaving the EU It is your type of small business that are actually the real legends of this forum
You have shown the resilience and a win at all cost attitude of the small business person by relocating to the EU. Nothing gets in the way of a good business person and you deserve nothing but success

Some of us while quick to jump in with comments are here to help It might often appear that the forum can have a lack of empathy but due to the limited time a busy person has most of us will only ever stick to the facts

This thread is 2 years old and this forum has changed a lot recently since the new old owner returned and I hope you will remain a member as you have a lot of stuff that would be a help to others

 

[Mark T Jones]

Quick update - I was surprised by the lack of empathy, of some, to my original post.
I think that reflects their standing on BREXIT in general not a community support this forum should be. I'm content to say I left the UK, set up in the EU & haven't looked back! I wish the best to all who are having to navigate the consequences of BREXIT but especially to those who never wanted it in the first place. We shot ourselves in the foot in my opinion & we're wondering why it hurts! I think history will be the best judge of BREXIT, sadly those hurting will be consigned to it. Surly none can still be singing the virtues of the outcome the UK achieved!

I think the original 'anti' in your thread related more to the idea of moaning about something that was voted for and can't / won't be changed.

You have thought on your feet and found a solution to the problems that affected you, for which I'm full of praise - perhaps you can add even more value on here by advising those in a similar situation


Well done!

 

[IanSuth]

Are you exporting anything back from the EU to the UK currently and if so, how is that out of interest ?

 

[DontAsk]

Well, Brexit was OK for me. Only a small business but mostly ship out of the UK. I registered for VAT, adjusted my prices a bit and can now offer much better export pricing, whilst maintaining or improving margins. OK, EU customers have to pay their local VAT and fees, but I have had zero complaints, and the benefit for ROW customers (mainly US) was worth it. EU sales have held up well, considering the turmoil from Covid and postal strikes.

 

[MBE2017]

Nice to hear of someone who has had a positive experience.