Brexit uncertainty ‘great concern’ for industry

Unresolved Brexit issues were plaguing food and drink manufacturers, Wright told FoodManufacture.co.uk in an exclusive video interview at the Food Manufacture Group’s Business Leaders’ Forum.

He raised concerns over the future of the UK’s labour force post March 2019, as well as the lack of confirmation from the government on the lack of firm trade agreements with the EU.

“I’m concerned about the individual resolution about each of those issues, but even more concerned about the capacity to resolve those issues in the time available,”​ said Wright.

‘Really challenging’​

“It’s a really challenging thing for government and I have to say that I think that several of those ​[issues] will be left hanging.”​

Wright advised manufacturers to start looking at the things that they could do to help their businesses bear the brunt of Brexit next year and to press government to resolve issues as quickly as possible.

He added: “I’m reasonably optimistic about the ability to get answers on many things. What I’m very concerned about is that where we are now is that we would expect to have answers for everything and I fear we aren’t going to get them.”​

The Food Manufacture Group’s Business Leaders’ Forum​ was held at the London office of host sponsor law firm DWF, on January 23, also sponsored by food surplus redistribution firm Company Shop.