Clothier: Trade with EU must continue after Brexit
In this exclusive video interview – filmed at Food Manufacture’s Business Leaders’ Forum in London on January 23 – Clothier urged manufacturers to forge strong trade links before the UK’s exit from the EU next year.
“Brexit shouldn’t just be about building new markets with the US or Asia; it should be about building the links with Europe as well and making them even stronger,” he said.
‘A successful Brexit’
“A successful Brexit is going to be what trade we gain over and above what we’ve risked with Brexit. To do that we will have to embrace new markets, but also keep our cousins in Europe closer than we ever have.”
Clothier also called for the government to adopt a more positive mind-set surrounding Brexit, focused more on building bridges with potential trade partners.
The weakened pound had fuelled British exports following the Brexit vote in 2016, added Clothier.
‘Global interest in UK products’
“We’re seeing more global interest in UK products,” noted Clothier. “The UK retail market is still a very tough place to do business, but exports give a good pressure valve to an independent business like Wyke.”
Food Manufacture’s Business Leaders’ Forum was held at the London office of host sponsor, law firm DWF on January 23, and was also sponsored by food surplus redistribution firm Company Shop.
Clive Black at the Business Leader’s Forum
‘Shrinkflation’ must be a last resort for brands, which should not ignore how savvy shoppers are about such tactics, Clive Black, head of research at Shore Capital warned in an exclusive interview, filmed at the Business Leaders’ Forum.
