THE annual BETA trade fair, held in Birmingham, always presents Irish traders with an excellent opportunity to meet clients and to showcase new and existing products.
Indeed Irish exhibitors were in an upbeat mood as they struck deals with existing and new customers. As expected, however, Brexit was a big topic of conversation and in general, no-one could see a clear picture as to how it would affect trade between Ireland and Britain.
The Irish Field attended BETA and gathered the views of some of the exhibitors at this year’s event.
The main sponsor of BETA, Sarfraz Mian, chief executive officer of Neue Schule Bits said: “Brexit poses a huge challenge for English trade and in fact so does the political change that is occurring across Europe and America. It is an uncertain time but we must keep calm heads. What we are doing as a company is dealing with the uncertainty by supporting our customers more and trying to minimise the pain by trying to ensure the best margins for our customers short-term and long-term.”
Tom MacGuinness, founder of Horseware Ireland said: “Yes Brexit is going to affect trade, it has to. In the case of Horseware, we have a wide customer base around the world so we in effect have spread our risk and we did the same with sterling.
“We have hedged against it. No one knows what is going to happen in terms of a soft or hard Brexit. To be honest, I think Theresa May (British prime minister) is also winging it.”
David Darragh of Darragh Equestrian said: “Of course we have discussed further strategy with our key UK brands should there be a hard Brexit and what the implications of that would be. The fact is however is, that we don’t know what the implications are going to be.”
Shane Broughal of PackHorse Ireland: “I represent many brands both in the Ireland, the UK and Europe, and yes, I would say that these are uncertain times due to the possible tax implications. I don’t think that we will see a return of the borders however. We have to see what will happen and hope for a soft landing.”
Commenting on Irish retailers in general, Irish agent Sarah English said: “It was great to see so many Irish visit us at BETA and committed to the future sales, despite of any uncertainty in the markets. In general, the shops did not seem over concerned about Brexit and its implications. They are just getting on with business.”
Apart from possible extra taxes and borders, there are also implications for those companies manufacturing. In addition, there is the question of the existing standards and regulations and if they will remain in place post-Brexit. Although there seems to be consensus that it seems the most likely outcome will be that the UK will have to continue to recognise CE marks, this is something that no doubt companies such as TRM and Horse First will be keeping a close eye on.
Raoul Masterson of TRM said: “Brexit could go anyway, hopefully it will be a soft Brexit. In terms of manufacturing, the system of regulations works and I don’t think any country will be keen to have to start filling out new forms and conforming to new standards. I think Brexit is not going to be a quick process and may take up to 10 years to be completed. For now, TRM is keeping its head down and supporting customers as best we can.”
Paddy Hughes of Horse First said: “Brexit will most likely make exports more expensive and will doubt have knock on effects. For me, Brexit is the wrong move. If you are in a club and you are not happy, you don’t leave. You stay there, as you have more influence being part of it rather than being on the outside.”
BREXIT IN NUMBERS
THIS WEEK