The impact of new import checks
On 1st January 2022 exports between Great Britain and the European Union became subject to new import checks and wider customs controls as part of a staged control of new measures resulting from Brexit . These changes focus on both import and export checks and there are also temporary arrangements for movements from Ireland. Further changes were due to be introduced in July 2022.
This session of the UK Trade and Business Commission looked at the impact that these new checks are having on businesses, the haulage industry and ports across the UK. The session drew upon evidence from a range of key stakeholders including workers in the haulage sector, academics, trade experts and small businesses being affected by these changes.
Session 1: SME Owners and Businesses (10.00am - 11.00am)
Maurice Greig, Greig & Greig Partnership
Maurice Greig is a sales agent covering the UK and Ireland for premium manufacturing brands based in Italy and Spain. He also has a leather business called Hardy & Parsons, and sells products (principally belts) in the UK as well as around the world. All the products are designed by him and have been made by hand in the UK by 2 Master Saddlers for the past 20 years using UK origin bridle leather and fittings.
Tanya Marriott, Owner of SoleLution
SoleLution is an independent family run shoe shop in Bristol owned by Tanya Marriott, which imports shoes from the EU. The shop stocks a wide range of footwear from big name brands and has two branches in Bristol. Tanya is also a member of the Society of Shoe Fitters.
Daniel Lambert, Managing Director, Daniel Lambert Wines
Daniel Lambert acts as Managing Director of Daniel Lambert Wines, based in South Wales. The business has been operating since 1992 and sells to customers both nationally and internationally. Their products are found across most parts of the UK via a network of independent wine merchants and retailers.
Session 2: Trade Associations, Bodies and Experts (11.00am - 12.00pm)
Lesley Batchelor OBE, CEO and Camp Director, Export Boot Camps, COO and Commercial Director, Open Borders Direct
Lesley Batchelor is the COO and Commercial Director of Open Borders Direct, a platform designed to help SMEs with international trade and exporting. Alongside this, Lesley acts as both CEO and Camp Director at Export Boot Camps. Previous to this, Lesley was the Director General of The Institute of Export (IOE) International Trade and has held other various roles in supporting businesses who export.
Shane Brennan, Chief Executive, Cold Chain Federation
Shane Brennan is the Chief Executive of the Cold Chain Federation, a membership organisation that runs the UK’s temperature controlled supply chains, which has a huge economic impact. Shane leads the organisation and has been there since 2018, bringing a wealth of experience from other roles that he has also previously held in the food industry.
Peter Hardwick, Trade Policy Advisor, British Meat Processors Association
Peter Hardwick is the British Meat Processors Association’s Trade Policy Advisor. The BMPA represents a huge workforce; around 75,000 people work in the industry, 69% of which are thought to be EU nationals. The red and white meat industry is thought to be worth a significant amount to the British Economy, coming in at £8.2 billion, and it is thought that between 75-90% of its trade is done with EU Countries.
Tim Reardon, Head of EU Exit, Port of Dover
Tim Reardon is the Head of EU Exit at the Port of Dover which is the busiest port in the UK. According to the Port of Dover,, the port handles around £144bn of trade in goods, and 33% of the UK’s trade with the EU.
