Responding to a survey by the advisory body EURIS and independent experts at The UK Trade Policy Observatory (UKTPO), 83 per cent of industrial product manufacturers support continued regulatory alignment in order to remain competitive in a global market with respondents overwhelmingly stating that they see no benefit in moving away from the EU regulatory system for industrial and manufactured products. 

UK companies told the survey that their supply chains have already been disrupted by post-referendum currency changes and that EU27 companies have started to select non-UK suppliers amidst the ongoing uncertainty of post-Brexit arrangements.

Industrial manufacturing representatives are calling for a Withdrawal Agreement to be reached with the European Commission at the earliest opportunity to give clarity to industry; they warn that a no-deal Brexit will cause severe damage and must be avoided.

The survey results are published today in Securing a competitive UK manufacturing industry post Brexit, a report on the impact of a no-deal Brexit on the industrial product supply sector by the University of Sussex-based UKTPO and EURIS, which represents companies with a collective turnover of £148 billion and with 1.1 million employees.

EURIS notes that the negotiations on the future relationship between the UK and the EU27 are the most important for its members since the formation of the single market in 1993. The advisory body warns a ‘no deal’ outcome would have lasting impacts on the industrial product supply sector, and its ability to contribute to the UK economy. This report provides specific information and guidance on the significant dangers of the ‘no deal’, and the opportunities that a ‘business friendly’ deal will bring.

Key findings in the report include:

EU Regulation enables industry to remain competitive in a global market. 83 per cent of survey respondents support continued regulatory alignment with the EU. Product regulation has a critical role in ensuring that a high standard of safe and compliant goods are placed on the EU market. There is no benefit in moving away from the EU regulatory system for industrial and manufactured products.

Imports account for over half of total costs for 44 per cent of companies. Any increase in barriers to trade will have significant impact on the UK’s global competitiveness. Our competitive advantage in non-EU markets depends on the UK having barrier free-trade for intermediary products and components with the EU. Notably, 52 per cent of EURIS survey respondents stated that over half their sales were intermediate inputs for other companies.

The longer the uncertainty over the Brexit process continues, the more long-lasting damage will be incurred by our businesses. EU 27-member states have been warned to ‘prepare for the worst’ and review their supply chains. For most companies changing suppliers is a significant decision, and one very rarely reversed and some EU27 companies have already started to select non-UK suppliers. One third of EURIS survey respondents are already thinking about or have already changed suppliers due to Brexit - sales have already been lost

It is not a choice of exporting to Europe or the rest of the world. If we become less competitive in the EU, we will be less competitive in other international markets. The UK government’s target to develop stronger trading relationships with other non-EU countries is a positive move, but this can only be achieved if we maintain a strong alignment with EU regulations and supply chains.

Other key conclusions from the survey include:

• Four in 10 companies say they will face a skills shortage without EU workers.
• 15 per cent of firms believe even a two hour delay at customs would impose additional costs on their business
• Just four per cent of respondents had no concerns about any element of Brexit impacting their business.
• Approximately one third of respondents have already seen a fall in investment due to Brexit with only two per cent reporting an increase.

Dr Howard Porter, EURIS chair said: “Our industry needs clarity and a Withdrawal Agreement confirmed with the European Commission in the Autumn. As this report and our member survey clearly show, further delays and the risk of no-deal will result in significant long-term damage to the UK manufacturing sector and will put at risk the industrial product supply sector’s £148 billion contribution to the UK economy.”

Professor L Alan Winters, director of the UK Trade Policy Observatory said: “The challenges of a ‘no deal’ Brexit have been much discussed, including by the UKTPO, but this survey brings them to life. This critical sector is already starting to hurt and if its needs for frictionless trade with the European Union are ignored, a quarter of UK goods trade will be vulnerable to cuts. The threat to jobs is alarming.”

Mike Hughes, zone president, Schneider Electric UK & Ireland said: “EURIS’ report Securing a competitive UK manufacturing industry post Brexit highlights that the UK will always be closely tied to the EU as our primary trading partner. Our potential to develop trade links with non-EU countries is dependent on accepting this. As an industry, we believe it is essential that the UK maintains strong regulatory alignment for our sector with the EU, and continued membership and involvement in the creation of EU and International standards for the industry.”