Brexit: How ready are businesses in the East?

  • Watch Rebecca Haworth's full report


While many businesses across the East are making the most of Christmas trading after lockdown, for others another date looming in the calendar is a cause for concern. 

In a matter of weeks the transition period for Britain leaving the European union will come to a close with a raft of changes taking place for business who trade internationally.

The Brexit transition period will come to a close in a few weeks. Credit: ITV News

Boris Johnson has insisted a "good" post-Brexit trade deal is "there to be done" ahead of his Brussels trip.

At PMQs, the prime minister provided a glimmer of hope that he and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen could find some consensus when they meet on the evening of Wednesday 9th December for a dinner aimed at breaking the deadlock.

However, businesses across the Anglia region are still worried that a trade deal isn't in sight.

Northampton haulage firm EM Rogers Transport has been running for 75 years and ships around 90% of its goods to Europe. 

The company moves cars across the region. They export from Harwich to destinations all round the world.

The owners of EM Rogers Transport say the uncertainty is already impacting their business. Credit: ITV News Anglia

It's a family run business and the Managing Director had just started his career when the UK joined the EU. 

A lot has changed since then - we're now coming out of Europe and there doesn't seem to be a clear trade deal in sight. 

David Rogers, EM Rogers Transport. Credit: ITV News Anglia

The father and son team are now trying to obtain permits to allow them to send trucks into Europe from January 1st.

They say planning for the unknown hasn't been easy. The worry has even caused them sleepless nights.

EMS Rogers Transport. Credit: ITV News Anglia

The Road Hauliers Association says the current level of uncertainty is very frightening for traders.


What changes can we expect from January 1st- regardless of whether we get a deal or not?

Credit: ITV News Anglia

Business is back blooming at the Triangle Nursery in Suffolk. In its 80 year history, Covid-19 is the only thing that's closed it.

Triangle Nursery, Suffolk Credit: ITV News Anglia

However, the prospect of Brexit is worrying co-owners Mary Wilson.

Mary's business mainly buys its products from the Netherlands. It relies on lorry logistics to get flowers across the Channel.

Deal or no deal there'll be an increase in paperwork at borders, but a deal could streamline it.

Mary Wilson, Co-owner of Triangle Nursery LTD. Credit: ITV News Anglia

Businesses are preparing as best they can for a future outside of Europe - but many are struggling after what's been a difficult year- and are now searching for some certainty.


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