Brexit causing supply problems for small UK manufacturers

New post-Brexit trade restrictions have pushed up the cost of parts and raw materials for two thirds of small British manufacturers surveyed last month, and a majority reported some level of disruption.

The survey of nearly 300 firms, by consultants South West Manufacturing Advisory Service (SWMAS) and the Manufacturing Growth Programme, a government and European Union-funded initiative providing support to small firms, adds to the picture of disruption from new customs checks that came into force on Jan. 1 for goods trade with the EU.

‘Price hikes in the supply chain have been immediate, and we are hearing tales of lead times being extended on raw materials,’ said Nick Golding, managing director of SWMAS.