'Brexit lottery has left us with export orders standing undelivered at our Doncaster factory and could cripple us'

Peter Kersh, managing director of World Feeds, based in Thorne, says freight companies are unwilling to take cargoes to Europe and fears the firm will be crippled by lost trade.

His firm manufactures fish foods, and exports all over the world.

They are currently having problems with exporting to Europe since Brexit. They say they cannot find transport companies that will take their products because of the problems getting through the ports.

On top of that, they are finding that they are in a Catch 22 anyway. Forms to be filled in say they have to state what route their products will be taking – what countries they will go through. But the transport firms do not say what the route is until they're booked. Each batch has to be certified safe by a vet because it is food.

He says firms are concerned they may end up queueing for days.

They feel the Government doesn't care and that the Brexit deal is failing them

He said 30 per cent of World Feeds’ business was with the EU. He said: “Since January 1 exporting has now become a lottery and the government does just not seem to care.

“We currently have product waiting to ship to Germany and cannot find a freight company willing to take it. We are very experienced exporters and risk losing 30 per cent of our business which will cripple us.”

The firm expanded its factory early in last year’s lockdown, and arranged a deal to supply Norwegian salmon farms. It has managed to get a consignment out through Immingham and he said they were waiting to see what happens.

Don Valley MP Nick Fletcher said: “World Feeds contacted my office about this issue and I have raised it with the relevant department in Westminster. I am keen to support this constituency business so I have offered to meet with World Feeds and will continue making enquiries on their behalf.”

The Free Press approached the Cabinet Office for comment but has received no reply.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.