'Brexit is putting our company at risk," says Doncaster business boss

Peter Kersch, managing director of manufacturing company World Feeds Ltd, who export all around the world says his business is being hampered by new red tape brought in in the wake of the UK’s Brexit deal with the EU and fears it will hit hard.

He said: “We can't get anyone to transport our products into the EU.

"No one will touch it. Many large companies have suspended shipments to the EU, which we understand because they have so many vehicles and consignments tied up awaiting clearance due to new red tape and documentation.

“Exporting has now become a lottery. Over 30% of our business is at risk if this is not sorted out quickly. For a small company like ours it is critical. We have major planned business development in Germany and Norway this year to give us an increase close to £1m in sales.”

Dan Fell, Doncaster Chamber Chief Executive Officer said: “Our business community has been put through the mill this last year and large elements of the private sector are, quite justifiably, asking where their friends in government are at present.

“Yorkshire’s economy has taken a massive hit as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The only solution to that – for places like Doncaster – is to go for growth and to continue diversifying our economy as a way of recovering from the crisis.

“Exploring global opportunities and supporting more firms to internationalise should be a big part of that story. However, at present, our existing exporters are being absolutely hamstrung by red tape, the breakdown of distribution networks and the slowness of government to respond to the issues raised.

“If the economy is to recover fully from the pandemic, businesses – large and small – must be able to trade efficiently and competitively with the EU. It is incumbent on government to act and to work swiftly with EU partners to remove the barriers that many companies – including international traders in Doncaster – are now facing through no fault of their own.”