As the UK marks ten years since Brexit, small businesses are still grappling with its fallout. Many, including cheesemakers and farmers, have ceased trading or sold their businesses due to overwhelming red tape and rising costs. The shift has been particularly harsh for those unable to absorb the financial burden of compliance with new regulations, leading to a significant decline in exports to the EU.
For instance, Cheshire cheesemaker Simon Spurrell highlights how the requirement for costly health certificates has crippled his ability to export, forcing him to sell to a larger company. This sentiment is echoed by others who feel abandoned by government policies that favour larger corporations over small enterprises.
The impact extends beyond financial losses; it has altered the workforce landscape as well. Farmers who relied on seasonal EU workers now face challenges in recruitment, leading to operational uncertainties. The shift to hiring from further afield has not only complicated logistics but also disrupted established working relationships.
As these businesses continue to struggle, the long-term implications for the UK economy become clearer. The loss of small businesses not only affects local communities but also stifles innovation and competition, raising concerns about the future viability of the UK’s diverse economic landscape.
Source: The Guardian
