Andrew Baxter, Managing Director at leading independent logistics firm, Europa Worldwide Group, comments on the election result:
I am delighted with the result – with Boris Johnson now having the clear majority to follow through and deliver Brexit, we believe it gives a much clearer direction.
The result has created a certainty for customers in the sense we know Britain is going to leave the EU, although the exact timing is currently unclear, but most importantly it removes the uncertainty of a second referendum.
Going forward, we’re optimistic that the Government will be able to negotiate a clear trade agreement with the EU and give sensible notice to operators in relation to both the customs arrangements that will be in place and the level of tariffs that will apply.
The question we’re facing now is timing – when will the UK actually leave the customs union and how can we ensure we are 100 per cent prepared for it? As far as we are concerned, providing we have reasonable notice of the processes and tariffs and the implementation date then we are very confident that we can deliver a smooth transition for our customers.
Europa Worldwide Group has gone from strength to strength, reaching a turnover of £180m last financial year, with further growth expected for 2020. It has been an exceptional 12 months, the best in the company’s 50-year history, showcased by the business featuring in The Sunday Times Top Track 250 for the second time.
Most recently, Europa revealed the first major milestone has been reached in the construction of its new £60 million, future proofed 715,000 sq ft state-of-the-art, logistics facility at Midlands Logistics Park in Corby, (Northants) with the scheme due for completion in June 2020.
Europa Worldwide Group is a specialist road, air & sea, warehouse and showfreight operator employing more than 900 people across its 16 sites in the UK, as well as Hong Kong and Belgium with representation in 100 countries.
