Windsor Framework problems ‘not being tackled properly’
It has been revealed that one third of businesses have stopped trading across the Irish Sea because of problems or perceived problems caused by the Windsor Framework.
In a special piece of work commissioned by the Federation of Small Businesses NI, businesses both here and in GB have said the Windsor Framework is “impossible to navigate”.
Over the course of the summer, retailers experienced a variety of issues with paperwork required by the Windsor Framework, with many having their supplies stopped at the ports, pallets returned or supplies halted completely meaning they were unable to provide items to their customers.
The Windsor Framework Realities report is the first of its kind examining how the Windsor Framework is working on both sides of the Irish Sea. Almost 800 UK-wide businesses responded to the survey from across a variety of sectors including retail and wholesale, manufacturing and logistics, with over half of respondents (58%) who trade GB and NI stating they have experienced moderate or significant difficulties operating across the UK Internal Market.
Of those who move goods or provide services between NI and GB, 34% have halted trade with the other region entirely rather than contend with the Windsor Framework’s demanding requirements.
This pattern is most pronounced for GB firms cutting off NI customers (32% halted from GB to NI and 2% from NI to GB), a trend that could accelerate if compliance costs remain high.
Ongoing regulatory changes have undermined business planning, with the survey showing that of those affected by the Windsor Framework, 56% are “not confident” or only “slightly confident” in shaping their business strategy for the next 12 months, while only a minority (4%) felt completely confident.
As Head of FSB NI, Roger Pollen told NR, there are at least three cost layers to this.
“When a specific shipment goes wrong and has to be returned and brought back again, there is the cost in that. There could be the loss of the product and there is also the opportunity loss – if you do not have the product you are wanting to sell, there is that loss,” said Roger.
READ THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH ROGER POLLEN IN THE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER ISSUE OF NEIGHBOURHOOD RETAILER, COMING SOON
