KBB retailers want PM to negotiate Brexit deal

Retailers need confidence in suppliers to deal with possibility of no deal

08 Feb, 19

Kitchen bedroom and bathroom retailers want Prime Minister Theresa May to negotiate the Brexit deal with the EU to help their businesses.

KBSA launches business funding

A snapshot survey of members of trade association Kbsa, preferred the outcome of Theresa May being able to negotiate the deal, rather than leave with no deal.

Members of the trade association were evenly split on whether she was likely to get her deal approved.

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However, the majority said they were confident their suppliers had contingency plans in place for a no deal exit.

Kbsa national chair Richard Hibbert commented: “With just over 50 days left, the clock is ticking on Brexit.

“The delays and uncertainties have not been good for business, making it difficult to make decisions but the possibility of a no deal exit is likely to cause damage to business across the board.

“Whilst the majority of Kbsa retailers do not have to deal with bringing their own products into the UK, they need to have confidence that their suppliers have plans in place to deal with all possible outcomes.

“We know that some major suppliers have increased their stocks to avoid any delays from goods coming into UK ports and others have looked at alternative routes in.”

Hibbert continued: “Our advice to members is to maintain a dialogue with their suppliers so that they can plan their workload based on realistic scenarios.

“Retailers will not want customers to face unforeseen delays or sudden increased costs, keeping lines of communication open and planning in advance will be key to managing the challenges ahead.”

Kbsa now provides a member benefit, which means its members can access funding for the likes of working capital, expansion plans or refinancing a loan.