The representative body of the UK coating industry, the British Coating Federation (BCF) responded with cautious optimism to the last minute Free Trade Agreement agreed between the UK and EU at the turn of the year.

Operating in the knowledge that there will not be costly tariffs added to incoming raw materials and outgoing product is a major headache removed as the industry continues to adjust to the challenges of leaving the EU and the limitations on business caused by the global Coronavirus pandemic.

Pronto echo the comments made by BCF CEO Tom Bowtell who said “We welcome the fact a Free Trade Agreement has been concluded. Businesses are going to be hit significantly by Brexit and at least this FTA means some additional costs, such as tariffs, are now going to be avoided.”

But we’re also very aware as a UK operator with customers and partners in all home nations, and critically over the border in Northern Ireland, that the administration burden could add thousands to bottom line costs.

And, as an industry, we’re still having to work in line with EU REACH guidelines whilst also adopting to meet the new UK version of the legislation.

It’s a testing time, but we’ve come through tough times and will do so again.

To read the full response, head over to the article on Coatings World.