Word from the BFBi Getting Brexit sorted ... when?

Why is it that January of every year takes so long to get through and then the year speeds up like a bullet train. 2023 is no exception to this and I think we are all now running at full steam to keep up.

BFBi is certainly finding that peoples’ diaries are filling up fast, if not already full and, with the staffing issues we are all encountering, it is difficult to take time out of the working schedule to fit in some time to gain knowledge, make new contacts, just – basically – catch our breath But, please do remember that time taken to learn and connect really pays dividends

I have just come back from CBC and been speaking with colleagues from around the world The UK is not alone with the current challenges of staffing, energy costs, post covid catch up BUT, the one issue the UK is enduring, which no other country is subject to, is B****Y BREXIT No matter your views on the issue, the one thing that should be in place by now is Government support in terms of legislation, customs procedures and export

routes for UK companies

By now there should be a level playing field where UK companies may trade with their European counterparts, without restriction and significant extra cost HOWEVER, we are far, far, far away from this scenario A good example being thus - having been lobbying HMRC and DBT recently about the issue of exporting beer samples and then receiving the answer below from Lord Johnson of Lainston CBE, Minister for Investment Department for Business and Trade:

“As you will be aware, at the moment there is no specific agreement regulating export of samples between the UK and EU, therefore beer samples are subject to the same regulations as commercial products entering the EU market ”

There appears to be no hurry in sorting this issue out I have been offered a meeting to discuss further but am not holding my breath In the vain hope that such a meeting will take place and Lord Johnson will have his listening head on, please send me your issues/questions on exporting your products into Europe to ruth evans@bfbi org uk so that I can raise with him

Ruth Evans MBE, BFBi C.E.O.

Why not take a fresh look at the BFBi website?

It has been recently updated and the Members’ area is about to be totally changed, with a lot more features for members to be able to use free-of-charge.

www.bfbi.org.uk

Established in 1907, BFBi’s membership represents the entire value chain supplying the brewing and beverage industry – from seed geneticists through raw materials, brewhouse and process equipment to dispense, point-of-sale and brewers/distillers. The Association’s objective is to be the foremost trade association providing opportunities for its Members to develop within the brewing, food & beverage industry

As well as offering many benefits and services to suppliers of raw materials, process and packaging machinery, dispense and point of sale products, BFBi is a Trade Challenge Partner for various overseas exhibitions and owner and organiser of the oldest international brewing and cider Awards in the world.

SEE PAGE 66 FOR MORE INFO ON HOW TO JOIN BFBi