Jeff Broom, consultant, Europa Worldwide Logistics talks to EW about global logistics
We move stuff all over the world to new events and new markets. People are looking further afield and globalisation has increased. I have experience worldwide and there’s a lot of nuance, but the Far East and China have become big markets for us. China was a difficult market but its now more westernised. India has followed suit too. Chile has always been strict, but Brazil has opened up.
Too much has been played-up about Brexit. People will basically be doing the same thing they are currently doing post-Brexit. There will be more admin and red tape, but the issue is overblown. It won’t be the big impact the press wind it up to be.
The system to clear goods into the UK is already there. Since the Brexit vote last June, we’ve noticed British companies are looking further afield and perhaps going to shows they weren’t going to before. We need the world, Europe needs us, the world needs us.
There’s a lot of talk of tariffs as well, especially in the USA. They’ve threatened China with tariffs, but we’ve not seen the effect of that. It’s a bit of bravado.
There are also fears that globalisation can increase the risk of encountering rogue companies from unregulated or untrustworthy markets. I, however, think you get a sixth sense for trust when you’re in business. Be vigilant, and if you can’t vett them thoroughly, then leave it.
The Health and Safety checks meanwhile, have got stricter, but ultimately it makes you stop and think – is this action safe? If what you are going to do is no longer safe, stop what you’re doing. There’s no point doing it if there’s any danger.
We are the Health and Safety world leaders in the UK. and it’s a good thing. IELA is running with the baton, however, and the issues are going global.
