Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in the UK are feeling the pinch from Brexit even a decade after the referendum that initiated Britain’s departure from the European Union. This situation affects everyday people as it leads to higher prices and fewer choices in local stores.

### Trade Barriers and Rising Costs

A recent study by the Federation of Small Businesses highlights that 63% of UK SMEs trading with the EU have faced significant trade barriers in the past year. For many business owners, these challenges mean re-evaluating their operations. A third of these businesses are now considering reducing or stopping their trade with the EU altogether. This shift could limit job opportunities and reduce competition in the market.

Rowan Crozier, head of Brandauer, a firm that manufactures tiny metal components, discusses how these trade issues have impacted his company. Before Brexit, shipments between the UK and EU could be expected within 24-48 hours. Now, delivery times have stretched to at least a week, causing delays and increasing costs. Crozier stresses that while his company’s specialization has helped mitigate some challenges, the long-term effects of Brexit are hard to ignore.

### Diverging Perspectives

Not all businesses view Brexit negatively. Simon Boyd, head of Reidsteel, supports Brexit and expresses frustration over regulations that he feels are still stringent despite the exit. Boyd is particularly concerned about carbon trading and emissions regulations, believing they add unnecessary complexity and costs to his work in building structures. While he finds some benefits in leaving the EU, he also acknowledges that the freedoms expected haven’t fully materialized.

On the other hand, Declan Gormley, from the Northern Ireland-based Brookvent, shares a different experience. His company has been able to thrive by maintaining access to both UK and EU markets. Gormley appreciates the advantages brought by remaining in the EU’s single market for goods, indicating that his business has seen growth in European sales post-Brexit. However, he still prefers to see the UK remain in the EU for overall market benefits.

### The Reality of Increased Paperwork

Richard McKenna, managing director of Provender Nurseries, encapsulates the sentiments of many businesses when he declares, “There’s been no winners over the last 10 years.” McKenna highlights how Brexit’s aftermath has complicated business operations and increased costs. The additional paperwork required for imports ultimately leads to higher prices for consumers, making it harder for people to buy products they need.

McKenna’s call for a return to frictionless trade echoes the hope of many SMEs. The desire for cooperation with European partners, instead of navigating new barriers, is echoed across various sectors. SMEs are striving for a way to streamline processes and recover from the financial hardships they’ve faced since leaving the EU.

### What this means for you

The ongoing impact of Brexit on UK SMEs illustrates how changes in policy can affect your purchase options and prices. If you ever need to review terms in employment contracts or service agreements, AI legalese decoder can help you translate it into plain English in seconds. As businesses navigate these complexities, the resulting market changes will influence the everyday consumer for years to come.

Source: https://www.malaymail.com/news/money/2026/06/20/brexit-at-10-small-businesses-count-the-cost-of-barriers-and-delays/224496