Brexit and your business - Tile Advice

[Lou]

We don't want to discuss what you voted for and who likes who the best - but for discussing how your think your business could be affected by Brexit then use this thread.

So

How do you think your business will be affected by Brexit? Would it be better to leave or stay? Has your business already been affected?

 

[Tile Fix Direct]

As a distributor we have found all our imported products (mostly tiles) have increased in cost by 20% due to the devaluation of the pound over the last 3 years. It is hard to pass this type of cost on so our margins are under pressure. At some point tiling ancillaries such as de-coupling membranes, tools etc. will also go up in price by the same amount. UK made products will also go up as a proportion of the materials are imported (adhesive polymers, some aggregates etc.). We are uncertain how a hard Brexit will affect our ability to get materials through customs so supply delays could occur. There could also be import tariffs after Brexit. Tiles for instance could have a 5% tariff added which would be added to prices.
Uncertainty is also having a negative effect on demand as consumers and specifiers hold back on investment.
Hopefully business will improve after Brexit, although I think this could take a few years.
I hope I am wrong.

 

[Bathfix Bob]

I just keep my head down, work hard and fork out, I've just got my van tax this morning and I'm sure its gone up another tenner. Easy come easy go...

 

[LM]

A hard border over here will seriously damaged order books and turn over on top of the already stated materials price increase.
Fingers crossed.

 

[Tile Marble Granite]

Everything gone up. Brexit!