Reuters reports that the survey of nearly 300 firms, conducted by consultants South West Manufacturing Advisory Service (SWMAS), showed that new post-Brexit trade restrictions have pushed up the cost of parts and raw materials for two thirds of small British manufacturers surveyed last month, and a majority reported some level of disruption.
“Price hikes in the supply chain have been immediate, and we are hearing tales of lead times being extended on raw materials,” said Nick Golding, managing director of SWMAS.
Some 65% of manufacturers reported higher costs, and 54% said they had greater difficulties exporting goods to the EU.
Around a fifth of manufacturers thought they might gain from customers bringing work back to Britain from the EU.