How to get your supply chain on the front foot amid Brexit

© Ian Allenden

Interesting feature from trade publication Just Style on the challenges facing UK apparel producers as Brexit uncertainties continue. Some 75% of UK finished clothing products are exported to the EU, while 25% of its footwear imports come from the continent. While these ratios would clearly be affected by the potential cost increase implied by Brexit, it is also the uncertainty over possible new border arrangements which could have a calamitous effect, particularly on fast fashion operations. “Many companies are starting to plan for delays at the border. Some are looking at delays of potentially a week. In a fast fashion environment, particularly if you are fulfilling across Europe from a centralised hub, these delays can have a massive impact on your working capital.”