Robert Charles, proprietor of Robert Charles, in Taunton, Somerset gives his insights about Brexit and the closure of Neil Lerner Kitchens.
I was really sorry to read about Neil Lerner ceasing trading. Having been in this wonderful industry of ours for nearly 50 years, I would like to add to Johnny Grey’s comments on the very serious effect the Brexit debacle is having on business.
We, like many other kitchen companies, have noticed a serious drop-off in enquiries and orders over the past few months. Sadly, I don’t think that Neil Lerner’s will be the last business we lose through the apparent total incompetence of our Government.
To put things in perspective, in the past six weeks there have been two weeks when we have arrived on a Monday morning with not a single appointment in the diary for that week. I can honestly say that I cannot remember that ever happening before – except perhaps back in 1989/90.
The one thing I am certain about is that the Government, in its Westminster bubble, have absolutely no idea of the detrimental effect ‘kicking the can down the street’ is going to have on the economy of the UK. They get their overblown salaries and expenses come what may. I doubt there is an MP who has ever had to rely on his wits, sales ability, cash flow, to ensure he gets his salary at the end of each month. They do not live in the real world.
Personally, for what it’s worth, having watched and listened to the completely unproductive negotiations over the past months, I am convinced that the only solution is to revoke Article 50 and remain as we are.
I just cannot see what difference another six months is going to make to our position and that of the Government. With the almost 50:50 vote in the original referendum, there are always going to be unhappy voters.
Of course, the very worst scenario will be that we continue with these terrible trading conditions until October 31 and still don’t arrive at a satisfactory resolution. The Government may then request a further extension, and drive the UK economy further into the ground.
Let’s hope that’s not the case.
- Let us know what you think by emailing [email protected]