Maintaining the trajectory for innovation and growth

20 February, 2023

Sands adds that the chopping and changing of ministers and policy since Brexit has created a lot of confusion and wastage for industry. “A prime example is the UKCA mark where initial deadlines have been followed by staggered postponements and easements,” he says. “Whilst these are cited as being made to help trade and industry, the reality is that the strategy wasn’t clear, and insufficient consultation was made prior to the trade agreement. The result is a two-speed response, penalising the companies that responded in good time to the legislation and rewarding those who didn’t. Companies need to be agile and resilient, but a background of financial and legislative clarity and stability makes it a lot easier to invest and grow.