Businesses are still feeling the economic effects of Brexit eight years after Britain’s decision to leave the European Union, with little hope for change following this week’s election.
“After Brexit, I had to close my second shop to cut my losses,” said ice-cream parlour owner Diego Alfonso during the election campaign where the EU divorce was not a major topic for the main parties.
Alfonso, who opened “Bertotti” with his wife Suzana in 2012, four years before Brexit, expressed the challenges faced post-Brexit.
The Labour party, led by Keir Starmer, is expected to win the vote on Thursday, but has ruled out rejoining the European single market, customs union, or reinstating free movement of EU nationals.
Alfonso highlighted the increased bureaucracy and costs associated with importing goods from the EU post-Brexit.
The cost of doing business has risen, affecting companies as economies recover from Covid lockdowns and with increased food and energy prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Prices have surged, impacting demand for products, including Bertotti gelato, which has seen a 40% increase in price since the Brexit vote.
Other consequences of Brexit include supply chain disruptions, delivery delays, labor shortages, and increased customs costs.
Bertotti, like many businesses, has faced challenges and had to adapt to new ways of operating to survive post-Brexit.
Despite the difficulties, Alfonso remains committed to his business and his passion for creating high-quality gelato.
Bertotti is not alone in facing challenges post-Brexit, with other businesses reporting decreased turnover and increased costs due to new trade regulations.
The economic impact of Brexit is estimated to be significant, with experts suggesting it could cost the UK about four percent of its GDP in the long term.
