Yorkshire stop for first post-Brexit US trade visit

The first trade mission to the UK since the Brexit vote is going to visit Yorkshire, it has been confirmed.

A US based retail logistics expert will visit Yorkshire businesses next month as part of a delegation from the state of Rhode Island.

Jeffrey Wyant, founder of US retail warehousing and logistics specialist Coast to Coast Fulfillment, is visiting Yorkshire clients and presenting to e-commerce and retail exporters along with 15 other delegates.

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The retail distribution experts are visiting UK manufacturers and firms looking to the States as a growing export opportunity post Brexit, with a weaker pound and the prospect of EU trade barriers making the world’s largest consumer market increasingly attractive.

“The dynamics of the markets post the June vote to leave the EU have led to increased interest from the Yorkshire region in exporting to the US,” said Mr Wyant.

“There isn’t one single sector that has seen increased demand, we are receiving enquires from firms that already export to the USA but are seeing increased sales as their prices have fallen, and who want to save on the costs of shipping in the US now that volumes are rising.

“The Brexit vote was a surprise for many of us outside the UK, as well as here as I gather from our conversations with British business people, but it seems that a great many businesses are already dealing with the uncertainty, and making new plans that involve the US.”

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The delegation will visit Leeds, as well as London, Manchester and Birmingham as part of the visit. Among the British firms contacting the US logistics business since June are businesses in electronics retailing, food supplements and vitamins, clothing, footwear, cosmetics, jewellery, toys and games.

The business often advises customers on other aspects of their business set up, providing advice and contacts with banks, accountants and import export specialists, reducing the perceived barriers and practical challenges involved with exporting.

Mr Wyant said: “We have also seen strong demand from first time exporters who have seen a problem looming with their EU order book, and also from start ups that would have likely come to the US regardless of the recent impact of the markets.

“We already trade with a number of UK firms, providing warehousing, customer service, and distribution to the major US retailers, wholesalers and also direct to consumers,”