Actions we are proposing are listed below and will take the form of many differing ways of customer contact.
Where we have larger orders which are continuing over the predictive term of 2019/2020 we will actively:-
Encourage customers to place orders larger than their expected true usage for us to be able to forward build a buffer for them, they will be asked to review their stock levels to enable us to support their build programs.
Where it is possible we will also increase our buffer stock of parts sourced both inside and outside of the current EU boundaries.
Work with our suppliers to encourage them to maintain supply levels without increasing costs to us or our customers.
We may in certain cases ramp up production requirements from them in order to ensure coverage.
For project work, we will try to gain forward planning details of components that could potentially become difficult to source. We may look to purchase these type of items early to ensure continuation.
Where it has been highlighted as a priority we will understand our potential lead times and current lead times for products.
We will ensure customers with significant orders are informed of lead times and any fluctuations that may occur.
We will speak to our customer base detailing our current approach to Brexit and to detail our current lead times, estimated customs delays if it should affect their orders or service. In return we will ask them to consider their forecasted needs and stocking any specific high risk items for them and their customers.
We are in discussions with our Freight Forwarders to mitigate the risk of customs delays, including reviewing alternative routes into the UK. We will review preparations for increase in customs administration and potential Authorised Economic Operator certification requirements of the suppliers.
We will review actions within the political landscape to understand areas of concern and to alter our plans if deemed potentially necessary.
We will review news channels and monitor discussion points as we find them available and have asked all employees to feed data to our management team should they feel it is relevant, we understand that flexibility will be needed as the implications will also be in a state of flux.
We will undertake a detailed analysis of the financial impact of a “NO DEAL” Brexit. Typically these reviews will include increased duty and associated tariffs, proposed cost of freight and customs administration, foreign exchange fluctuations and are looking at ways to mitigate this to ensure minimal impact on our customers.
We are also considering issues for employees during and after a “NO DEAL” Brexit.We will encourage any of our trading partners or related customers companies to also undertake their own review and make contact with us if they have any concerns that they feel we could assist with.
Finally we understand that even if there is a “DEAL” we will have areas of business that will alter and are confident that we have the supply structure and employees with suitable knowledge to support our ongoing trading with both suppliers and customers alike.