Brexit supporting boss in Sheffield says its caused zero issues - and slams unprepared owners for "whingeing"

One of Sheffield’s top bosses has insisted Brexit has caused zero issues for his companies - and taken a swipe at delay-hit firms for not preparing properly.
Graham Royle is chairman and CEO at £75m turnover GRI Group.Graham Royle is chairman and CEO at £75m turnover GRI Group.
Graham Royle is chairman and CEO at £75m turnover GRI Group.

Graham Royle, chairman and CEO at the £75m turnover GRI Group, said he spent two years getting ready and since January 1, when the EU-UK Brexit deal came into force, ‘every shipment has been on time, with no delays or added costs’.

He urged business owners to take responsibility and not to play the blame game.

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Mr Royle, who voted for Brexit, spoke out after three South Yorkshire bosses said it had been a ’total disaster’ and new checks, costs and paperwork would cost jobs and close companies.

He said: “It is only a disaster for companies that are too busy whingeing and blaming the government, instead of taking the responsibility of preparing their businesses for the changes.

“There has been a veritable forest of information published on how to implement with the changes required for dealing with the EU - the government website, accountants’ and solicitors’ forums, such as BHP and CMS in Sheffield, and industry and institutional bodies such as MakeUK.

“Sheffield headquartered GRI Group’s businesses, which have a collective turnover of £75m, have had zero issues with Brexit and we ship and/or receive lorries from Europe literally every day.

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“There were only a few likely scenarios of how Brexit could play out. We spent the last two years preparing our people, systems, documents, customers and suppliers for each scenario. From the first of January every shipment has been on time, with no delays or added costs.

“Our EU business is fully secure and we look forward to the global trade deals that will come to the unshackled UK to further grow our business in our deep sea markets.

“Business owners need to take responsibility for their own successes or failures, instead of playing the blame game.”

Mr Royle said he voted for Brexit because he believes the UK will flourish outside of the inertia, bureaucracy and political wrangling of the EU.

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Meanwhile, a Brexit Support Service has just been launched in South Yorkshire.

It is a collaboration between the three chambers, four council business support departments and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper.

We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.