Keeping UK shows on the road to the EU
British organisers staging shows in Europe have been significantly impacted by the UK ’ s departure from the EU . With costs up 400 %, logistics providers say it is more important than ever to be well prepared . Emily Wallin reports
E xtended lead times , less flexibility and increased costs are all having an impact on British organisers running exhibitions in the EU .
The changes make holding events in EU member states more akin to running exhibitions in the rest of the world and make the relationship between organisers and their logistics providers more important .
One UK-based stand builder tells us they are seeking distribution networks in mainland Europe to avoid the issues of moving stock between the UK and EU . But logistics providers – used to handling customs documentation further afield – are up to speed on the changes despite the challenges .
GBH Exhibition Forwarding Limited , was set up almost 50 years ago to provide specialist logistics to British companies participating at overseas trade shows . They are an IELA Member in the UK , and winner of the IELA Export Agent Award 2019 .
Managing director Michael Hunter explains how they have now been thrust to the forefront of post-Brexit changes . He says : “ No matter which way you look at it , the exhibitions industry has suffered in many ways due to the UK leaving the EU single market and customs union . The effect it has had on shipping is that there are now longer lead times , higher costs , restrictions on what can be transported , and the increased manhours needed to plan each shipment .
“ The longer lead times and
“ No matter which way you look at it , the exhibitions industry has suffered in many ways due to the UK leaving the EU single market and customs union .”
Michael Hunter , managing director GBH Exhibition Forwarding Limited . ’’ increased level of preparation for the movement of exhibits has now extended to several days or weeks , depending on the destination and the commodity being shipped . This allows for the additional time required by the exhibitor and their freight forwarder to correctly complete export documentation , finding a carrier prepared to handle exhibition shipments , increased transit times and time allowed for clearance at the venue or nearest customs facility .
“ Flexibility is one of the other luxuries that we have now forfeited . The ability to add items at the last minute , leaving products with potential customers or distributors and just the freedom to make decisions on a short notice basis . Lots of little things that were once taken for granted and no longer exist .”
Rafts of paperwork are now needed for even simple deliveries .
Tim Marchant , general manager of global transport and logistics firm DSV says : “ What was a very straightforward process before , now becomes more complex .
“ If you ’ re a company in the UK , and you only ever shipped to the EU , you ’ ve never had to worry about customs clearance . Post-Brexit , that ’ s now a fundamental part of your business .
“ You have to treat going to Germany or Italy the same as you would if you were going to the UAE , the Far East or America .”
Marchant explains that it is now necessary for organisers to plan their logistics requirements earlier .
While it might be new for organisers running predominantly European shows , logistics providers with global experience are in prime position to help .
“ You need to start speaking to logistic companies , agents , and partners much earlier . You must start those conversations because there is no one-size-fits-all solution , [ you need to ] work through what it is that you need and the best ►
www . exhibitionworld . co . uk Issue 4 2022 25