Brexit has not just impacted recruitment but has also introduced significant challenges to businesses importing Italian products . “ The main difference is that , before , the trade was free ,” Ciro says . “ Now you have to pay [ duty tax ]. Sometimes there are also delays , because there used to be a quick , or ‘ soft ’, check – now , sometimes you have to wait a week or two weeks [ to receive ] products . It ’ s more expensive and more difficult .”

For some businesses , the added costs of importing products are transferred to the customer . Back in Cotham , Daniele points out that post-Brexit product checks also risk worsening the quality of products that a customer is buying . “ Sometimes we have deliveries that sit [ at border control ] for days – but thank God there is nothing perishable .”

Source : Bruno Quinney

Responsabile Politica

In the face of post-Brexit hardship , Bristol ’ s Italian business owners have built a formidable community . They have become beacons of Italian culture and places for Bristol ’ s Italian residents to keep their roots alive .

Source : Lily Wheeler

Daniele smiles as he talks about how Panunzio ’ s has become a hub for Italian connection . “[ Italian people ] come here for birthdays or weekends , they sit , they grab an Italian coffee or gelato while they have a chat . It ’ s nice to see a bit of atmosphere as a little Italian corner on Cotham Hill .”

By Bruno Quinney ( He / Him ) // Final Year ; Italian , Portuguese and French

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