An Aberdeen coffee firm boss has said he is stockpiling European equipment- fearing a ‘no deal’ Brexit could hamper supplies.
With just over 90 days until the UK leaves the EU, Caber Coffee director Findlay Leask has voiced his fears of parliament not reaching a deal with the trade block.
The 31-year-old company provides coffee machines and beans to other businesses throughout the region.
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Mr Leask has called for clarity on the future trading relationship with the EU- saying he was having to put aside cash for the possibility of no deal.
He said: “With our high quality customer service in mind, the increasing likelihood of a no deal Brexit has forced Caber Coffee to stockpile equipment and service parts from our suppliers in Europe.
“The necessity of doing this is extremely frustrating – substantial capital that had been allocated for plans to grow, develop and diversify our business with the aim of creating further employment opportunities in Aberdeen City and Shire, has now been spent mitigating the devastating impact a hard Brexit will have on Caber Coffee.
“With a hard Brexit looming on the horizon, it feels like these plans are being unnecessarily hurried and, if we are to leave Europe to commence trading on WTO (World Trade Organisation) terms, it would be extremely pragmatic to allow business and industry more than three short months to prepare effectively.”
The Brexit debate has intensified in recent months as the possibility of parliament not reaching a deal with the EU increases.
There have been catastrophic warnings of some of the potential consequences of no deal- including hold ups in ports and a slow-down in essential supplies reaching the country.
However, some senior Conservatives among others are so against the deal hammered out by Theresa May that they feel no deal on WTO terms would be better than what is on the table.
Aberdeen Central SNP MSP Kevin Stewart said: “It is vital that Scotland maintains barrier free trade with Europe, but this divided and incompetent UK Government have produced a plan that will damage business and our economy.
“We know that independent research has indicated Aberdeen will be the hardest hit city in the UK following Brexit. So it’s high time the people who claim to represent this city listen to their constituents and back a proposal that will allow local businesses continued access to the single market.”