This event is open to AMHSA & BMHF Members

On the 23 June 2016 the U.K.'s eligible electorate voted in favour for the U.K. Government to initiate Article 50 -The United Kingdom European Union membership Referendum, commonly known as The Brexit Referendum, and leave the European Union. Article 50 was triggered on the 29th March 2017 with the expectation of the U.K. to leave the European Union in March 2019.

The U.K. subsequently left the E.U. on 31st December 2019 (after short extension) and a transition period of one year was agreed meaning that the U.K. and E.U. would continue to negotiate a settlement with or without a trading agreement (a "Deal"). The transition period will conclude on 31st December 2020 and currently there has been no deal agreed and ratified.

After suffering various economic hardships as a result of our intended departure, including,

• a sharp devaluation against many foreign currencies, not least the U.S. Dollar and the Euro,
• a reduced migrant European workforce and European Nationals returning home or emigrating to other European Union Countries,
• a potential change in US foreign opinion towards the UK and policy, generally, as a result of the change in US presidency,
• and, given the added impact of the Covid19 Coronavirus Pandemic

it is concerning for the nation and the biggest problem the UK Government has had to deal with in a lifetime, particularly as to who we shall be able to form lucrative and fair trade deals with.

It is, however, rewarding to know that Automated Material Handling appears to be on an accelerated growth trajectory, so not all is lost, at least in this sector. As the U.K. continues to develop supply chains here and across Europe, understanding how we will trade moving forward as the U.K. (G.B.), N.I., E.U. and the rest of the world, is massively important.

Professor Alan Braithwaite and his colleague Jolyon Dury will present their understanding of the current status and offer projections and "what if" scenarios of what may happen in the lead up to the conclusion of the negotiations.

The event will be broken into to two 40 minute sessions with a break in the middle. Our guest speakers will present and allow, approximately, 10 minutes for questions and answers. Main topics include

• Reflections on the Brexit process, its politics and implications for business strategy
• Brexit [and Covid] impacts on materials handling demand
• Post Brexit trading models and supply chain re-design
• Ensuring operational resilience and integrity in the new ‘Brexited’ environment

Be sure to attend this session and gain some inside track knowledge that will give indications as to how this may all play out.

We look forward to welcoming you to this final BREXIT Round Table meeting. Please register using the instructions. A webex invite will be sent to you prior to the meeting commencing.