Next boss insists Britain IS ready for a No Deal Brexit and businesses are prepared after Boris turbo-charged preparations
BRITAIN is ready for a No Deal Brexit as businesses have turbo-charged their preparations under Boris Johnson, the boss of Next has insisted.
Brexiteer Lord Wolfson, chief executive of the clothing firm, said he still hopes a deal can be done before the end of October, but if it can't then there will only be "mild disruption" at the worst.
Most business deals negotiate right up to the wire and he expects the same thing will happen with Brexit too, he stressed.
He said that firms like his were far more prepared than the March 31 deadline - even if that meant leaving without a deal.
The new PM has vowed to leave the EU at the end of October no matter what, staking his whole premiership on the promise of freedom from Brussels.
In an interview with the BBC today Lord Wolfson took aim at Theresa May's Government, saying that no one wanted to admit that a No Deal could happen, and failed completely to get ready for it.
But under Boris' "confidence, energy and vigour" the country is finally gearing up for whatever outcome happens in just 79 days time.
He said this morning: "We are moving rapidly from the gridlock and chaos camp into the well prepared camp.
"And to have a Government and civil service that is now determinedly endeavouring to make sure we are well prepared is very important.
"I am much less frightened of a No Deal if the Government are well prepared."
Next has moved some of its business away from the port of Calais in case of any disruption there, he revealed.
Lord Wolfson, who previously said he was nervous about the idea of leaving the EU without a deal, said he's now changed his tune thanks to the fresh attitude of Boris' Government.
"I assumed a level of confidence, energy and vigour in government that certainly wasn't in the last administration," he added.
"I am very pleased to see that vigour has now come and we are properly preparing for all eventualities.
"I think there was almost a wilful attempt not to prepare in government - mainly out of fear."
Firms now have access to the tariff regimes they will have to start using in the event of a No Deal, and HMRC has promised transitional arrangements at the border to smooth trade too.
The Sun Says
THE professional doom-mongers snorted when the Chancellor last week said the fundamentals of the British economy were sound.
But with pay rises at an 11-year high and employment the highest since 1971, it’s hard to disagree with him.
While Westminster watchers work themselves into a frenzy over Brexit, ordinary businesses up and down the country are getting on with it, and families are feeling the benefit.
Brits took on a real burden during the lean years of necessary austerity, as the Government worked to get the country’s finances in shape after ruinous Labour over-spending.
So the people deserve a pay rise but there is still much to do. Productivity is still lower than many of our competitors.
The high street still needs support and it’s hard to argue with those who think the time has come for real reform of business rates.
But in the meantime, don’t let the Project Fear merchants get you down.
"Business is much better prepared than in the three months before March," he insisted.
Brits are "very bright" and knew what they were voting for in leaving the EU too, he added.
"We are going to have to have nerves of steel, be prepared for deal and No Deal, and make the best of whatever one of those outcome materialises," he said.
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