Local craft businesses in Lincolnshire are likely to be affected by Brexit.
The UK left the European Union on January 31, and a trading deal is still being agreed.
Sunbeam Fairs and Events are a family-run business that hold craft fairs every month in Lincoln for local businesses across the county.
John Silver-Wood, owner of First Light Candles, said the fate of his business is on the line.
“Everything we buy for our company is sourced from UK companies but comes from abroad.
“But we have now had letters from all our suppliers saying that after December 31, there could be an issue with supply and cost.
“It could be potentially fatal to our business.”
Pete Sergeant, the owner of Pete’s Treasure Trove, who is a fabric retail outlet, said:
“I have a Dutch company who supplies me with fabric alongside an American line, which come in through Europe and then through the Dutch Company.
“Depending on how the trade agreement is set up will depend on whether I will be ab
le to continue trading with them in the same way we are now.”
Self-employed craft maker, Julie Laurie said:
“Unless they agree a trading deal soon and then we can all carry on as normal without worrying.”
In a written statement published on gov.uk by the Prime Minister on February 3, he set out his plan in regard to a trade agreement for the rest of the year.
“There should be no tariffs, fees, charges or quantitative restrictions between the UK and the EU. There should be a protocol setting out appropriate and modern rules of origin, in order to facilitate trade between the parties to the greatest extent possible.
“The agreement should enable the UK to protect its industry from harm caused by unexpected surges in imports of goods or by unfair trading practices.”
