New research by Brabners shows 71% of automotive businesses planning to relocate in the next 3 years

• Seven in 10 UK automotive businesses planning overseas relocation in next three years.
• Survey finds 92 per cent see EU as most attractive market for relocation.
• Half (51 per cent) of UK automotive exporters expect decline in EU activity.

Almost three quarters (71 per cent) of automotive businesses expect to move part of their UK operations overseas in the next three years, according to a study by leading independent law firm Brabners.

The new research, conducted with senior leaders from across the UK’s automotive supply chain, found that nine in 10 (92 per cent) viewed the EU as the most attractive destination if they were to relocate part or even all of their UK operations.

With the date for Britain to leave the EU fast approaching, the potential impact of Brexit continues to be seen as the biggest threat to the health of the industry, with three quarters (75 per cent) of businesses highlighting it as their most significant cause for concern.

The research comes after several UK-based car manufacturers, including Honda, Nissan, Jaguar Land Rover and Ford, outlined plans to either reduce production or cut UK jobs. Meanwhile, the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show automotive production slumped by 9.1 per cent last year, hitting a five-year low, while exports were down by 7.3 per cent. 

With 51 per cent of exporters responding to Brabners’ survey anticipating a decline in their sales to the EU in the next three years, businesses are calling on the government to ensure the UK remains part of the single market.

Caroline Litchfield, partner and head of automotive at Brabners, said: “Car manufacturing has long been a key part of the UK’s economic output, but almost seven in 10 (67 per cent) are seriously concerned by what their operating costs will look like in three years’ time.

“While firms such as the PSA Group have made positive noises about wanting to keep their Vauxhall production in the UK, the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Brexit has clearly reached tipping point for some. As our study suggests, we shouldn’t be surprised to see more manufacturers make significant changes to their operating models in the near future.”

As well as uncovering UK car manufacturers’ contingency plans for life post-Brexit, the study also found that the free movement of labour between European countries remains a bone of contention for British employers.

As such, 96 per cent of automotive businesses foresee recruitment being a challenge in the next three years, with the difficulty of employing workers from overseas (57 per cent), the ability to offer career progression (56 per cent) and the availability of skills (56 per cent) being the main contributing factors.

Caroline Litchfield added: “To safeguard jobs and secure their future competitiveness, we can expect to see firms further diversifying their product ranges and investing in new technology, so there is a very real need for sustained investment in skills.”

ENDS

About the research

Results are based on a 22-question survey of 75 automotive industry professionals, spread across manufacturing (72 per cent), retail (16 per cent), design, safety and compliance, leasing, financial services and industry bodies (11 per cent). The turnover of businesses surveyed ranged from £1million to more than £1billion. Fieldwork was conducted by Coleman Parkes from 4^th February 2019 – 21^st February 2019. Results were analysed by Citypress on behalf of Brabners.