US retail expert to visit Yorkshire firms looking to US for export growth

A US-based retail logistics expert is set to visit Yorkshire businesses in September, as part of the first US trade mission to the UK since the Brexit vote.

Jeffrey Wyant, founder of retail warehousing and logistics specialist Coast to Coast Fulfillment Inc., is visiting UK clients and presenting to e-commerce and retail exporters along with 15 other delegates of the trade mission from the state of Rhode Island.

The delegates will be contacting UK manufacturers and firms that are looking to the States as an export opportunity post Brexit.

Mr Wyant said: “We already trade with a number of UK firms, providing warehousing, customer service, and distribution to the major US retailers, wholesalers and also direct to consumers.

“The dynamics of the markets post the June vote to leave the EU have led to increased interest from the Yorkshire region in exporting to the US.”

Many of the British firms contacting the US logistics business since June are in electronics retailing, food supplements and vitamins, clothing, footwear, cosmetics, jewellery, toys and games.

The business often advises customers on other aspects of their business set up, providing advice and contacts with banks, accountants and import export specialists, reducing the perceived barriers and practical challenges involved with exporting.

Mr Wyant added: “There isn’t one single sector that has seen increased demand, we are receiving enquires from firms that already export to the USA but are seeing increased sales as their prices have fallen, and who want to save on the costs of shipping in the US now that volumes are rising.

“We have also seen strong demand from first time exporters who have seen a problem looming with their EU order book, and also from start ups that would have likely come to the US regardless of the recent impact of the markets.

“The Brexit vote was a surprise for many of us outside the UK, as well as here as I gather from our conversations with British business people, but it seems that a great many businesses are already dealing with the uncertainty, and making new plans that involve the US.”

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