FROM MISSING LEATHER WALLPAPER TO BROKEN FIREPLACES IN A POST-BREXIT ENVIRONMENT
While the UK’s supply chain becomes accustomed to post-Brexit trading amidst a national lockdown, our team continues to operate and provide clients with our personal and trusted property management service.
As the COVID-19 pandemic remains at the forefront of our minds, the pre-lockdown Brexit conversation has inevitably come back to light. With Parliament approving the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement after four years of negotiations, customs and regulatory checks have undergone changes and new requirements, causing significant shipping delays this year.
Much like the everyday high street shops, the luxury property market both prides itself and relies heavily on European imports, with countless products manufactured or sent back for alterations to the continent – both bespoke and ready-made. In just the first month of 2021, we’ve experienced serious delays in shipments from European suppliers.
Much of the interior design in our prime residential properties is made up of European furnishings. Moreover, whilst most maintenance issues that we come across can be easily resolved onsite, many others require the manufacturer’s attention. Lately, one of our suppliers experienced significant delays in importing a bespoke leather Parisian wallpaper. Earlier in the year, one of our clients identified a defect with their bioethanol fireplace that needed to return to Europe for repair. Following a similarly frustrating delay in its export, we managed to resolve the issue as quickly as possible!
Whilst this extensive time at home has, on the one hand, been an ideal opportunity to redecorate, we understand that it has been equally challenging due to lags in receiving the necessary items to do so. We are here to help you think outside the box and problem-solve when the usual routes might not be the quickest.
How we are navigating Brexit
We have and continue to navigate challenging situations by staying true to our business values, and above all by working exclusively with partners who reflect our exceptional client care and supply chain management.
Our list of trusted suppliers have long been preparing for Brexit and have come to understand the details of the new importation and exportation rules.
The complexities of Brexit mean some inevitable delays, and whilst everyone becomes accustomed to new processes, we’ve remained committed to ensuring that our clients’ needs are met at all times.
If you would like to get in touch, please contact rachel@somersetestates.com
Written by Rachel Milliams (Property Manager)