UK Cheese Producer Embraces Fresh EU Agreement Despite Its Delay: Brexit Review

A British cheese maker who lost £600,000 due to Brexit’s complicated export requirements has welcomed the deal with Brussels, but believes it took too long. Simon Spurrell, who previously complained about high export costs, stated that the new arrangement could help revive his business. However, it arrived four years later than needed. His company suffered from overnight changes to their business model and substantial revenue loss under the hard Brexit deal. The original Swiss deal proposal, which would have reduced veterinary checks, was dismissed by the government, resulting in charges of £180 per veterinary certification. Brexit also affected his plans for expanding his Cheshire Cheese Company. Nonetheless, Spurrell believes the new deal will benefit small and medium businesses, reopening the largest consumer market for them. He criticizes the previous government for focusing on ‘soundbites’ and ‘sabre-rattling’ rather than supporting British businesses. Spurrell’s company ultimately merged with a larger concern, Joseph Heler, to manage Brexit’s trade barriers. This new deal could also help retain his workforce and create additional jobs.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/may/20/uk-cheesemaker-welcomes-new-eu-deal-but-says-it-comes-four-years-too-late