‘150,000 firms missing paperwork required to export’ warns Bank of England Governor

Thousands of UK Businesses Still Risk Supply Chain Disruption Due to Poor Export Readiness

Despite the UK having left the European Union years ago, recent trade data shows many British businesses still fail to meet basic export compliance requirements. Outdated paperwork, unclear customs procedures, and lack of contingency planning continue to delay shipments and affect competitiveness in European markets.

A government review in late 2024 found that tens of thousands of firms still struggle with correct documentation for EU-bound trade. This remains a key issue for UK-based suppliers in construction and fenestration who rely on timely cross-border supply chains.

Delays at ports, inconsistent declarations, and insufficient knowledge of customs procedures are causing products to be held or turned away — leading to increased costs, dissatisfied customers, and reputational damage.

What Should UK Exporters Be Doing in 2025?

Businesses exporting into the EU must:

• Review and update all shipping documentation in line with the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA)
• Appoint a dedicated customs intermediary or in-house compliance specialist
• Ensure all suppliers and logistics partners follow agreed Incoterms
• Apply for relevant schemes such as the UK’s Customs Declaration Service (CDS)
• Keep up to date with rule-of-origin requirements and VAT treatment of exports

Importers face similar risks. Transitional schemes have been replaced by stricter rules, and any business still relying on outdated simplifications should revisit their compliance.

Alex Tremlett, Operations Director at Insight Data, commented:

“Supply chain reliability should be non-negotiable by now. It’s worrying how many firms still haven’t adapted. For fenestration businesses importing key components, any disruption can grind operations to a halt. Likewise, exporters risk losing clients if shipments are delayed due to incorrect paperwork.

Smart businesses are using this as an opportunity to strengthen their market position — tightening up operations, refining sales strategies, and targeting new prospects with the help of up-to-date market data.”

Salestracker: A Smarter Way to Target New Prospects

Insight Data’s Salestracker platform gives your business access to live market intelligence, a built-in CRM, and direct marketing tools. With over 70,000 verified contacts across the fenestration and wider construction sectors, you can:

• Pinpoint reliable suppliers and partners across the UK and EU

• Reach potential customers with tailored campaigns

• Track engagement and manage your sales pipeline in one place

• Respond to market shifts in real time

If you want to grow your network and reduce risk, Salestracker helps you act with confidence.

Call 01934 808293 or email hello@insightdata.co.uk to speak with the team.