David Davis reassures business as Brexit talks enter key stage

The Rt. Hon. David Davis MP, Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, has visited JCB’s World HQ to tour the manufacturing site and take part in discussions with some of its British suppliers – assuring them that the interests of business are at the heart of Britain’s Brexit negotiations.

The Minister spent more than two hours at the HQ at Rocester, Staffordshire where he joined talks with small-to-medium sized suppliers to JCB, which manufacture components for the company’s range of construction and agricultural machinery. They included Gate 7, Katmex Ltd, Thos Storey and Rexroth.

During the discussions, the companies were re-assured that whatever the outcome of the ongoing negotiations, the interests of UK business would be of paramount importance. Mr Davis also met JCB Chairman Lord Bamford and JCB CEO Graeme Macdonald during the visit.

David Davis visited JCB to reassure SMEs that the interests of UK business would be of paramount importance / Picture: JCB

The Minister said: “It was a great pleasure to join JCB, one of our leading British manufacturers, today to see what they do and hear first hand how businesses large and small view the opportunities and challenges of our departure from the European Union. We are making solid progress in the negotiations, in the spirit of determination and pragmatism, and stand ready to begin trade talks as soon as our European partners are. Our aim is a trade deal that works for our great companies and the people they employ, and it’s in the interests of both sides to achieve this. Talking to JCB and their suppliers this morning, I am certain that our strong economy and brilliant entrepreneurs mean we are well placed to thrive into the future.”

A JCB spokesman said: “Mr Davis took part in discussions with a number of specially invited JCB suppliers, most of whom were British and small-to-medium sized businesses. The main purpose of the talks was to focus on the opportunities for businesses in post-Brexit Britain and to discuss the practicalities involved.”

During his visit Mr Davis toured the production line at Rocester which manufactures backhoe loaders. JCB celebrates 65 years of producing this iconic machine next year and has been the world’s number one producer of backhoes for 17 consecutive years.

The Brexit Secretary toured JCB HQ in Rocester saying he was confident manufacturers are well placed to thrive into the future / Picture: JCB