I spent 30 years building up business in the UK, always bringing products in from two German companies into the UK, all up in smoke now. This year we lost 75% of our business in the UK because customers were worried. We had to pull out of the Harrogate Christmas Fair in January 2022, next year would have been my 30th year there. All very very sad.
We love to work with the Brits and the Irish and the Harrogate Fair, despite being hard work, was always a great time to meet customers who have become friends over the years and also competitors who had also become friends. This industry is like no other. The week of Harrogate will be very difficult for me. Normally I fly over, build up the fair, sell there, dismantle and then use the opportunity to visit family and friends whilst in the UK.
I am heartbroken.