How the Brexit Reset Impacts the UK Furniture and Gift Sectors

You’ve probably seen the headlines. A new Brexit deal. A reset, they’re calling it. After years of trade tension, tangled regulations and more than a few headaches, there’s finally a shift toward smoother waters. But what does that really mean for those working in the furniture and gift sectors? If you’re running a business, exporting products, or just trying to stay afloat in a fast-changing market, here’s what you need to know.

So, what exactly is the Brexit reset?

Announced in May 2025, the Brexit reset is a fresh agreement between the UK and EU designed to simplify trade, reduce bureaucratic friction and rebuild some of the commercial pathways that were lost post-Brexit. No, it’s not a return to the single market. But it is a meaningful step toward restoring confidence and clarity in UK–EU trade.

And for furniture and gift businesses that rely on European customers and supply chains, that’s more than a political win – it’s practical progress.

Exports just got a little easier

One of the biggest pain points since Brexit has been the export process. Extra forms. Delays. Uncertainty. For businesses trying to move stock efficiently, especially large furniture items or seasonal giftware, it’s been a real drag on productivity and profit.

The reset aims to reduce this red tape. With simpler customs procedures and faster cross-border movement, there’s renewed potential for getting products into the EU without the usual backlog. The British Furniture Confederation points out that around 80% of UK furniture exporters rely on European markets, so the impact here could be significant.

Costs are coming down and new doors are opening

Aligning certain standards and reducing checks means fewer costs across the board, from warehousing to shipping to compliance. That’s welcome news for sectors where margins are already being squeezed.

In the gift industry, where timing is everything, the ability to deliver quickly and reliably could make all the difference during peak periods. With fewer delays at borders, stock can reach stores and customers faster, no more holding your breath at customs.

But some challenges haven’t gone away

Here’s the reality check. While this reset addresses some long-standing issues, it doesn’t solve everything.

Material costs remain high. Labour shortages are still biting. And product safety regulations can still feel like a maze. Many businesses are reporting that while conditions have improved, export levels are still lagging behind pre-Brexit figures. There’s work to be done.

This could be a moment to invest and innovate

If the reset gives the industry breathing space, the question is, how will businesses use it?

Industry leaders are calling on the government to back this progress with more support, particularly for businesses that want to invest in sustainable practices, local sourcing and export growth. There’s also momentum building around UK-based production – not just as a fallback, but as a proactive strategy to strengthen supply resilience and create homegrown value.

What should you be doing now?

Here are a few things furniture and gift businesses might want to focus on in light of these changes:

• Review your export processes – Take a fresh look at how you ship to the EU and see where the reset might create new efficiencies.

• Keep an eye on regulation updates – Product standards and safety rules continue to evolve, and staying compliant gives you confidence and credibility. The GOV.UK website remains the go-to source for the latest guidance on customs, product safety and trade regulations.

• Explore new market opportunities – If you’ve held back on EU expansion due to red tape, now might be the time to revisit those plans.

• Seek out funding and support – Especially if you’re thinking about innovating, going greener or scaling up exports.

What the Brexit Reset really means for your business

The Brexit reset won’t fix everything overnight, but it offers a clearer and more hopeful path forward. For furniture and gift businesses, it’s a chance to rebuild connections, reduce hassle and tap into European markets with more confidence.

It’s also a reminder that progress often happens in stages, not all at once. What matters now is how businesses respond to this shift, using it as a springboard for smarter, more sustainable growth.

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