Five years, five voices: The Brexit effect on Swedish-British business

Five years after the UK’s departure from the EU, the impact of Brexit still reverberates through Swedish-British business. From supply chains to talent acquisition, companies have had to rethink strategies and adapt to new realities. We asked five SCC UK Members from various industries to share how Brexit has shaped their operations — what’s changed, what’s worked, and what the future holds for Sweden-UK business relations.

Simons Muirhead Burton (SMB) 
Law
Tom Mayhew, Partner, 
Head of Immigration

Tell us about your business operations in the UK.
SMB is a multi-service law firm offering expertise across a wide range of legal areas, including corporate, commercial, family, employment, and criminal law. I lead the firm’s immigration practice, specialising in assisting clients, primarily from overseas, with their immigration matters to the UK. For instance, I help the Chamber to secure visas for the scholars. Since Brexit, immigration has become a focal point of our work, as I help individuals navigate the complexities of the UK’s visa system and ensure compliance with immigration regulations.

What strategies or adaptations have you implemented to maintain competitiveness in the UK market post-Brexit, and have you identified any new opportunities as a result?
In response to Brexit, SMB has adopted a more global outlook. As a member of Law World, a network of law firms worldwide, we’ve strengthened our collaborations with European firms to manage the increased complexity of cross-border operations. From my perspective, the demand for immigration services has surged, requiring us to streamline processes and enhance efficiency in managing the growing volume of visa applications and advisory work. There has also been an uptick in the need for guidance on practical matters, such as visa requirements for short visits, which has presented us with new opportunities to provide additional value to clients.

How do you see Sweden-UK business relations developing going forward?
I foresee the relationship between the countries continuing to strengthen. I knew this even from before collaborating with the Chamber, and believe that Swedish and British business cultures align well, and Sweden has remained one of the UK’s most engaged European partners post-Brexit. While Brexit presented initial challenges, it has largely been a matter of adjustment rather than disruption. Swedish and British businesses are now as connected as they’ve ever been, and I’m confident this positive trajectory will continue in the years ahead.

Aqua Nobel
Retail
John Chater, Country Manager

Tell us about your business operations in the UK.
I’m a UK-based consultant supporting Aqua Nobel, a Swedish water brand from Mörarp, as we expand into the UK and European markets. Aqua Nobel offers alkaline water in recyclable paper cartons, sourced directly from the ground. Since launching in late 2024, we have steadily grown our footprint across the UK and Europe.

What strategies or adaptations have you implemented to maintain competitiveness in the UK market post-Brexit, and have you identified any new opportunities as a result? 
Ensuring physical stock availability in the UK has been crucial. Post-Brexit, shipping samples from the EU to the UK is time-consuming, so having local stock allows us to respond quickly to demand. One of our biggest wins was securing a partnership with WHSmith, which led to distribution in 72 locations across Europe within five months. By leveraging their European travel division, we successfully navigated customs hurdles, accelerating our UK expansion.

How do you see Sweden-UK business relations developing going forward?
The Sweden-UK trade relationship in food and beverages is set to strengthen. The UK’s growing preference for Scandinavian health and wellness products aligns well with our brand. Through the Swedish Chamber’s network, I’ve made valuable industry connections, and I look forward to expanding these further in 2025.

Accountum
Accounting & Tax Advisory
Johan Aurén, Managing Director

Tell us about your business operations in the UK.
We are a firm of Chartered Accountants and Tax Advisors, specialising in helping Swedish businesses establish and grow in the UK. Our one-stop-shop approach covers company setup, accounting, tax, VAT, payroll, HR, and advisory services. By providing expert guidance, we simplify the UK market for Swedish companies, ensuring compliance and efficiency. With our deep understanding of UK regulations, we help businesses navigate and make operations as smooth as possible.

What strategies or adaptations have you implemented to maintain competitiveness in the UK market post-Brexit, and have you identified any new opportunities as a result?
We’ve invested heavily in technology, software, and talent to enhance efficiency and service quality. Brexit created a lot of uncertainty for Swedish businesses, particularly around trade and recruitment, which increased demand for our expertise. Understandably, some companies hesitated to enter the UK market initially, but we’ve helped them handle the complexities. Confidence is now returning, and we’re seeing a renewed interest from Swedish firms looking to expand here. This shift presents exciting opportunities, and Accountum is well-positioned to support businesses in making the most of the UK — and of course to proudly contribute to the growth of ‘Brand Sweden’.

How do you see Sweden-UK business relations developing going forward?
Sweden-UK business relations remain strong, and we’re committed to strengthening our role in this space. Accountum will continue to expand our network of likeminded advisors and services, ensuring that businesses receive the best full-service support. Looking ahead, we hope for a more flexible trade agreement between the UK and the EU, making cross-border business easier. A full UK return to the EU might be a bit of a stretch unfortunately — but anything that fosters smoother trade and collaboration would be beneficial for businesses on both sides. Regardless of political changes, we are here to help Swedish companies succeed in the UK.

NTEX
Logistics & Transportation
Malcolm Thorpe, Managing Director, UK

Tell us about your business operations in the UK.
NTEX is a leading shipping and freight forwarding company, specialising in direct services to Scandinavia, as well as mainland Europe and worldwide air-freight/deep-sea shipments. Our operations in the UK are focused on logistics, particularly UK-Sweden movements, which are a core part of our business. We offer a wide range of services, including customs clearance, warehousing, and operate a fleet of 100 vehicles. We are also part of a pallet network, handling trailer movements, groupage, and both import and export operations.

What strategies or adaptations have you implemented to maintain competitiveness in the UK market post-Brexit, and have you identified any new opportunities as a result?
We’ve seen a decrease in eastbound traffic to Scandinavia, similar to many of our competitors, with volumes dropping by varying degrees. To address this, we’ve refocused on our core strength – customer service. NTEX places great emphasis on clear communication and providing exceptional customer service, which has helped us retain and win new business. Additionally, we are investing in automation to improve efficiency across our operations, warehousing, finance, and administration. We are also exploring new technologies for customs documentation and other areas, aiming to streamline our processes. 

How do you see Sweden-UK business relations developing going forward?
The UK remains a core market for NTEX, and we are keen to strengthen the communication and integration between our UK and Swedish operations. We’re focused on improving efficiency and aligning processes across both sides, to ensure smoother operations. On a broader scale, we are eager to collaborate more with Swedish companies in the UK, capitalising on the strong logistics ecosystem between the two countries. We aim to enhance our visibility, market ourselves more effectively, and explore new opportunities, particularly in the logistics sector. We’re optimistic about the future and committed to overcoming challenges, while continuing to build strong relationships.

GANT
Retail
Patrik Söderström, CEO

Tell us about your business operations in the UK.
GANT, established in 1949 by Bernard Gantmacher and his sons on the East Coast of the US, is now present in over 80 markets around the globe. The UK is one of our most developed and successful markets, featuring 14 full-price stores, including a flagship on Regent Street, and 7 outlet locations. Furthermore, GANT is available at 300 stockists throughout the country. We have experienced record years in the UK and take pride in our UK e-commerce operations performing exceptionally well.  

What strategies or adaptations have you implemented to maintain competitiveness in the UK market post-Brexit, and have you identified any new opportunities as a result?
Post-Brexit, one of the key challenges we faced was the movement of goods between European markets. To maintain competitiveness, we focused on optimising our UK logistics and fulfilment strategies, ensuring seamless service for both B2C and B2B customers, as well as our stores. Since May 2023, we have been operating a new warehouse outside London, covering 10,000 square meters, which has significantly improved our efficiency in the market. This strategic investment not only streamlines our operations but also creates new opportunities for faster delivery times and an enhanced customer experience.  

How do you see Sweden-UK business relations developing going forward?
I see the Sweden-UK business relationship growing stronger, particularly through enhanced cross-border collaboration. Both countries have a strong tradition of innovation, with significant opportunities to work together in areas such as technology and sustainability. I’m excited about the potential to drive progress in digital innovation, especially through e-commerce and digital transformation. Strengthening these areas will help us remain at the forefront of the industry and deliver new, impactful solutions to our customers.