Despite a Brexit landscape that is changing day by day, NOAH’s fourth and final Brexit Barometer reveals that optimism amongst the animal medicines industry rose in comparison to previous Barometers. As the final months of negotiations offer yet more twists and turns, members and stakeholders outlined their key priorities whilst acknowledging that developments within Government continue to evolve.

Findings within the final edition of the Barometer were taken from NOAH’s ‘Brexit and Beyond’ Conference on October 30, 150 days ahead of the Article 50 deadline, since when there have been several major developments in negotiations. On that day, members and stakeholders demonstrated a noticeably more optimistic perspective.

Sentiment was tracked across the same six lenses as the previous three Brexit Barometers: animal health and welfare, public health and food production, trade and investment, R&D and innovation, bringing new products to market and post-licensing controls for the overall market.

Key findings include:

• Optimism around the ease of bringing a product to market post-Brexit was higher than it was three months ago. Public Health & Food and Trade & Export also observed a significant increase in optimism since the summer;
• Strongly optimistic sentiment on the topic of Animal Health & Welfare was apparent with comments reflecting significant pride in the UK’s internationally recognised standards and a strong desire to maintain and improve them following EU Exit;
• Concerns remain around post-licensing controls, with labelling and potential supply chain disruptions both highlighted as areas that need more clarity; and
• In Research and Development, sentiment has swung noticeably more to the extremes of pessimism or optimism.

NOAH chief executive Dawn Howard said: “As we head into 2019, despite a very challenging business environment, we are reassured that our members and stakeholders felt more optimistic than they were in our previous Barometers. However, this sentiment could change very rapidly depending on Government negotiations. We look ahead with optimism, but also with uncertainty.

“The future months will be some of the most challenging that we as an industry have faced and NOAH, as ever, remains dedicated to supporting our members and stakeholders through the Brexit process and beyond, towards a successful future for our sector.”