Tariffs Wipe Out Enquiries for Bilston Firm with Royal Award

Strategic Insights -

Bilston's Bowers & Jones, an award-winning manufacturing firm, has seen enquiries from the US dry up following the imposition of 25 per cent tariffs on steel products exported to North America. The firm was recently presented with a King's Award for Enterprise for achieving significant growth in exporting to North America. Managing director Jane Somerville attributes the decline in enquiries to the tariffs, stating that customers have accepted a 10 per cent tariff but not the 25 per cent. The firm had been targeting North America as one of its key markets and had achieved significant growth in the region.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bowers & Jones, a Bilston manufacturing firm, has seen enquiries from the US dry up due to 25 per cent tariffs on steel products exported to North America.
  • The firm had been awarded a King's Award for Enterprise for achieving significant growth in exporting to North America, but this growth is now threatened by the tariffs.
  • Managing director Jane Somerville stated that customers had accepted a 10 per cent tariff but not the 25 per cent, making it "impossible" for the firm to compete in the market.
  • The tariffs are not only affecting Bowers & Jones but the entire West Midlands manufacturing base, with Jane Somerville estimating that sales this year will be down by about 20 per cent.
  • The firm is looking to pivot and replace the lost business in North America by supplying more products to Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East.
  • Bowers & Jones is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year and has been recognized for its customer service and adaptability.

Statistics:

  • 25 per cent: The tariffs imposed on steel products exported to North America.
  • 10 per cent: The tariff that customers in North America had accepted prior to the imposition of 25 per cent tariffs.
  • 2012: The year Jane Somerville was headhunted to run the company.
  • 5 years: The amount of time Jane Somerville and Nicola Owen have been at the helm of Bowers & Jones.
  • 20 per cent: The estimated decrease in sales for the firm this year.
  • 70: The number of years Bowers & Jones has been in business.

Sources:

  • An award-winning Bilston manufacturing firm honoured with a prestigious Royal award for achieving significant growth in exporting to North America has revealed enquiries from the USA have dried up in the wake of President Donald Trump's tariffs. (Express & Star)