MOST small to medium sized manufacturers will be able to adapt to Brexit and take advantage of it, it has been claimed.

The comment came from the Poole-based Collective Marketing Agency, which works with Dorset engineers and manufacturers including Aish Technologies, Norco, Field International, PRF Composites and AGI.

It comes after chancellor Sajid attracted criticism for saying there would be no alignment with EU rules after Britain leaves.

Simon Harrison, marketing director for Collective, said: “Whilst acknowledging there will be some initial uncertainty, we are confident the sector will quickly adapt to a changing environment. In Britain we are incredibly resilient and this resilience will show through in how we tackle the challenges Brexit introduces.”

He added: “We have produced videos and animations, and been involved in other marketing initiatives, that demonstrate Dorset businesses are at the forefront of developing technology, particularly within key market sectors such as aerospace, defence and composite manufacturing. Some of these products have been developed against this backdrop of uncertainty and yet the businesses are still focused on the future, which is brilliant to see and be involved in.”

The business was established six years ago by Mr Harrison, managing director James Howes and commercial director Zoe Howes, who all head experience in the industrial sector. It is based on the Nuffield Industrial Estate with a satellite office in Birmingham.

Mr Harrison added: “I am constantly amazed by the expertise and strength of companies we work with. We all know Brexit has taken a long time to happen, but now it is within touching distance, manufacturing companies can use this milestone to reflect on whether their marketing is producing the results they need it to.”

Mr Javis was criticised by some business groups at the weekend when he told the Financial Times that “there will not be alignment” with the EU after Brexit and that firms must “adjust” to new regulations.

“There will be an impact on business one way or the other, some will benefit, some won’t,” he said.

He said businesses “have known since 2016 that we are leaving the EU”, although he added: “Admittedly, they didn’t know the terms.”