PEOPLE are looking forward to celebrating and returning to normal occasions including Halloween, Bonfire Night, and Diwali. 

But, Vily Bhatti, Southampton’s Firework Factory owner, has warned that Brexit and supply chains threaten to put a dampener on this year’s fireworks displays.

He said: “Import problems have reduced stock by up to 70 per cent and forced up prices.

“My suppliers have been adversely affected as a result of the existing laws. My products are made in China, and when they announced a national lockdown, it impacted the entire firework industry in the United Kingdom.”

The majority of fireworks are made in China and then delivered to continental European ports before being sold to the United Kingdom.  Imports of various commodities, from toys to microchips, are being affected by this significant surge.

“The lockdown made the shortage worse, and it was a difficult time for not only me but the entire industry. While we have some supplies, other businesses have not had the same luck”, he added.

Mr Bhatti opened his Southampton store five years ago, and now he also offers an online click-and-collect option allowing clients to purchase from the comfort of their own homes.

He feels that when the world returns to normal, things will improve. He encourages people to purchase locally and support small businesses.

“I’ve observed that sales are coming up again as things return to normal. This holiday season, I expect the shops to be bustling and crowded with consumers. It would be wonderful to see locals support small companies”, he said.

For safety advice, go to hantsfire.gov.uk/safety/leisure-and-lifestyle/fireworks/