The tiny UK village with less than 1,000 residents home to £14m powerhouse

A village with barely 1,000 people has become the unlikely standard bearer for post-Brexit positivity.

Proud Cumbrian village Haverthwaite was originally a Viking settlement, one of many that grew from predatory seaborne raids from Scandinavian warriors who pirated, traded, and settled throughout parts of Europe.

Today it continues to punch well above its weight and is the headquarters of a company doing more to fly the flag for Brexit Britain than almost any other.

Haverthwaite only boasts a population of 797 but, pound-for-pound, it is probably the most successful settlement in the UK.

It is home to Playdale Playgrounds which employs 100 staff and has exported to more than 50 countries across the world, building 26,000 facilities globally.

Boss Barry Leahey, 50, said the secret to his success has been a “can-do attitude” and in a rallying cry to naysayers who continue to talk out prospects down, he said: ”Basically the UK has got this, because if I can, you can.”

Playdale turns over £14m and 50% of its work is international. The key to its ongoing global expansion has been an optimistic mindset.

Its extraordinary global reach has seen parks built in all four corners of the world, including Hong Kong, New Zealand, Portugal, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Israel, Canada, Philippines, and Qatar.

And while others blame Brexit as a barrier to success, Mr Leahey views the historic vote to leave the European Union in 2016 a helping hand because it plays on something money cannot buy - the very best of British quality.

He said: “We have emerged as a beacon of success in the global playground equipment industry and it is not just about swings and slides. It’s about creating smiles, fostering growth, and nurturing a sense of adventure in children across the world. The past year has not been easy with additional tax burdens but we continue to deliver exceptional customer service.”

Playdale dates back to 1735, but Mr Leahey joined in 2004. Turnover has tripled under his leadership, with the company a proud Made in Britain manufacturer that produces a range of traditional and inclusive playground equipment with its international trade success landing him the coveted title of Export Leader of the Year. Few companies have been responsible for putting more smiles on faces.

He said: “Thanks to the free trade agreements signed after Brexit, the UK’s trade potential is most definitely good – if not greater – than it was immediately after leaving the EU.

“However, a huge part of this potential lies within Europe, and it will take time to maximise the new FTAs and find new ways to work with the EU successfully.

“I believe perceptions are starting to change. We are finally coming out of that transitional stage and instead, we are now entering the stage where people are beginning to forget what the ‘norm’ used to be, and instead businesses are acclimatising to the ‘new norm’.

Mr Leahey added: “It’s important to have confidence in the fact that Great Britain will always be a fantastic historical brand – especially when boosting your reputation when trading abroad.

“Both before and after Brexit, it still holds true that being a Made in Britain business tells consumers and partners that your products are tried and tested to the highest standard with a skilled labour force.“This in turn holds the potential to open doors in international trade, but don’t forget that ultimately it is the company’s values and procedures that make things happen.”

The UK is the eight largest manufacturing nation with annual output of £224 billion.

Playdale is now being used as an example to other small and medium-sized enterprises exploring international growth, demonstrating how a proactive mindset can drive global expansion and seize the prizes up for grabs with a nimble and motivated workforce.

Mr Leahey said: “By the end of the government’s first term in office, we will have passed the Brexit deal’s tenth anniversary. Only time will tell how British trade will have evolved by then, but one thing is for certain – the pioneers of Britain’s international trade will have to be bold, not complacent.

“I would say to people who don't think they can trade internationally after Brexit, it's a mindset. If you want to come second, don't start. If you want to be top of your game it's like being an athlete. You have to put in the work.

“I joined the business in 2004, and we were totally focused on the UK. I moved my focus to the international market and now we are now the best in the world.”