The North East’s leading business group says it is “astonishing” that companies in the region still have no answers to the key questions they have been asking on Brexit since the 2016 referendum.
The North East England Chamber of Commerce has reiterated its opposition to a no deal Brexit, saying that leaving the EU without an agreement on future trading arrangements would damage the North East more than any other part of the country.
Speaking at the Chamber’s annual dinner at Durham Cathedral, president Lesley Moody said “scores of businesses tell us that no deal will cause them huge difficulties” and said companies want to know about replacement of EU funding and whether they will still be able to do business in Europe.
Her words come as a study from the Federation of Small Businesses has shown growing alarm among SMEs that they are being hurt by the Brexit process.
Ms Moody said: “The heat and noise generated in Westminster might be good news for columnists, commentators and sketch writers, it is doing little to help those businesses who need to plan beyond October 31.
“It is astonishing that we are one month away from the proposed Brexit date and we are still without certainty on the fundamental questions we’ve been asking for over three years.
“What will our trading relationship with the EU look like? How will EU funding be replaced? Will we still be able to operate in our key markets?
“The Chamber has been outspoken on the dangers of a no deal Brexit and we have faced criticism for this. But when scores of businesses tell us that no deal will cause them huge difficulties and when every new piece of analysis says our region is the most exposed to harm from no deal then we have a duty to raise the alarm.
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“And had Government been more willing to listen to the views of those who know what it takes to build global businesses from day one, then I dare say we may not find ourselves where we are today, and over the past few weeks it’s been interesting to see more and more people in Westminster and beyond beginning to sing from our hymn sheet as no deal is being promoted by some in Government.
“We will continue to do all we can to prevent no deal and to urge Government and Parliament to secure a Brexit outcome that preserves our trading relationship and protects jobs.”
Meanwhile, a survey by the FSB has found that 41% of small firms in the North East believe a no-deal scenario on October 31 would be bad for them, and nearly two-thirds nationally don’t think they are able to plan for it.
FSB chairman Mike Cherry said the Government should help businesses plan for a no deal scenario by providing both financial assistance and support in reaching new export markets. He also called for measures in the Budget that would help cashflow within SMEs.
He said: “As the risk of a chaotic no-deal Brexit on 31 October remains alive and kicking, it is worrying that many small firms have either not prepared or are finding that they can’t prepare.
“Ongoing uncertainty is to blame for preparations hitting the skids with the picture still not clear as to how the 海角视频 will leave the EU on 31 October. Until we get clarity, small firms must prepare for the cliff edge where possible, and make preparations for a no-deal Brexit.
“Preparing for this outcome is coming at a high price though with small firms being hit by an unstable pound and having to shell out money on a potential outcome that has been highly disruptive, remains uncertain and is unwanted.
“Government must use what little time is left before October 31 to provide small firms with the support they need to navigate the unchartered and turbulent waters of a no deal Brexit.”