EU Referendum: A roundup of Yorkshire business views

As the EU Referendum is rapidly approaching, Bdaily has asked Yorkshire business leaders to share their views ahead of the vote on June 23.

In this roundup, Bdaily has found out the views, hopes and expectations of businesspeople from a range variety of sectors and industries throughout the region.

Robyn Peat, managing partner at land, property and business consultants George F. White.

“I really hope the UK public choose to remain within the European Union (EU). There’s a lot of chatter around why it’s in our best interests to leave but, in my opinion, the decision to leave is driven by ideology rather than practical issues.

“The Vote Leave group is backed by Boris Johnson but I do have to question if his passion is more about his career and personal development rather than the wealth and prosperity of our nation. We are a rich nation and we cannot forget that this is in part due to our EU membership.

“The EU protects us in so many ways - especially in terms of international trade. It does not restrict us and our business and commerce partnerships and transactions.

“If we choose to stay within the EU we are then in a position to influence change and strengthen or modify some of the EU’s weaker elements. If we leave, the future both short and long term is unknown and we don’t know what the political, financial, economical and social environment that we now reside in will be like because we will have to negotiate it.

“No matter how much those saying we should leave highlight the greater independence point, our nation, if we are no longer a part of the EU, will not be sovereign. If anything we will become less independent than how we are now.”

Andy Chell, managing director of Halifax-based Lumilow Lighting.

“Lumilow provides sustainable lighting solutions to organisations across a range of sectors. Our clients operate in several countries, and so our reach and opportunities extend into European and global markets.

“We, like many other businesses in the UK, benefit from easy access to the European market as a result of the UK’s EU membership.

“I don’t think anyone can accurately predict exactly how UK business will be affected if the UK leaves the EU. There are questions surrounding how the UK will negotiate new trade deals, how long they will take, and what they will look like.

“There is also the possibility that the UK will go into economic shock as a result, slowing growth. Will this have an effect our company’s continued success?

“Good business is all about assessing risk. For me, these unanswered questions on the potential negative impact of leaving the EU, provide a compelling reason to stay.”

Mike Danby, CEO of Advanced Supply Chain, a Bradford-based end-to-end logistics firm.

“For me, the UK should be staying in the EU; there seems to be no sensible and positive reason for leaving the EU.

“Being part of the EU brings with it the collective power we need to make international trade deals; Britain would be a small player, up against the US, EU and China in international negotiations. Even though we are a big economy, we’re not anywhere near close to the 500m population of the EU.

“In no way do I believe that the EU is perfect, but the alternative – a black hole of uncertainty – will bring a much worse situation.

“At Advanced Supply Chain, being part of the EU gives us much more exposure to deals than we would have as a business based only on British connections. Being part of the EU’s free market means that when companies trade with us, they are trading with the whole of the EU. That makes a difference to the deals that we are able to close.

“Could I still do the same deals were we out of the EU? I can do them now; I don’t hold the same confidence if we leave.”

Debbie Heald, managing director of counter-terror product manufacturer, Heald Ltd.

“As an owner of a small business I do feel there has been a lack of clear, impartial information about the EU referendum and how my vote could potentially affect my manufacturing company and our employees.

“This creates an air of uncertainty as I am unable to confidently make a decision and plan for the future depending on the outcome.

“As an internationally trading business, the result of the referendum and a potential exit of the EU could affect our trade and exports. This concerns me as we could be at a disadvantage, compared to competitors in other EU member countries.

“However, I have considered the fact that an exit from the EU could also allow UK businesses the freedom to deal directly with other international bodies and promote our own interests rather than face the restrictions of EU regulations.

“On a more personal level, I am very proud to be British and ideally I would like to think as a nation we could stand confidently on our own should the need arise.’

Which commenter best represents your views? Let us know in the comments section below or tweet us @BdailyYorkshire using the #EuRef.

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