We need certainty over Brexit
It’s the issue that’s dominating the news agenda. Brexit is looming. The clock is ticking down towards March 29 and Britain’s exit from the EU. Before Punchline went to press, we asked representatives of Gloucestershire business for their views on how Brexit is affecting their sector and what they are hoping to see next.There was a startling similarity to what they said.
“When confidence starts to go, so does ambition and our economy cannot risk that. “The sooner politicians can stop squabbling and start working together to find a realistic pro-business solution, the better for us all.”
Ian Sloan: Bankier Sloan Chartered Surveyors “Businesses are simply looking for a decision, the uncertainty of the situation is the problem.
Nigel Tilott: Director, Davies and Partners Solicitors. “I think people are being cautious. There are deals that are not happening because people are thinking ‘why not wait?’
“I am finding that one or two companies are importing non-perishable goods and are looking for short-term storage options. “It’s the indecision that is the problem. I spend my life doing negotiations, but the trouble is they are doing these in public. “I think it will all get done and everyone will then be able to breathe a huge sigh of relief.”
“There is a lot of dam building, with water behind it. When we have some resolution, the water will burst through the dam, but there are people hesitating. “There is business building up, waiting to happen, but a lot aren’t pushing the button. “It doesn’t necessarily matter what the deal is, it’s having that certainty that matters most.”
Jonathan Viney: Director, Simplicity in Business
Sam Holliday: Development manager, Gloucestershire and theWest of England, Federation of Small Business
“What we are seeing in our sector is a lack of growth in the market, due to the lack of certainty.
“Our concern is that there appears to be no clear direction and, while we are not directly affected, a lot of our customers are part of a supply chain that are. “My opinion is that whatever is decided, the UK Limited, as it were, will rally around and make it work. “The overwhelming thing is that we need certainty, once we have that, it will be just a case of working how long it takes everyone to recover.”
“There are many people, understandably, who are completely turned off by Brexit – and it is easy to see why. “Sadly, however, many small businesses in Gloucestershire, simply don’t have the luxury of ignoring the whole thing because it has a direct impact on their business. “The lack of clarity and unity about Brexit nationally is already affecting confidence locally.
Is your head in the cloud or the sand?
14 | February 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com
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