Chamber of Commerce offers Brexit support to Warwickshire companies

Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce is offering companies support on the back of the referendum verdict to leave the European Union.
Louise Bennett, the chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. Photo by Jamie Gray.Louise Bennett, the chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. Photo by Jamie Gray.
Louise Bennett, the chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. Photo by Jamie Gray.

The Chamber, which has been established for more than 110 years, announced ahead of the decision that it would be launching a Go For Growth Post Referendum Telephone Support line to go live on Monday, June 27 and advisers will be available to offer impartial support to businesses.

Louise Bennett, the chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The referendum has, in itself, caused a great deal of uncertainty within the economy and while we now have a verdict, the uncertainty will continue due to the fact that we don’t know the process and the timescales of the exit.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We have already seen the market reaction to this and that will be of major concern to businesses and individuals and that means we are going to need very strong leadership at all levels.

Joy in Portsmouth as Brexit campaigners celebrate a victory in the EU referendum voteJoy in Portsmouth as Brexit campaigners celebrate a victory in the EU referendum vote
Joy in Portsmouth as Brexit campaigners celebrate a victory in the EU referendum vote

“The first priority is ensuring stability – this, above politics, has to be put first.

“Chamber members were split on what outcome they wanted but a leave vote was always going to be the most difficult to mitigate but that’s not to say that it should put business growth on hold – but it does mean we need clarity on how we move forward and clear and decisive action.

“We decided we would launch the hotline whatever the outcome in order to offer impartial advice. In the short term, other than the uncertainty, nothing should technically change but as we have seen previously confidence is key and it’s vitally important that we get a proper plan to deal with this verdict.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“So we wanted to offer businesses the reassurance that they can grow and prosper and go ahead with their plans for expansion.

Joy in Portsmouth as Brexit campaigners celebrate a victory in the EU referendum voteJoy in Portsmouth as Brexit campaigners celebrate a victory in the EU referendum vote
Joy in Portsmouth as Brexit campaigners celebrate a victory in the EU referendum vote

“In the long term, of course, it’s vital that the government negotiates the very best deal for the UK and one that puts our opportunities to trade with the EU and the rest of the world at the very centre of our exit strategy.

“Again, our exporters should get in touch if they have any concerns or, indeed, if they see this as an opportunity to expand their horizons when it comes to international trade.

“The team based here in the Chamber’s International Trade Hub will be able to offer guidance on that.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“However, we are anticipating lots of questions on what this will mean for the future around trade with the EU, regulations, staffing where businesses have employees from the EU and a whole host of other issues this will throw up.

“In the short term, the answer is nothing should technically change but we are going to need very clear answers.”

Smaller businesses in Warwickshire and Coventry have stresssed the need for economic stablility.

Paul Rogers, Warwickshire & Coventry Chairman at the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “Smaller businesses up and down the country now need a focus on economic certainty and stability.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“In light of the result this morning there has been a shock to the market with the pound falling to its lowest level against the dollar since September 1985.

“Today we call on the Government and the Bank of England to urgently put in place measures to prevent any further instability negatively impacting small businesses in the UK.

“Small firms need to know what this means for access to the single market as soon as possible.

“The people have spoken, with a 72 per cent turnout, and taken the decision to leave the EU.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A language services company based in Leamington has fears over the impact Brexit will have on its business sector.

A language services company based in Leamington has fears over the impact Brexit will have on its business sector.

Isabella Moore CBE of Leamington Spa based Association of Translation Companies member, Comtec Translations Ltd, comments: “As an organisation whose members are focused on supporting companies internationally with their language service needs, we are concerned and disappointed by the results of yesterday’s referendum.

“A survey of the UK’s language service providers, which are responsible for more than 12,000 jobs, showed that an exit from Europe will have direct impact on the sector.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“More than two thirds said their businesses with EU-based enterprises will be compromised by a UK departure, while fifty per cent revealed nearly one third of their current revenue is generated from customers based in other EU countries.

“We are already facing a record UK trade deficit and an exit from the EU will further feed into that narrative making it even harder for the UK to close to improve its export performance with Europe and the rest of the world.”

The number to contact the Chamber of Commerce is 024 7665 4321 – ask for business support - and more information is available at http://www.cw-chamber.co.uk