Following the exit result in the EU referendum, FSB National Chairman Mike Cherry FRSA said in a letter to the FSB members: “It’s been a momentous 24 hours in politics. We now know for certain that Britain will be leaving the European Union and that in three months time we will have a new Prime Minister. Now, FSB is calling for certainty about what this means for the business community.
“It is vital that the Government explains the practical implications of the referendum result on how small firms do business. We are pushing the Government to clarify how businesses will have access to the single market and the free movement of people and trade. Small firms who export wider afield through EU FTA agreements also need certainty about the impact on the way they do business.
“Small businesses will understandably have a lot of questions following this decision and these need to be answered swiftly. Nearly a quarter of FSB members export, with the majority exporting to the single market. Access to the single market means access to 500 million potential consumers, more than 26 million businesses and is worth 11 trillion euros.
“David Cameron’s decision to step down in October adds to the uncertainty facing us today. We are urging politicians to work together to ensure political and economic stability is at the heart of their decision making. And we will continue to work with Government and all parties as a constructive partner in any upcoming negotiations.
“Through all of this, I want you to know that we will continue to fight for the voices of our members so the interest of small business is heard loud and clear.”