Pro-business Brexit must be founded on trade, talent and transition says the Federation of Small Business.
The FSB welcomes the pledge on the greatest possible access to single market and more locally, the Prime Minister’s commitment to maintain the Common Travel Area as a priority.
Responding, to UK Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit speech laying out her 12-point plan, Mike Cherry, National Chairman at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), who was at the speech said: “Today we wanted to see the Prime Minister begin to sketch out a ‘pro-business Brexit’ by addressing trade, talent and transitional arrangements.
“93 per cent of our members export directly to the single market. Our members want to see this bold and ambitious Free Trade Agreement (FTA) so that they can continue to trade and operate within European markets. However, we will push the Government to guarantee whatever transition process is put in place ensures there is no cliff edge or gap in trade.
“One in five (21%) of FSB members export. This could be doubled with the right tailored small business support from the Department for International Trade along with new FTAs with the fastest growing markets in the world. Global trade will only flourish if the FTAs prevent additional barriers, such as cost and paperwork.
“Small employers will welcome the pledge to maintain the UK as a true magnet for international talent. We have pressed the Government hard to guarantee the right to remain for non-UK EU nationals in existing workforces, and no early cut-off date. Any future system must help small firms to easily recruit the right person, for the right job, at the right time.
“The Prime Minister’s other objectives show that there is a clear intention for transitional arrangements beyond the two year fixed period. We welcome the legislative certainty that comes with the Great Repeal Bill, to maintain the regulatory framework in the medium-term by incorporating EU law into UK law. After that, FSB will push Government and Parliament for the radical reform of the regulatory burden for small businesses.”
Speaking for FSB in Northern Ireland, Policy Chairman, Wilfred Mitchell OBE said: “We particularly welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment to prioritise the maintenance of a Common Travel Area with the Republic of Ireland in the forthcoming negotiations and her recognition of the special relationship that exists between the Republic of Ireland and the UK.
“Her confirmation that the government will make the delivery of a practical solution a priority will help to assuage the immediate concerns of business owners who are affected; but it is essential that we see detail on the mechanism as soon as possible.”
As the UK negotiating team assembles, evidence from FSB’s Brexit research programme will inform their work. Our job will be to make sure the voice of UK small business is heard in all these areas.
