Manufacturing 2015: EU referendum in focus
THE vast majority of North West manufacturers (83%) taking part in TheBusinessDesk.com’s sector survey with law firm Squire Patton Boggs, want the UK to remain a member of the EU.
This critical issue for business will be put to a public referendum before 2017, the Government has said.
The full findings, along with in-depth features, case studies and a round table discussion all form part of the North West supplement, which can be downloaded HERE . The Yorkshire supplement can be downloaded HERE and the West Midlands edition HERE.
In the meantime, uncertainty pervades, which could damage future strategic inward investment.
Stephen Fitzsimons, from manufacturers’ organisation EEF says this is a key concern: “What you may see is companies putting off investment decisions and I think you will see a little bit more of that if the referendum goes against what most people want, which is to stay in.”
Alan Purvis, chief executive of Salford-based manufacturer Mettler Toledo Safeline said it would be “a disaster” for his business if Britain withdrew from the EU.
He explained: “We import and export an enormous amount of equipment and services and I think it would be very dangerous to tamper with it. That doesn’t mean however that reform isn’t needed, but a referendum is a very dangerous thing because it could have unexpected consequences.”
His words were echoed by Vauxhall’s HR director Phil Millward, who said: “Remaining as a member of the family is very necessary from our perspective.”
Rob Elvin, office managing partner at Squire Patton Boggs in Manchester, says the repercussions of a “no” vote in the forthcoming EU referendum would have a serious consequences.
He said: “This is an issue that’s preoccupying many manufacturers based in this region right now because –
when it boils down to it – many believe that leaving the EU would have a negative impact on their trade.
“My impression is that manufacturers are concerned that the referendum will not ask the right questions and the electorate will not have been provided with sufficient information to allow them to make an informed decision.
“And many manufacturers are starting to think through appropriate ways of letting their staff know the facts about both sides of the argument so they can make a properly informed decision when it comes to voting day.”
