Chamber seeks to calm Brexit jitters with new support programme

THE Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce is offering companies support on the back of the decision to leave the European Union.

The chamber today (Monday) launches a Go For Growth Post Referendum helpline which will be staffed by impartial business advisers.

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.

“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.

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

She said chamber members were split on what outcome they wanted but a leave vote was always going to be the most difficult to mitigate.

However, she said it would be wrong to put business on hold and clarity on how firms could move forward would be a positive step.

“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,” added Ms Bennett.

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

“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.”

The number is 02476 654321 and more information is available at www.cw-chamber.co.uk