Article 50 triggered: East Midlands reaction

Business leaders across the East Midlands have responded to Article 50 being triggered by Prime Minister Theresa May.

The main message from across the region was that the Government should listen to the concerns of business.

Scott Knowles, East Midlands Chamber’s chief executive, said: “To all intents and purposes, everything that has gone before has been rhetoric – the negotiations begin in earnest.

“In January, at her first regional Cabinet Meeting when she launched the Industrial Strategy Green Paper, Mrs May gave a strong indication that the needs of business would play a prominent part in Brexit negotiations.

“Today, we are urging her to continue to heed the voice of business throughout the negotiations to ensure the UK not only remains a great place for global investment but also so that British businesses are not disadvantaged either during talks or once Brexit is achieved.”

Sara Fowler, EY’s senior partner in the Midlands, said: “There is little doubt that these will be some very complex negotiations, however with the right will on both sides, there is a way through. Business will look to politicians and negotiators on both sides to seek common sense solutions that work for both the economy and society. No one will benefit if negotiations break down.

“Talking to local Midlands businesses would go some way to provide reassurances and should be seen as a strong early signal in the negotiations that both sides are committed to an orderly and phased-in Brexit deal. Other items on the agenda include the lightest possible customs border to limit disruption to trade, ability to recruit staff and a stable regulatory system between the UK and EU.”

Chris Frostwick

Chris Frostwick, practice leader of Grant Thornton in Leicester, said: “Businesses will welcome this as starting to provide some further clarity on the way forward. There is one additional matter that our clients want government to address now: they want them to give a guarantee that EU citizens currently working in the UK will have a right to remain.

“This is creating huge uncertainty for people and the organisations that employ them. From financial services to farms; from care homes to construction. This is impacting on key parts of the economy already, not least most of our key public services, and we would call for a unilateral announcement by the Government to secure their position to remain, which will also set a positive tone for more collaborative discussions with the EU.

Paul Drechsler, CBI President, said: “We welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment to free trade and European values which should hearten those around the table and set a constructive tone at the start of the negotiations.

“This is a pivotal moment in our history and the time to be ambitious, level-headed and confident.

“It is in the interests of businesses across Europe to work together in absolute determination to make a success of Brexit

“Our shared aim must be to forge a mutually beneficial deal that delivers barrier-free trade and safeguards prosperity for all. The Prime Minister has recognised this.”