Brexit camp gaining ground, says BCC
SOME 47% of businesses in Greater Manchester have indicated they will vote to remain in the EU on June 23, with 43% opting to leave.
The result of the latest British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) European Union Referendum Survey, show a shift in voting intentions with fewer companies in favour of remaining.
Up to 56% of Greater Manchester businesses say they will vote to remain in the EU with 35% opting to leave. The remaining 9% were undecided.
More than 2,000 businesses from across the UK took part in the poll last month, which was the second BCC survey of its kind this year.
The first, in February this year, showed that 63% of Greater Manchester businesses would vote to remain and 30% would vote to leave.
Nationally, 54% of businesses would vote to stay within the EU, the majority of which are exporters, and 37% would vote to leave.
Chris Fletcher, marketing and policy director at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: “The British Chambers of Commerce survey results from Greater Manchester businesses are in-line with the national picture and make for interesting reading.
“Within the survey, businesses were asked how committed they were to their voting choice; 60% of those in favour of remaining in the EU said they were completely committed to their decision, compared to 50% of those who would opt to leave.
“We have been asking businesses at our Action for Business events over the last few weeks, which take place in all ten local authority areas of Greater Manchester, how they would vote in the referendum on June 23 and the results seem to be split between those wishing to remain and those who are yet to decide.
“We have invited both Britain Stronger in Europe and the Vote Leave campaign groups into the Chamber over the next few weeks so that our members can put their questions and views directly to them.”
