What does the EU referendum mean for UK SMEs?

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and the local Chambers are working together to understand just how SMEs across the UK would be affected by the European Union (EU) and the planned EU in-out referendum.

The EU Referendum Bill 2014-15 is included within the government’s legislative programme, as confirmed in the Queen’s Speech in May.

It commits the UK to an in-out referendum on EU membership and the BCC is committed to facilitating a debate about the UK’s relationship with the EU to ascertain whether businesses value the union with their European counterparts.

In order to best represent business’ interests in this debate – and understand what is widely understood about the debate and how the in-out referendum might impact on different business sectors – the BCC and the Chamber Network invites SME owners to complete this short survey to enable them to act as an informed voice for businesses of all sizes in this highly important debate.

The survey takes just five minutes to complete and responses will be saved throughout the process so business owners can continue where they left off at any time. The poll will remain open for completion until midnight on Monday 17^th August.

Just a couple of weeks ago Chancellor, George Osborne took Britain’s case for EU reform to Paris, seeking support from French counterparts for a deal the Conservative government can put before voters in the in-out referendum.

This visit is the first in a series of visits to capitals across Europe, in a bid to build on Cameron’s meetings with all 27 leaders of the bloc earlier in the year.

“The referendum in Britain is an opportunity to make the case for reform across the EU,” said Osborne.

“I want to see a new settlement for Europe, one that makes it a more competitive and dynamic continent to ensure it delivers prosperity and security for all of the people within it, not just for those in Britain.”



Image: Yanni Koutsomitis

Date published 10 Aug 2015 | Last updated 10 Aug 2015