Chancellor positive about new opportunities for UK firms

Chancellor, Philip Hammond believes British businesses must make the most of the new opportunities presented to them by the unprecedented EU referendum vote, following roundtable events at the Treasury and Downing Street.

Mr Hammond met with business owners from across the country to gather opinions ahead of his first Autumn Statement.

The Chancellor told business leaders that the Government will endeavour to support them through the period of adjustment while the UK attempts to plot a new course for itself post-EU across the globe.

Attendees to the roundtable discussions came from a broad mix of leading business groups, most notably the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and BMW, British Airways, Sainsbury’s and TSB.

The Chancellor was also involved in discussions with senior executives from John Lewis, Rolls Royce, BAE Systems and CISCO about how to boost UK growth and productivity in the coming months and years.

“These discussions have been an excellent way to hear the views of large and small businesses, specialising in a range of industries and from all over the country ahead of my first Autumn Statement,” said Hammond.

“My message to businesses is clear: In our negotiations to leave the EU, we will work hard to get the best deal for Britain and that includes ensuring that British companies can continue to trade with the single market in goods and services.

“We will continue to move forward positively and make the most of the opportunities that our departure presents by getting out and doing business across the globe, while at home building a Britain that works for everyone.

“We have an opportunity to forge a new role for ourselves in the world, to negotiate our own trade deals and be a positive and powerful force for free trade and it is crucial that government and business work together to make it happen.”

The roundtable discussions continue today when the Chancellor will meet with a host of the UK’s most innovative firms in order to discuss disruptive technology.




Image: Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Date published 22 Sep 2016 | Last updated 22 Sep 2016