Bruntwood backs letter of support to remain in the EU

Bruntwood is proud to be joining 1300 UK businesses in signing a letter to the Times in support of the UK’s membership of the EU. Alongside more than 900 small and medium-sized businesses and 51 of the FTSE 100, Bruntwood signing this letter as it believes Britain is stronger in Europe.

CEO of Bruntwood, Chris Oglesby said:

"I believe that a decision for the UK to exit the EU now could be far more damaging for the great cities of the North and Midlands than the recent financially led recession. Brexit aside, the outlook has never been stronger for these cities, however the underlying economy is still very fragile and the inevitable halt in investment could set us back a decade at a time when we would otherwise be powering ahead. The likely polarisation of the political parties post-Brexit would only compound this.

“Instead, I would like to see the UK championing the views of the growing body of citizens across the continent that want radical reform of the EU and leading this from within. If the current growing movement for change leads to nothing and the economic conditions are right then I could be in favour of an exit in a decade or so, but definitely not now."

Those signing the letter believe their firms are stronger in Europe as this is where they see more opportunity for investment, growth and new jobs. The letter states that: "even those that want Britain to leave say that, in the short term, Brexit would lead to economic uncertainty and would put jobs at risk. Smaller businesses and the people they employ are particularly vulnerable to any economic shock which could follow a vote to leave the EU."

Their belief is that EU membership is good for business and good for British jobs, with more certainty, more trade and more jobs. "That's why, on June 23rd, we back Britain remaining in the EU."