European Movement Business Survey 2023

Brexit is a disaster for businesses. That’s the standout finding from the EM Brexit Business Impact survey. Based on testimonies and feedback from businesses up and down the country, the report highlights multiple challenges ranging from new Brexit red tape, a lack of workers, and huge increases in overheads. 94% of businesses said leaving the Single Market and Customs Union has had a negative effect and more than 50% said Brexit red tape has made trading with the EU increasingly difficult

The voice of business, in particular small and medium sized business, needs to be heard. Many responders in Cheltenham stated that no-one appeared to be listening or interested in helping.

From Cheltenham:

In August, Cheltenham for Europe toured local businesses to encourage them to fill out the European Movement’s survey. We heard dismay and despondency from many business owners. In fact, in one gents’ outfitter I visited, the owner was both very angry and dismayed at what Brexit had done to his business, and particularly his trade with Germany, which had all but dried up. It was incredibly sad to listen to him because all we could do was sympathise and encourage him to have his say through the survey. The business owners we spoke to in Cheltenham valued the opportunity to speak their mind on Brexit.

Neil C4E Committee

The evidence collected shows the urgent need for our politicians to improve our trade relationship with Europe.

For the full report: Brexit_Business_Impact_Report.pdf (nationbuilder.com)