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WIRRAL CHAMBER
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L-R - Peter Brook, Bill Esterson, Sandra Kirkham, Sergie Averin, Andy Snell
WIRRAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
LOOKS AT COUNTDOWN TO BREXIT
PAULA BASNETT, CEO OF WIRRAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WRITES…
As Brexit draws closer and closer, there are still many questions to be
asked and answered. To help businesses focus on what may happen,
Wirral Chamber of Commerce held Countdown to Brexit, a panel
led event including Bill Esterson MP (Shadow Minister for Business
and International Trade), Sergei Averin (Russo-British Chamber of
Commerce and Industry of Russian Federation), Peter Brook (Partner at
DLA Piper) and Chamber Chair, Sandra Kirkham, also MD of Progress
to Excellence Group.
Bill Esterson MP, talked about the government’s Brexit approach, saying that
negotiations had created friction and slow progress has led to uncertainty
for UK business. In maintaining relationships with the EU for existing trade,
he advocated membership of a customs union as the only way to protect
businesses and jobs. “Brexit means different things to different people so we
need to listen to as many viewpoints to deliver the best Brexit for the UK."
In addition to trade, Mr Esterson highlighted workers rights, climate change,
travel freedoms and safety standards, among others currently protected by
EU membership.
Sergei Averin, of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian
Federation, suggested that the Russian business community is waiting with
anticipation to begin trading freely with the UK, highlighting that as an
emerging market filled with ambition and opportunity, Russia is eager to
build trade networks with the UK.
A straw poll taken of delegates suggested most were still in the Remain
camp, and if a second referendum happened those who voted Leave would
vote Leave again. The most common reason expressed for Leave appeared
to be the growing EU political ambitions and its perceived movement
towards a United States of Europe. Delegates appeared unhappy with Brexit
uncertainty, but that the UK would make a success of Brexit once deal terms
were agreed.
continue training and development programmes to ensure the workforce
integrity, security and quality if we want our economy to grow for future
generations.”
Outlining the complex legal work required to untangle the UK from the
EU, Peter Brook, of DLA Piper highlighted many clients have formed
committees to assess the impact of Brexit and plans to mitigate the risks.
“DLA Piper is advising clients about the legal aspects of contingency plans,
but, it is possible that businesses will be affected in some way or other in a
worst case scenario, so work done now to identify and mitigate those risks
to trade is time well spent.”
As CEO of Wirral Chamber of Commerce it is important that we continue
to provide forums so our membership can discuss issues likely to affect them
in the months ahead. I spoke with Strategic Member, Ben Humphreys from
PFP Wealth, who told me, “Countdown to Brexit offered perspectives on
a number of issues concerning Brexit, but also highlighted new trade and
business opportunities in post-Brexit. I am talking with clients about the
impact of Brexit, and have highlighted that businesses need be ready and
prepare for the outcome next year.”
Hosting the event was Head of Strategic Partnerships, Andy Snell, “This
was a key event in communicating strong messages, particularly with the
involvement of Patron and Strategic members, who help define the Chamber
direction. I would welcome any enquiries from businesses about our
services and support who are keen to be involved with Wirral Chamber of
Commerce as members.”
To find out more about Wirral Chamber of Commerce Strategic or
Essential membership, please contact Andy Snell at:
[email protected]
Sandra Kirkham, Wirral Chamber of Commerce Chair, expressed concerns
over labour markets, and said that businesses should continue training
even if economic growth slows down following Brexit. Sandra called for
government to continue funding training programmes whilst underwriting
current European grants. “It’s essential that we don’t allow Brexit to be
detrimental on labour markets, so business and government need to
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