Thrings Post-Brexit Breakfast Statement Regarding South West Businesses

Following on from the hugely successful Brexit Breakfast event held by Thrings last week – which we at Total were definitely not going to miss – Partner Kate Westbrook has released a statement about the prevailing opinions about how Britain’s exit from the European Union has impacted business here in the South West, and how it’s likely to affect it in the future.

“On behalf of everyone at Thrings, I would like to thank those of you who joined us for our special Brexit Breakfast event in Swindon last week for a fascinating discussion on what the UK’s departure from the European Union could mean for businesses in the region.

“For all those of you who were unable to join us, we hope to see you at one of our future events soon.

“More than 80 business leaders gathered at Thrings’ offices in Drakes Meadow for the debate – which was supported by Business West and Swindon175 – to hear our panel of experts discuss the implications of a possible Brexit for Swindon and share ideas with their fellow attendees.

“Commercial contracts, immigration and workforce planning, international trade, data protection and IP all came under the microscope at the event, which took place a matter of hours after the High Court’s ruling that the Government would need Parliament’s approval to trigger Article 50.

“But the message from the panel – which comprised my fellow Thrings partners Graeme Fearon and Kerrie Hunt, Business West’s James Monk, and our keynote speaker, Robert Buckland MP – was clear: businesses need to take steps now to seize commercial opportunities in the future.

“And Robert, who campaigned for the UK to remain in the EU, left guests in no doubt about his position: “I’m optimistic about Swindon’s economy and the UK economy. We are going to make this work.”

“Regardless of your political leanings, the reality is Brexit is not going away and it is set to remain on many businesses’ agendas during the coming months and years. Thrings is planning to host further Brexit-themed events in the future – and to make them as relevant as possible, we would be grateful if you could fill in our feedback form and let us know what you think could – or even should – be discussed.”

It seems that the general consensus of those in attendance was that, we must accentuate the positives that this major move sends our way, and if we stay positive and make the right decisions, there’s no reason that leaving the European Union can be of benefit to businesses here in the South West.

A survey of South West business owners was conducted, the results are below.