Chesterfield businesses call for action in wake of referendum
Businesses across the Sheffield City Region are calling for stability, clarity and action from Government as the UK navigates its withdrawal from the UK.
They made the call at a meeting in Chesterfield, which was held to check the mood of local businesses following the outcome of the EU Referendum. More than 80 local business leaders attended the event, which took place at Ringwood Hall.
The event was facilitated by East Midlands Chamber and sponsored by RBS, in partnership with the Barnsley and Rotherham, Doncaster and Sheffield Chambers of Commerce and the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership.
It was aimed at giving business leaders the chance to talk openly about concerns they have following the outcome of the EU Referendum.
Focusing on stability and investment in the SCR economy, a panel featuring Scott Knowles – the Chamber’s Chief Executive, Nigel Brewster – Vice-Chair of Sheffield City Region LEP, John Burrows – Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, Martin McKervey – of Nabarro and Steve Roberts – Director of Fripp Design and Research, talked about the immediate impacts on the regional economy of the vote to leave.
Also on the agenda was a panel discussion on the importance to business of superfast broadband and the progress of the Government’s programme to roll it out across the country, along with a consultation on devolution, with a focus on the Sheffield City Region.
Chris Hobson, the Chamber’s Director of Policy, said:-
“Businesses at the event made clear that what they want to see is stability, clarity and action from Government, which must work to bring stability to markets, clarity on the timetable for changes to our relationship with Europe, and action on the many issues that matter for growth.
“While nothing will change in the immediate term, this event made clear that businesses across the Sheffield City Region want speedy clarity around fundamental issues such as the future trade deals the UK will seek, the type of legislative framework that may be introduced and the broader vision for a successful UK outside of the EU.
“And given the disconnect between the way London voted in the referendum compared with other parts of the UK, including the Sheffield City Region, there is a general consensus that devolution to our region should be viewed as a huge opportunity.
