inspire BUSINESS WEST – CONNECTING BUSINESSES COMMENT & OPINION
Keeping you up-to-date with the latest political policies and decisions that affect South West businesses
Reaction to the EU referendum
Commenting on the EU Referendum result, in which the UK voted to leave the union, Phil Smith, managing director of Business West, said: “After a long and often acrimonious campaign the UK public has chosen to leave the European Union. This is a historical decision. “It is vital that the government now sets
out a clear plan for what leave looks like. This must include a commitment to negotiate for full or equivalent access to the European Single market – the UK’s largest export market. “Many South West firms export to the
EU, are part of pan European supply chains, rely on skilled European labour or depend on foreign investment due to the UK’s position in the single market. These firms need clarity as quickly as possible about the UK’s future trading relationship with Europe. Without clarity there is a danger that investments will be put on hold, plans for new plant, new jobs and new expansion will be frozen. “Government must set out what its negotiating time frame is; how negotiations around future trade relationships will go alongside withdrawal from the European Union and give clear reassurances around the quality of market access it seeks to achieve. The aim of the negotiations cannot be to raise the drawbridge to either Europe or the world. Equally fears over migration cannot be allowed to trump the UK’s economic interests. “Eyes will now turn to the financial markets, with the value of sterling and shares expected to fall. The Bank of England and the government need to reassure consumers, businesses and investors that it is ready to steady the ship and prevent damaging fall out from market uncertainty. “Above all the government must do its
upmost to stop this process creating years of political and economic uncertainty which will negatively affect businesses from the smallest to the largest. This calls on politicians of all parties to rediscover statesmanship and negotiate what is the biggest change for the UK since the end of the Second World War.”
14 insight JULY/AUGUST 2016
Giving access to graduate talent
West, the leading provider of business support services in the South West. The new partnership will provide local businesses with a quality service to access an unlimited pool of graduate talent. To celebrate this new partnership, recruiters in the West of England are invited to take advantage of a special 10 per cent discount using code BW012016 until the end of July with Gradsouthwest. The partnership is a fitting way to mark Gradsouthwest’s first anniversary as a private company. Founded in 2001 by university careers departments, the service is now managed by the former staff team who are passionate about the value graduates bring to the local economy. Retaining strong campus links, Gradsouthwest attracts candidates from a wide range of universities and disciplines who share a desire to work in the South West. Commenting on the partnership, Dr Deborah
G
Watson, director of Gradsouthwest, said: “We are delighted to be working with Business West and to feature as one of their impressive suite of business solutions.
radsouthwest, the South West’s graduate jobs board, has announced a new partnership with Business
‘Gradsouthwest has an excellent reputation and is led by an experienced and passionate team’
“As a small business ourselves, we recognise
just how critical high quality business support can be, and welcome the opportunity to assist other businesses in accessing talent to drive innovation and growth.” Phil Smith, managing director of Business
West, said: “Gradsouthwest has an excellent reputation and is led by an experienced and passionate team. “Youth unemployment remains a barrier to
long term economic growth, and businesses tell us that the skills gap is hurting them day in, day out. “This platform addresses this issue by linking
our young talent with businesses of all sectors and sizes. I am pleased to welcome them to our extensive network of partners.”
To find out more about Gradsouthwest, visit
www.gradsouthwest.com, or contact the Business West Skills Team via
skills@businesswest.co.uk
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