Finance


Midlands businesses are staying positive


Middle market businesses across the Midlands are more positive about the economic impact of Brexit over the next five years than any other region in the UK. That’s according to the latest


YouGov survey commissioned by leading audit, tax and consulting firm RSM. RSM’s Brexit Monitor


Index, in which any reading above 100 (on a scale of 0-200) indicates that businesses are more optimistic than pessimistic, showed that sentiment among regional businesses about the impact of Brexit on the economy over a five- year period reached 122 in the current quarter – up 10 points from 112.


This was in sharp contrast to


businesses in London where the index dipped from 116 last quarter to just 95. However, when asked about the


prospects for their own businesses, respondents across the region were significantly less optimistic, registering a score of just 101.


The national survey of more than


300 UK leaders of mid-market companies also revealed that respondents were quite bullish about the prospects of a good Brexit deal. Mark Taylor (pictured), RSM’s


regional managing partner for the central region, said: “Despite the Cabinet divisions and reports of a deadlock in the negotiations, businesses across our region remain upbeat about the long-term economic effects of Brexit and relatively confident about the


Government’s ability to deliver a


good deal. “There is still great uncertainty


regarding our future trading relationships with the EU and other global markets. However, we detect a change in tone among businesses. “The latest results of our survey


suggest they are now taking a more pragmatic view of what could lie ahead and are taking steps to adapt and emerge stronger post- Brexit.”


Sector Focus


December 2017/January 2018 CHAMBERLINK 51


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