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With so many questions about the UK’s ongoing relationship with the EU left to be answered, it’s a time of uncertainty for businesses of all sizes in the UK. With that in mind, the the g association of independent chartered accountancy and law firms, the UK200Group, has asked its member firms what they expect the future holds for SMEs in the UK.
The hard art of negotiation
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“Hard Brexit will suit neither the UK nor the EU and we will see where negotiations take us. UK has not been involved in such negotiations for many years and will have to find people with those negotiation skills. Equally, the EU may have negotiators but in the last 40 years they have not been successful in negotiating much; in part due to the need to get agreement from all individual members as well. As a single country UK can be more nimble in negotiations but with 26 members and different national objectives the EU may well prove obstinate.”
Long journey to clarity
Chris Swallow, Partner at UK200Group member Howard Worth, said: “The triggering of Article 50 will start the long journey to clarity on this matter. However the Scottish Independence referendum calls will give an added dimension. The calling of a new Scottish referendum was always on the cards.
“Having a presence in the UK, including Scotland, together with mainland Europe will be more important than ever and the UK200Group allows us to have this footprint.”
Period of uncertainty
Trevor Cook, Partner at UK200Group member Baines Jewitt Chartered Accountants, said: “It is understandable that there has been some unrest in the run up to triggering Article 50. Many individuals and businesses feel they are entering a period of uncertainty and there has been a lot of speculation. Until the formal discussions are underway, it is too early to predict exactly what changes will be made and what path the UK will follow in its future relationships.
“However, it is hoped that the forthcoming negotiations will have the UK’s best interests at heart, whether that means agreeing positive trading terms, taking advantage of the single market, understanding the impact on UK taxation, helping businesses and individuals to plan ahead or presenting the UK as an attractive place to do business.”
Can't sit on our hands
James Abbott, President of the UK200Group and Director at Abbott Moore, said: “Latterly I perceive much of the comment has portrayed a feeling which has, at best, been apprehensive about the Brexit process and, at worst, been quite negative. Counter that with a few outspoken individuals who seem to acknowledge few of the challenges we face in the break-up and as ever, it's difficult to draw conclusions about our future. I suspect the success of the UK's negotiations will lie somewhere in between those expectations.
“Whilst I am genuinely confident in our nation's ability to thrive in whatever environment we face, we as SME advisors can't sit on our hands and wait for the uncertainties during the negotiation process to be ironed out. It's essential that we continue to open up new conversations and strengthening existing relationships, we can support our members' SME clients in taking advantage of the opportunities Brexit will create.”
The UK200Group, established in 1986, represents a significant group of trusted, quality-assured business advisers – chartered accountants and lawyers – who have over 150,000 SME clients in total. As such, the UK200Group acts as the voice for 1,899 charities, over 12 per cent of all registered academies, more than 3,887 farms, 800 healthcare businesses and over 4,000 property and construction professionals. The organisation remains impartial on political matters, and presents the individual views of its members.
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Susie Hughes © Shout99 2017
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