Businesses at a major Brexit summit in Dorset hailed ‘confidence’ as the vital factor in forging a successful future outside of the EU.
There were calls for greater Government consultation and communication with the business community to end uncertainty and boost belief in the economy.
Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) held the debate – entitled ‘Brexit: What Next for Business?’ – with Bournemouth University (BU).
More than 130 people attended the special event at BU’s Talbot campus. It was backed by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) as well as the Institute of Directors (IOD), Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Poole Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Ferndown Chamber of Commerce, and Daily Echo and Dorset Echo publisher Newsquest.
BCC executive director David Riches chaired the debate. The panel of business leaders comprised NatWest head of corporate Anthony Donohue, Savills (UK) Ltd senior planning director Richard Shaw, Daily Echo editor and head of news Andy Martin, BU economist Prof Nigel Jump, Steele Raymond solicitors managing partner Peter Rolph and Sunseeker International chief executive officer Phil Popham.
BU Vice-Chancellor Prof John Vinney and DCCI chief executive Ian Girling welcomed delegates before each panellist gave an insight from their sector and the floor was opened for questions.
Issues raised included trade negotiations, timeframes, red tape, consultation, confidence, communication, the media, economic stimulus, procurement and Government action.
A show of hands by attendees also revealed that most were positive about the future.
Ian Girling said: “It was a fascinating debate covering a great many areas and it was incredibly valuable to hear the views and concerns from different perspectives.
“Greater communication with the government came out as a key message and the role of confidence was also identified as crucially important.
“It is vital that our politicians have a strong understanding of the views of the business community.
“We must look forward with confidence. DCCI intends to lead the way in Dorset and give business every support as well as represent members and their concerns at a local and national level.”
He added: “It was another successful event with a great turnout and a very strong panel. I wish to thank Bournemouth University, our partners, the BCC, all of the panellists, and business people who attended.”
David Riches said: “Anyone with potential issues or decisions to make can talk to the BCC or DCCI for advice and we will also feedback up the chain to Whitehall as part of our representations at the highest level.”
Professor John Fletcher, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at Bournemouth University, said: “Now is the time to look for brand new opportunities, opportunities that it had never considered before because it was looking towards Brussels.
“Yes, there will be difficult challenges, but we need to find the positives ahead. This event was intended to encourage people to look forward for those opportunities, not back.”
DCCI, the voice of business in Dorset, is the only chamber in the county accredited to the BCC.
The debate – for invited business leaders and directors – was part of DCCI’s work to steer members through the maze of Brexit uncertainty and give BCC feedback to support its national lobbying on behalf of business.
The audience included DCCI board members, DCCI Business Partners, Christchurch MP Christopher Chope and Poole MP Robert Syms as well as director level members.
