David Brooks  28.04.2016

With big business mainly aligned with the government, together with most political parties and trade unions, the campaign to remain in the EU  has plenty of funding and backing to win the upcoming UK referendum. But what about the SME's who are expected to provide the growth needed for more jobs?

Government statistics  show that 99.9% in 2015 were SME's providing  60% of all private sector employment in the UK. So an important sector of the UK economy then - where do these businesses stand? This week I spoke at length to a businessman who runs a medium size business which provides major plant hire to the construction industry. He and his business partner were strongly in favour of leaving the EU even though he thought there could be an economic downturn for a while, but a Britain once again free of the burden of EU legislation would soon re-focus and within a few years be booming. His views of an independent Britain were generally optimistic, as with others of the older generation, who tend to view Europe as more of a 'basket case' than the blueprint for a better future.

The Government pro EU campaign claims 'over 3 million jobs are linked to exports to the EU.' This statement in the now infamous £9 million leaflet leaves the suggestion that if the UK leaves, 3 million people will lose their jobs. How this figure was reached who knows. It is a fear of job losses that may influence individual voters.

In summary much of the Government's economic and business case to remain in the EU is to offer a gloomy alternative. Against this the optimism of the business owners in the vital SME camp is coming from people who have succeeded in building successful businesses and see independence as a great opportunity. An opportunity and positive spirit that needs to be eloquently argued if the referendum is to be won by the 'leave' campaigners.



As Britain decides whether to vote to stay in the European Union or  vote to leave, this blog will run a short series of articles on some of the practical experiences of business in the EU.





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