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North East entrepreneurs in head to head EU Referendum debate

The pros and cons of the UK’s European Union membership will be debated by two opposing North East entrepreneurs later this week, at a debate organised by the Entrepreneurs’ Forum.

North East mayoral candidate Jeremy Middleton will go head to head with John Elliott MBE (pictured below) , chairman of Newton Aycliffe based electrical good manufacturer Ebac, in a debate chaired by the forum’s board member Graham Robb.

The discussion aims to provide more information on the EU Referendum to business owners following recent research in which North East entrepreneurs said that while almost all were likely to vote, many wanted more information. Mr Middleton, will make the case for Britain to remain in the EU, while Mr Elliot will make the case for it to leave.

The conference, including the debate, will take place on Thursday the 12th of May, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Newcastle’s recently redeveloped Stephenson Quarter.

Other speakers include Irene Graham of the Scale-up Institute, father and son Sir Peter and Peter Vardy, Olympic high jumper Steve Smith, and ice cream magnate James Lambert. It is sponsored by leading North East software developers SGP Technology Group.

Entrepreneurs Forum chairman Nigel Mills said: “Many Entrepreneurs’ Forum members have strong views on current affairs, so given the upcoming EU referendum’s relevance to business, we asked them for their opinions. More supported for Remain than Leave, only one in eight were undecided, and there was a definite call for more information.”

“By bringing together two of the North East’s most prominent businessmen, both of whom strongly support opposing campaigns, for a civilised and insightful discussion, we hope to give the region’s entrepreneurs the information they need ahead of their decision on June 23rd.”

Graham Robb added: “Our relationship with the EU defines how and where in the world we trade, which means that the referendum isn’t just a huge decision for Britain on the whole, it is especially important for the nation’s businesses.

“While there are many different, yet coherent, opinions on our EU membership, it is vital that when people go to the polls they appreciate the consequences of their vote for jobs, prices and economic growth.”