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Minister for Small Business visits Newcastle manufacturers following Brexit vote

Anna Soubry MP, Minister of State for Small Business, Industry & Enterprise, was in Newcastle this week to reassure around 100 North East manufacturers following the UK’s decision to leave the EU.

Speaking at the second annual North East Manufacturing Dinner, the Minister said: “These are undoubtedly difficult and uncertain times, but what’s vital now is that we all - people, government and business - come together to support British industry.

“That’s one of the reasons I wanted to come to the North East, which is home to so many manufacturing companies, not least in the automotive sector.

“Britain remains open for business and our advanced manufacturing remains some of the very best in the world.”

Also speaking at the event, Terry Scuoler, CEO of EEF, said that many manufacturers would be disappointed at the referendum outcome, but “…it must be respected and we all now need to move forward to secure Britain’s industrial future and our place in the world.”

He pointed out that Britain was starting from a position of strength, being the 5th largest economy and the 10th largest manufacturing country in the world, and enjoying low unemployment, low inflation, a flexible labour market and growing exports. But cautioned that the decision to Brexit would bring challenges, saying: “We do however have to negotiate a new arrangement and accommodation with the EU and it would be foolish to underestimate the difficulty and complexity of that task.”

He added: “Reassuring EU migrant workers already living and working in the UK that they can remain will, of course, also be critical. The link with skills to innovation, competitiveness and export potential is clear and must be reflected in any settlement.”

The dinner took take place last night (Thursday 30th June) in Newcastle. It was backed by Northumbria University, North East LEP and Lloyds Bank.