I was delighted to host a Brexit Business Roundtable in Bury St Edmunds, the aim of which was to allow business leaders the opportunity to raise questions with Chris Heaton-Harris MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Exiting the European Union.
A wide range of businesses attended, including British Sugar, Muntons and Century Logistics, as well as representatives from the NFU and West Suffolk College. Between them, they account for major sectors of our local economy and are major employers in the region. I therefore felt it was important that they were able to discuss Brexit, regulations and Trade with the Minister.
The businesses present were particularly keen to understand the future opportunities that Brexit will create and how they could benefit from them. This included a discussion about tariffs and the ability of businesses to import and export goods and produce. From my time in business, I know how adaptable businesses can be to changing conditions. I also appreciate how innovative solutions can be found to what at first appear to be difficult questions.
Above all, businesses are looking for clarity as to what our future relationship with the EU will look like, as well as stability as we exit from the EU. Parliament voting in favour of the Withdrawal Agreement is the crucial first step, which once taken will allow us to look forward to our future relationship with the EU, including a comprehensive trade deal.
