Government form Small business Brexit advisory group

An advisory group has been launched to give small businesses a voice during the Brexit negotiations, it has been announced.

Members from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), the Institute of Directors (IoD), and the Manufacturers’ Organisation (EEF) will join the group’s panel.

The group was launched by Brexit secretary David Davis and business industry minister Greg Clark.

Its aim is to give UK companies of all sizes a say in all business-related Brexit negotiations.

Stephen Martin, director-general at the IoD, said: “A good Brexit outcome is one that puts the economy, jobs and prosperity right at the centre of the negotiations, so we whole-heartedly welcome the formation of this advisory group by the government.”

Inclusion of the FSB, which represents around 150,000 small businesses and start-ups, means the small business community will be well accounted for.

Earlier this week, the group called for an easy immigration process so EU workers could continue filling vacant roles.

Mike Cherry, National Chairman at the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “The small business community relies on the talent of EU workers and FSB has continually called for those who are in the UK right up to the day we leave the EU to be allowed to stay. A specified early cut-off date will put businesses and entrepreneurs at risk.”