Following the EU Referendum and Brexit, who would have guessed that so much can change in just 7 days?
A look back, and forward, by Helen White
The headlines have been unprecedented:
UK to pull out of the EU
2 Euro exits in one week
Prime Minister resigns
Jeremy Corbyn gets a vote of no confidence
Boris says “thanks but no thanks”
Following last Friday’s EU Referendum result, emotions ran high on whichever side of the euro-fence we had landed.
There was delight and disappointment, anger and joy and many heated debates – in the office, at home and all over social media.
I know of one organisation where the entire workforce took to the pub – celebrations and commiserations in almost equal measure – well 48 to 52 anyway!
I believe that the majority of the UK population support democracy; so, hard as it may seem for some, we have to take positive steps to move forward.
This is new territory for us all; without the benefit of a crystal ball, no one can be certain of how the new future will look. But, while it seems highly likely that we will break away from the EU, business must carry on.
Business Secretary Sajid Javid’s speech to UK business leaders at an emergency Brexit summit has focused on reassurance and his determination to retain as much access to the European single market as possible in any deal.
He told assembled guests that ‘This government is still 100% committed to making the UK the best place in Europe to start and grow a business,” but warned that the current climate was “Not the time for hasty decisions that will be regretted later.”
And while some will be erring on the side of caution, businesses are still investing and employing, there has been a lot of positive news around the region this week:
- Manchester City Council to invest £5.3m in digital and creative hub;
- Smart Live events established a northern division at MediaCityUK
- Sainsbury’s are creating 20 new jobs at Stockport Exchange
- Piccadilly Central – Manchester’s tallest residential scheme – gets the go ahead
- Property developers Henley Homes have released the first phase of new homes at Barnes Village
- RBS funded £70k for waste removal company’s expansion
- Manchester named UK’s most popular city for job searches outside London
There is much to look forward to and it is in the interest of the business communities to work together, to support growth and secure the future of the region.
The latest Northern Powerhouse Economic Review reports that up to 850,000 jobs could be created in the North by 2050 and urges a step-change in investment strategy along with greater collaboration between government and key partners to realise the £97bn growth potential across key Northern industries.
While we may not be able to see the whole road ahead, we can take off the brakes, perhaps proceeding with a little caution, and look forward to building a stronger future, together.
Finally, good luck to Wales tonight, at least keep us in the Euros!