Noticias de la Cámara
Message from David Thomas MBE, Executive Chairman of COBCOE, regarding the results of the referendum
27/06/2016
I am writing to you following the result of yesterday’s referendum. Probably you are all like me reeling from the shock of the result and the Prime Minister’s subsequent resignation.
Following a very emotional and barbed final week of campaigning, it is easy to believe that the darkest of scenarios will hit us in the coming days weeks and months. I firmly believe that uncertainty is the most dangerous enemy facing the UK and EU. It seems that the political process in the UK will not be solved in days and so we will have to live with the inevitable volatility in global capital markets which will be its result.
What is clear is that for the period of negotiations, however long (and I hope both sides cooperate to make the period as short as possible), the UK’s position in the EU remains, with all the associated existing trading regime. There are still major opportunities for European business – your members – to do business and we in the COBCOE family must redouble our efforts to assist in this area.
It is very timely that COBCOE Connects, our new online service to help businesses find high quality, trusted and relevant contacts around the world, is in its final phase of development and will be live in the autumn. This is one of several ways in which COBCOE can support you, whether you need help with representation, promoting your events or organising trade delegations, for example. For more information on the help we can offer, please click here.
COBCOE will also use all its efforts through our work with the UK Government and the European Commission to ensure the importance of the business and trade agenda for all European businesses is maintained in any exit negotiations, and that any damage to the UK's trading ability is minimised. Your help in pushing this important area with your home governments will be very important in the months ahead. Britain is still a strong economy. The entire continent needs trade to continue unhindered to maintain our Global competitive position. Together we must “Keep Calm and Carry On Trading."
I will keep you updated about our progress and watch this space in terms of our activity and presence.
Best wishes
David Thomas
