Almost half of Cumbrian businesses aren’t preparing for Brexit, even though a majority expect it to damage their prospects, according to a survey carried out by a leading business organisation.
Cumbria Chamber of Commerce's survey, carried out as the UK approaches Brexit day on March 29, found 48 per cent of respondents of the online questionnaire have yet to start preparations.
Just over a quarter said this was because they didn’t expect Brexit to affect them. The rest said it was impossible to plan because the information they needed isn’t available.
Of those that have made preparations, some have carried out risk assessments on their supply chains or have raised stock levels as a precaution. One has changed its marketing strategy to target non-EU customers.
Fifty-six per cent said they expected Brexit to harm them, 19 per cent believed it would have a positive effect, 13 per cent said it will be neutral and 10 per cent didn’t know. One firm said it anticipated a negative short-term impact but benefits in the long run.
The survey has been completed by businesses in manufacturing, hospitality, retail, professional services, energy, IT, horticulture, food and drink, media, telecommunications, construction, and transport and distribution.
Rob Johnston, chief executive of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, said: “I sympathise with businesses who say they can’t prepare because we still have no idea what Brexit will look like, or even if it will happen.
“But there is a significant risk that, if Parliament remains deadlocked, we will leave the EU on March 29 without a deal or transition period.
“Businesses should be making contingency plans for that and there is help available."
The survey has been completed by businesses in manufacturing, hospitality, retail, professional services, energy, IT, horticulture, food and drink, media, telecommunications, construction, and transport and distribution.
The chamber is reporting the findings to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to help civil servants fine tune their Brexit planning.
The survey remains open on the chamber website at www.cumbriachamber.co.uk
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