BCC reaction to General Election result 2017

BCC comments on the result of the General Election.

Commenting on the General Election result, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“After two long years of elections, referenda and wider uncertainty, many businesses were doing their best to ignore the noise of politics – up until today. 

“The electorate’s split decision generates further uncertainty for business communities, who are already grappling with currency fluctuations, rising costs, and the potential impacts of Brexit. 

“The formation of a workable administration that can give voters and businesses confidence around economic management must be the immediate priority.

“Whilst companies have for many months done their best to screen out political noise in order to focus on their own operations, this result will prove much harder for UK businesses to ignore. The swift formation of a functioning government is essential to business confidence and our wider economic prospects. 

“Businesses are adept at forming alliances and coalitions when important interests are at stake. We should expect the same of our politicians.” 

On the timetable for Brexit negotiations, which are scheduled to begin in less than a fortnight, Dr Marshall said:

“No business would walk into a negotiation without clear objectives, an agreed starting position, and a strong negotiating team. It is hard to see how Brexit negotiations could begin without answers on these important questions.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

Dr Adam Marshall is in Belfast meeting members of the business community and is available for print and broadcast interview from there.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) sits at the heart of a powerful network of 52 Accredited Chambers of Commerce across the UK, representing thousands of businesses of all sizes and within all sectors. For more information visit: www.britishchambers.org.uk

Media contacts:

Allan Williams – Senior Press Manager

020 7654 5812 / 07920583381

Orla Hennessy – Press Officer

020 7654 5813 / 07825 746 812