MPs face Gloucestershire businesses over how to prepare for Brexit

All six Gloucestershire MPs have agreed to speak to businesses at a special event designed to encourage local firms to become first time exporters and help them overcome any fears they may have over Brexit.The Business West event is being backed by The Citizen and Echo at the newly refurbished Jurys Hotel in Cheltenham on Friday November 4 and is free to businesses registering on the Business West website.

Ian Mean, Director of Business West for Gloucestershire, said:“We have organised this question and answer event with all our county MPs because we believe it has never been as important or attractive for businesses in Gloucestershire to sell their products and services abroad.

“Whatever post-Brexit deals our politicians can work out, Business West is confident of our abilities now, and in the future, to help companies in this region get their goods to overseas customers, and, most importantly, get paid.

“With the Sterling exchange rate favouring exporters, the EU still open for business and a major government push to open up new trade markets, now is the time to invest in exporting.”

Gloucester’s MP, Richard Graham, who is the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy for the ASEAN EC, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, added:“This event is a great opportunity for business to raise any concerns about Brexit and give the county’s MPs their feedback on how the business environment is changing in different sectors.

“Brexit: threat or opportunity? Is a weaker currency a sign of a weaker economy about to see higher inflation or a boost for the county’s exporters? These are the sort of issues on which businesses have not just views but direct experience—and your MPs need to hear it.

“So, hearing from business their views on how important access to the single market is to Gloucestershire businesses, and much more besides, will help inform all of us.

”Business West represents all the Chambers of Commerce in Gloucestershire, and also holds the contract for the South West region from the government - through the Department of International Trade - to encourage and help companies to export.

If you have pre-event questions to put to the MPs on November 4, please email Ian.Mean@Businesswest.co.uk

Remember, the Jurys event is free and you need to register to attend via the Business West website.

On October 27 at the Growth Hub, Gloucester, Business West is inviting local businesses who are new to export or considering it for the first time to come along to a free Ready to Export Workshop Full details are on the Business West website under the events section.