LISTEN: North business chiefs seek reassurances
Business leaders seek a way to stabilise the north economy and develop a new working relationship with the EU post-Brexit.
The message from north business leaders is that our economy can flourish in the new post-EU climate, but they are seeking a framework for how to negotiate a difficult period of transition.
Stewart Nicol, Chief Executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, says: "We need to chart our way through this as safely and securely as we can"
"We need our politicians to deliver and our immediate priority is to get clear timelines and clear strategy for working this through politically and economically"
But Mr Nicol admits not all businesses will be upset with the momentous decision:
Trudy Morris of Caithness Chamber said the area had benefited greatly over the decades from the UK's association with the EU, but now more than ever, north businesses needed clarity to help them through this period of uncertainty:
In Moray, where only 119 votes saw them bid to stay in the EU, Sarah Medcraf, CEO of Moray Chamber of Commerce said “Many of us awoke with mixed reactions to the news that the majority of the UK had voted to leave the EU"
"The detailed implications of an exit are unknown as we embark on a different journey and seek to negotiate a new relationship with our European partners and the wider world"
"We would urge a level of calmness – our products and services will continue to be traded throughout Europe and beyond"
"The priority for Scotland now is for our Governments and businesses to carry on and show great leadership in order to stabilise the markets and begin to plan our new relationship with Europe"
"Moray businesses will also be looking to understand the potential advantages that the UK’s exit from the EU might bring"
"In particular, we are keen to understand how Governments in Edinburgh and London might be able to more explicitly support Moray businesses to win local contracts from the public sector"
"It is the job of our Governments and the Bank of England to steady that ship, allowing the UK to plan our new relationship with the nations of the world, and ensuring that the UK remains a great place to do business"