#SageDebateEU should we stay or should we go?

Last week Sage hosted a live debate from The Shard on the EU referendum. Sadly due to childcare issues (the bain of self employed mothers!) I was unable to attend in person. I have waited a while to get something down on virtual paper as it’s such a hot topic but also such a individual one and I didn’t want to write anything non neutral. The idea was to pull small businesses together to discuss whether we should be voting to stay in or to ultimately leave the EU.

You can watch the video here : www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKo_0MVrWGk

The Question Time-style lunchtime debate was chaired by Sky News’ Ian King and the awesome Emma Jones from Enterprise Nation was on the panel.  A pre-debate poll was taken whereby staying IN the EU was the majority vote. 

According to @fsb_policy, 52% of businesses don’t feel sufficiently informed to make a decision #SageDebateEU

— Kevin Poulter (@kevinpoulter) March 7, 2016

Our latest research shows 64% of small businesses want to stay in the #EU but 40% want more information #SageDebateEU — Enterprise Nation (@e_nation) March 7, 2016

#SageDebateEU @emmaljones point on #smallbiz not really understanding the consequences of leaving is key. — Joanne Dewberry (@CharlieMoos) March 7, 2016

 

RT @e_nation: “Small businesses need to know ‘if I’m voting for out, what am I voting for?’. We want some clarity” @emmaljones #SageDebateEU — Dan Martin (@Dan_Martin) March 7, 2016

These tweets are all key … we (UK small businesses) don’t really understand at this moment what we are voting for and what leaving the EU would really mean for UK small businesses.  For example did you know that 2 million people work in the UK from the EU and in reverse 2 million UK people work in the EU? We easily lay blame on workers from the EU stopping Brits getting jobs but I think realistically this just isn’t true.

Reasons given to stay in: Access to a free market on our doorstep, access to skilled workers, benefits of free movement #SageDebateEU

— Startups.co.uk (@startupstowers) March 7, 2016

“If we were to leave the EU, there would be a period of total chaos” @Anna_Soubry #SageDebateEU — Enterprise Nation (@e_nation) March 7, 2016

Humm this is a sobering thought!! Thanks for that Anna!

“As a #smallbusiness owner who can we trust to give an impartial view of the pros and cons of staying or leaving the EU?” #SageDebateEU — ICB UK (@ICBUK) March 7, 2016

 

.@emmaljones “This is not a competition about which side wins. It is about informing businesses to make the right decision” #SageDebateEU — Neil Morgan (@neil_morgan) March 7, 2016

This is another reason why we are all feeling a bit confused, you can easily be swayed to vote one way by a charismatic politician and unfortunately this time round that just won’t cut it! 

The idea that Europe makes all our laws is absolute nonsense @annasoubrymp #SageDebateEU #Brexit

— Kevin Poulter (@kevinpoulter) March 7, 2016

In 56%, 24% undecided… A little swing, but still need facts #SageDebateEU — Marcus Leathwood (@MarcusLeathwood) March 7, 2016

After an hour the audience had the chance to re-vote, the end of debate poll still had staying IN the EU coming out top, but I think it’s vital to mention that 24% were still undecided. The EU referendum takes place on the 23rd June 2016 ensure you use this time to clarify what leaving the EU would actually mean to your business, be equipped with all the facts, don’t let other voters make this massive decision for you. Keep up to date on the debate by following the hashtag #SageDebateEU on Twitter and if you have any queries don’t hesitate to tweet them!

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