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Survey finds that Southport firms "want to remain in EU!"
ACCORDING to Southport accountancy and business advisory firm Moore and Smalley, who conducted a poll, have found out that almost ¾ of businesses believe the economy will be stronger if Britain remains in the European Union. Of the business owners surveyed, 56 per cent said they wanted to stay in the EU if Britain could secure key reforms, and a further 16% wanted Britain to "remain a member at all costs." However, almost 1 in 5 (18%), said they believed that leaving the EU was the best strategy to help Britain's economy. Just eight per cent said a straight in/out referendum, without attempts at EU reform, was the best option. James Treadwell, partner at Moore and Smalley, said:- "Britain's membership of the European Union has been a divisive issue for decades and, with a referendum due to be held on the issue within two years, it remains a key consideration for the business community. The EU is the Britain's key trade partner and there are fears an exit could shrink the UK economy on the back of weaker trade and reduced inward investment, as well as reducing our export markets and making imports more expensive. However, other leading business figures have argued that an EU exit could actually benefit Britain as we would be able to negotiate as one country rather than being one of 28 nations." Prime minister, David Cameron, has pledged to push hard for EU reform before holding a referendum on Britain's membership before the end of 2017. Since being elected in May, he's been on a round of diplomatic visits to other member states to secure support for his reform plans and he formally set out Britain's proposals at a meeting of EU leaders on 25 June 2015. James added:- "The EU question is one that is causing uncertainty for businesses and many business owners I speak to, particularly those who trade with Europe, agree that the quicker it is resolved the better. There's a danger that the EU issue just hangs over the economy like a dark cloud for the next few years and that could damage business growth."
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'To let' board ban success HUNDREDS of 'to let' boards have now been taken down in part of Liverpool in a scheme to improve life for local residents. The pilot initiative came into force on Monday 22 June following concerns raised by residents and local ward councillors living in Greenbank ward about the number of boards; estimated to be around 500. It was due to the fact the area has a large student population and a significant proportion of privately rented accommodation. Local people believed they were having a detrimental impact on the sustainability of the housing market in the area. The City Council wrote to all estate agents and landlords asking them to remove the boards and the vast majority have now complied, leading to a huge improvement in the streetscape. Councillor Frank Hont, Cabinet member for housing, said:- "I would like to thank the estate agents and landlords in the area for co-operating with the wishes of local residents. We have had some excellent feedback from residents who are pleased with the difference that it has made. There are still a handful of boards remaining and we will continue to do what we can to get the home owners to follow the lead of everyone else." Kris Cargill from the Dales Residents Association added:- "We wanted action because the boards gave the impression that the area is a place where nobody wants to live, when in actual fact we are a strong and thriving community. This scheme has removed the eyesores and made our area more attractive." Greenbank Councillor, Laura Robertson Collins, who took a motion to council calling for the introduction of the ban, said:- "I am delighted that such a simple idea has made a big difference in such a short space of time." The area covered by the zone is bounded by Gainsborough Avenue (evens side only), Smithdown Road and the railway line and includes:- ► Blantyre Road. If necessary, the council does have the power to apply to the Secretary of State for permission to prohibit the use of boards. |
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