Sebastian Leape

This paper, the third in a series exploring the impact of Brexit on British businesses, examines the prospects for, and potential impact of, a free trade agreement between the US and the UK. The research is based primarily on interviews with senior government officials, economists and trade experts, plus a range of companies and trade associations from the UK, US, and Europe. We discuss the key potential upsides, possible risks and principal negotiating issues from both US and UK perspectives… Show more

This paper, the third in a series exploring the impact of Brexit on British businesses, examines the prospects for, and potential impact of, a free trade agreement between the US and the UK. The research is based primarily on interviews with senior government officials, economists and trade experts, plus a range of companies and trade associations from the UK, US, and Europe. We discuss the key potential upsides, possible risks and principal negotiating issues from both US and UK perspectives. We conclude that it is highly unlikely that a free trade deal between the US and the UK will be secured in the near term and that the likely potential benefits for British businesses are less than often suggested. Show less

Brexit presents profound changes for British businesses: from how they trade, to how they are regulated and how they employ people. This paper represents the second phase of a research project exploring the challenges and opportunities from the perspective of mid-sized British businesses. Based on interviews with over 120 individual businesses, trade associations and experts, our research seeks to identify and discuss the issues and priorities of mid-sized British businesses as the UK… Show more

Brexit presents profound changes for British businesses: from how they trade, to how they are regulated and how they employ people. This paper represents the second phase of a research project exploring the challenges and opportunities from the perspective of mid-sized British businesses. Based on interviews with over 120 individual businesses, trade associations and experts, our research seeks to identify and discuss the issues and priorities of mid-sized British businesses as the UK progresses towards exiting the European Union. Highlights from this second phase of research include: most businesses want to remain in the Single Market, and if that proves impossible, to stay in the Customs Union; most businesses fear Brexit will result in more regulation, not less; and almost all British businesses want to maintain flexible access to EU labour. The key conclusion from these interviews is unambiguous: most British business leaders are concerned that the current path of Brexit could well cause significant damage to business, both because the end-point will inevitably mean more barriers to trade, most likely more regulation, and almost certainly less influence; and because the process of leaving the EU is creating huge uncertainties and diverting management efforts. Show less

Co-authors: Ed Balls, Peter Sands & Nyasha Weinberg

Brexit implies profound changes for British businesses: from how they trade, to how they are regulated and how they employ people. To explore the challenges and opportunities we interviewed over 50 mid-sized British businesses and trade associations, with the objective of identifying the key execution priorities for Brexit from their perspective. The paper sets out the findings from the interviews and draws conclusions for policymakers.… Show more

Co-authors: Ed Balls, Peter Sands & Nyasha Weinberg

Brexit implies profound changes for British businesses: from how they trade, to how they are regulated and how they employ people. To explore the challenges and opportunities we interviewed over 50 mid-sized British businesses and trade associations, with the objective of identifying the key execution priorities for Brexit from their perspective. The paper sets out the findings from the interviews and draws conclusions for policymakers. Key themes emerging include: the overwhelming importance of securing a good trade deal with the EU; the concern that Brexit would lead to an increased regulatory burden not a reduction; the need for continued engagement with EU regulatory agencies; the fact that Brexit will necessarily trigger a fundamental rethink of policy towards some sectors, in particular agriculture; and the need to upgrade customs control procedures and revamp the immigration system.

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