Firm explains concerns

A social enterprise which helps improve the lives of people with communication disabilities has told Stirling’s MP of its concerns over Brexit.

Talking Mats Ltd employs nine people and was established in 2011 by Dr Joan Murphy, a speech and language therapist.

It involves helping people consider, express and record their views by placing symbols onto a textured mat divided into three response areas: positive, negative and neutral or unsure. It is used by clinical practitioners, carers and support workers in a wide range of health, social work, residential and education settings.

Twenty per cent of the business is overseas, with particularly strong relationships in Scandinavian countries, France and a growing market in Germany.

The business works with organisations who support people with dementia, learning disabilities and additional support needs.

Talking Mats’Lois Cameron said:“We appreciated our MP Stephen Kerr taking the time to visit us. We were able to talk about the work of Talking Mats and also discuss with him our concerns about the impact of Brexit on our small business and particularly on future business planning.”

Mr Kerr, who voted in favour of Brexit, said:“We must make sure all our companies can continue to compete across EU countries as well as exploit the new opportunities in other markets that will become available.”