EU split not big concern for two in three firms

MOST British firms don’t see Brexit as a major cause for concern, a Bank of England study says.

Only 37 per cent of bosses said leaving the EU was one of the top three sources of uncertainty for their firm – meaning 63 per cent, or nearly two-thirds, do not see it as a substantial worry.

The Bank also reported a rise in retail sales and factory output amid ‘robust’ growth in exports. The findings undermine claims by big business and the pro-Brussels CBI that Brexit anxiety in firms is holding back the economy.

John Longworth, former head of the British Chambers of Commerce and now co-chairman of Leave Means Leave, said: ‘The vast majority of businesses… are upbeat.’