Wednesday 5 April 2017

European business leaders stand together to prepare for a post-Brexit era

One week after Prime Minister Theresa May triggered Article 50, European business groups have come together at City Hall in London today to sign a declaration committing to work together in a post-Brexit era.

London Chamber of Commerce and Industry invited the Alliance of European Metropolitan Chambers (AEMC) to London to work together to address issues Brexit might present.

Representatives from major city chambers of commerce from across Europe, including Berlin, Paris and Madrid, are attending a day-long summit at City Hall to discuss business priorities including flexible immigration, trade deals and transport links.

Attendees will be addressed by Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan and 'Minister for Exiting the European Union Lord Bridges and take part in several themed discussions with panelists including UK industry leaders.

Together the Alliance of European Metropolitan Chambers represent the interests of hundreds of businesses across the continent.

The declaration agreed by the attending chambers of commerce states:

"Our shared European economy has been underpinned by an evolving economic framework with collaboration on trade and commerce as its ideal alongside cooperation on competition and growth as its objective. As a result, business has overcome borders to succeed and flourish.

"We recognise while the UK may be poised to exit the EU, Britain is not leaving Europe. However, the process of Brexit will inevitably present varying challenges to the good functioning of pan-European business."

Chief Executive of London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Colin Stanbridge said: "It should be noted that while the UK is exiting the EU, Britain is not leaving Europe. We are all in a unique political situation, cities across Europe are anxious about the future post-Brexit.

"Today is an opportunity to look to air and address those concerns.

"We have always an enjoyed working alongside our European Chamber colleagues, but now is a chance to solidify those relationships and ensure we have an even stronger partnership moving forward."

Minister for Exiting the European Union Lord Bridges said: "This declaration is an excellent initiative and it is great to see businesses working together to seize the opportunities that will arise from our European Union departure.

"We are seeking an agreement that will give UK companies the maximum freedom to trade with and operate within European markets and allow European businesses to do the same across the UK.

"And we will continue to engage with businesses across London, the UK and Europe on important issues such as trade, migration and transport as we enter into negotiations."

ENDS

Media Contact
Katharine McGee
T: +44 (0)20 7203 1897
M: +44 (0)7827 241528
E: kmcgee@londonchamber.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITOR:

1. London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) is the capital's largest and most representative business organisation, with members ranging in size from multi-national companies to SMEs.
2. Colin Stanbridge, Chief Executive, is available for further comment and interview.
3. European Metropolitan Chambers attending the summit include Athens, Berlin, Brussels, Budapest, Dublin, Frankfurt, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Manchester, Paris and Turin.
4. Follow the discussion at #EurometroChambers