The EU question: Cumbrian businesses remain divided

The trade question has proven to be one of the single biggest talking points for both small and large businesses alike.

Those in the 'out' camp have argued that the majority of small and medium sized firms do not trade with the EU but are restricted by regulations.

However, some of Britain's largest trading partners can be found in the EU, including Germany and France, the opposition argues.

It has become evident that there will be global implications to Britain's choice, too. President Barack Obama has issued warnings over a Brexit, stating that a leave vote would put the UK at the 'back of the queue' for trade deals with the United States.

Chris Nelson, the chair of the Ulverston Business Improvement District told the Gazette that there did not appear to be a 'consensus' from SMEs about whether the future would be better or worse in or out of Europe.

"It is sad that the debate has been mainly fuelled by fear not facts – fear of what will happen if we leave and what will happen if we stay," he said. "My personal view is that the European Union in its current form will cease to exist within the next ten years through the combined pressures of uncontrolled immigration and the dire financial situation in basket-case economies like Greece, Spain, Portugal and Italy.

"Is it better to wait for the crash or jump now? I’m always in favour of actually making a decision – so I will be voting to leave."

Despite this lack of unity in opinion, many in both camps agree with Mr Nelson that the campaign has been fuelled by fear, with Simon Thomas, the man behind Kendal's Staff of Life bakery, saying that 'scaremongering' had played too large a role for both sides.

For those dedicated to remaining in Europe, there seems to be a recognition that although the EU has its flaws, they need to be discussed rather than walked away from.

At a recent Forward in Europe meeting, Patrick Willink, the chief technology officer at Kendal based James Cropper plc, spoke of the major contribution his company makes to the local economy, by way of exports, wages and supplies.

"The UK paper industry employs 25,000 people directly and another 100,000 indirectly," he said. "Many of the firms are foreign owned, and it is difficult to predict with any confidence how the boards of these companies would deal with Brexit. It is a competitive world and we need to make up our minds to compete."

James Cropper is just one of South Lakeland's businesses that is of an international standard, and many would argue that it is the single market that has allowed them to thrive.

The Britain Stronger in Europe group would agree with this assessment, suggesting in figures released this week that businesses in the North West would be hit with an ‘export tax’ of £3.4billion if the UK left the EU single market.

If the numbers from the Federation of Small Businesses are anything to go by, then Mr Willink's 'in' vote is one that is shared with those involved in companies much smaller than his own. The figures revealed that 47 per cent of the group's members were considering a vote to remain in the EU, while 40.9 per cent were considering a vote to leave.

For John Barron, managing director of Romney's Kendal Mint Cake, his polling day decision remains undecided as he felt like it was difficult to make an 'informed decision' due to the tone of fear utilised on both sides of the debate. However, he has been troubled by the suggestions that the price of ingredients could go up.

"The main thing for us is the buying of ingredients and what implication there would be if there was restrictions," he said. "From what I hear, the ingredients would start costing more if we were not in Europe."

According to Lars Hoelgaard of the Brussels think tank Farm Europe, food and drink manufacturers would face higher long-term costs if Britain decides to leave the EU.

However, in the analysis he also said that the move would have less impact than some campaigners have been suggesting.

Although much of the media spotlight has been on the position that large corporations have taken, unions have also been using the referendum as an opportunity to make their voices heard.

The Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, who have a significant presence in Cumbria, have stated that they believe the EU is anti-worker, and that it acts 'overwhelmingly' in the interests of big business and against the interest of workers.

"It’s a myth that the EU has won workers’ rights and protections for workers," the RMT said. "Nearly all the laws that protect workers in Britain are UK laws which have been won by the struggles and campaigns of the British trade union and Labour movement.

"In fact, the EU and its European Court of Justice have accelerated their policy agenda which attacks trade union rights, job protections and wages."

Although business leaders in Cumbria, both large and small, may be voting in opposition to one another on June 23, the overwhelming feeling seems to be that straight facts have been too hard to come by during this long campaign - so much so, that it might just put some off from stepping into the booth at all come polling day.