RESPONDING to the UK Referendum decision to leave the European Union, FSB Policy Chair for Northern Ireland, Wilfred Mitchell OBE said:

“Northern Ireland’s smaller businesses now need decision-makers to focus on economic stability. Firms in Northern Ireland will look to the Stormont Assembly, as well as the UK Government and the Bank of England, to provide leadership during this period.

“We welcome the Prime Minister’s assurance that the Northern Ireland Executive, and the other devolved administrations, will be fully involved in the negotiations associated with the UK’s departure from the EU.

“While questions about further potential changes within the UK itself will inevitably dominate the headlines, there are more immediate matters for small firms – from clarity over access to the single market to the free movement of people. Clarifying the issues around Northern Ireland’s unique position, as the only part of the UK to share a land border with another EU state, now move from theoretical to reality and we need to remove the uncertainty that this unresolved question has now brought.”

Mr Mitchell concluded:  “In responding to the Prime Minister’s commitment to involve all nations of the UK in progressing the negotiations, FSB will work as a constructive partner to help ensure voice of small business is heard.”