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To answer the question about what Britain’s industries, markets, and sectors beyond financial services will be affected in the long run, Finance Monthly formulated a rundown of expert opinions on what to expect months, even years from now. They spoke with Cox Powertrain’s CFO, Mark Palethorpe, who had this to say.
As a small innovative British engineering business, we’re watching the outcomes of Brexit closely. The EU’s Horizon 2020 programme currently provides £2.2bn of funding for universities, research groups and businesses taking on high-tech engineering challenges. That’s a large sum that the UK Government will need to find if the UK’s innovators are going to maintain their efforts. We are encouraged by the UK Government’s stated industrial strategy of getting funding to the small disruptive technology businesses that will be the future growth engine for the UK. We’re keen to see that materialise in terms of funding for SMEs not just for the big corporations with lobby power.
Cox Powertrain is working on a groundbreaking new engine and relies on the highest quality talent. Like many British businesses, our team is international, driven by a need for the best quality people available. Post-Brexit, we hope any new visa processes remain straightforward, allowing us to continue to draw on the best possible talent.
On a positive note, the weakening pound will make our engine cheaper to purchase, once available, to overseas customers. Also, a move away from the EU could provide British businesses with a first mover advantage to do mutually beneficial deals with major economies like the US. If the UK Government is positive and proactive, trade deals will be possible and profitable.
Engineers at the forefront are used to change. We’re motivated by it. We hope that Brexit provides as many opportunities as challenges for our business.
