Most manufacturers support UK retaining role in EU ahead of referendum

The research showed that over six in ten EEF members (61 per cent) are in favour of the UK remaining in the EU, while almost a quarter (24 per cent) say that their company is undecided or will not be taking a stance on the issue.

The poll, the first conducted by the manufacturers’ organisation since the referendum was announced last year, shows that the pro-EU stance is fairly evenly spread across all company sizes.

It also suggests that the outcome of Government negotiations is unlikely to make a 
great deal of difference, particularly for EEF members that are pro-EU.

The research findings show that over half of pro-EU 
EEF members want to remain in the EU regardless of the outcome of renegotiations, while a further 28 per cent say that their company is unlikely to change its 
view.

Amongst the smaller “out” camp, 54 per cent say the outcome could turn or sway their view.

According to the survey, 70 per cent of EEF members say that remaining in the EU is important or business critical for their company.

The survey’s findings point to members weighing up the pros and cons of EU membership and taking a pragmatic view.

Just three per cent claim of respondents not to see any advantages to business of being in the EU.

Members identify the top business advantage of EU membership as the fact that it makes it easier for UK companies to start exporting.

At the same time, they perceive red tape as the key disadvantage for UK business.

Other advantages are ease of travel between member states, access to a large export market and one set of trading rules.