‘It’s a big world and it’s time to broaden our horizons’, says director
Posted on 20/06/2016
‘When it comes to the upcoming EU referendum we’ve only been hearing from big business and corporations, which is great but they’re not the engine that drives the economy, with 60% of the UK’s GDP coming from SME’s like us.’
This is the view of Michele Wietscher, who is managing director of Newview Windows & Conservatories – one of the largest home improvement companies in the South East.
Michele employs 42 members of staff and the business has a budgeted turnover of £4.8milllion this financial year, with the business supplying its products to consumers, home improvement companies; architects and property developers.
She says that groups that represent smaller businesses have been feeding into the debate, such as the CBI and FSB, but not many smaller or medium sized business owners have made their feelings known about the upcoming referendum.
‘It’s probably because they’re too busy running their businesses and creating jobs to consider the issue or comment on it but at the same it is a once in a life time vote and whatever the decision, the impact will be huge. It’s a bit frustrating that we’ve heard a lot from big business and corporates but not much from the little guys,’ Michele says.
She continues: ‘my view is that we should vote to leave the European Union. Yes, we will need to re-negotiate trade deals but it is nonsense to suggest that other countries won’t trade with us when you consider the amount we import. As a business owner, I agree with and understand the benefits of having a common market – but it has evolved from this good idea into an unwieldy organisation that impinges on the nation state and sovereignty.
’We’re living in a big world now, so let’s broaden our horizons and trade with Europe but agree not to be dictated to by Europe.’
Michele also says that she hasn’t noticed that uncertainty is starting to strangle confidence, as some commentators have suggested, and that good business people and businesses are just ‘getting on with it’.
She comments: ‘Some businesses may be putting decisions on hold but this isn’t our experience. And for those that are, June 23rd is only days away so order will be restored before too long anyway.’
According to the CBI Director-General, Carolyn Fairbairn, leaving the EU would cause a serious shock to the UK economy, with a potential cost to UK GDP of £100 billion and 950,000 jobs by 2020 and negative echoes that could last many years after that.
But those who are pro-exit say this isn’t true and we would save billions due to the UK not paying a membership fee and also being able to set its own laws and directives.
Newview Windows & Conservatories is a family run company that over the last ten years has become one of the largest glazing and home improvement companies in the South East.
Based in Worthing, West Sussex, in its most recent accounts covering the year June 2016, turnover rose to £4.2milllion up from £3million the year before; resulting in a record year of trading for Newview.
In the last year, Newview has also seen staff numbers rise to 42 and a milestone of 120,000 home improvement installation made.