An "overwhelming majority" of small and medium-sized British businesses want to retain the European Union's customs arrangements and stay in the single market after Brexit, according to a survey of 80 businesses led by former shadow chancellor Ed Balls and banker Peter Sands. The survey, conducted for the pro-remain campaign group Open Britain, found that more than half (53 per cent) said they would be willing to pay higher prices if it meant keeping access to EU markets Furthermore, the businesses felt that securing a free-trade agreement with some access to the single market was inferior to remaining a full member.
An "overwhelming majority" of small and medium-sized British businesses want to retain the European Union's customs arrangements and stay in the single market after Brexit, according to a survey of 80 businesses led by former shadow chancellor Ed Balls and banker Peter Sands. Balls said businesses believed the benefits of the UK negotiating its own trade deals were outweighed by the disadvantages of leaving the customs union. Furthermore, the businesses felt that securing a free-trade agreement with some access to the single market was inferior to remaining a full member.