The Big Question - Huge majority backs Europe

An overwhelming majority of finance directors believe the future of the UK economy lies in Europe.

This week’s Big Question survey, carried out by Accountancy Age and Reed Accountancy Personnel, found that 86% of 200 FDs questioned believed the future performance of the UK economy was tied in with Europe.

Graham Howell, director of furniture manufacturer Ashwood, said: ‘The European region has common interests. Great Britain no longer has a Commonwealth and Europe has to be its replacement.’

Lars Maynard FD of industrial recruitment group AMH Holdings added: ‘The sheer size of our trade with Europe makes it inevitable that our success is tied in with European business.’

Only 8% of FDs said that the future of the UK economy should not be tied to Europe, and all preferred to remain anonymous.

‘We do more than twice as much trade outside Europe and this is our fastest-growing area,’ said one FD.