
A time of uncertainty
The shock result of the EU referendum in June, and the ongoing uncertainty regarding when Theresa May will trigger Article 50, has had a significant impact on the business landscape in the UK. Doubled with the US election result, we are heading into an unprecedented era. An increased level of uncertainty is likely to mean there is more hesitation when it comes to making important decisions in the short-term, particularly among small and micro business owners. The unpredictability of markets and constantly changing value of the pound is likely to result in widespread confusion and unwillingness to push forward in all sectors. In the medium term, there is hope that the changing landscape will speed up the implementation of economic reforms, which will reduce uncertainty and stimulate investment. Since the EU referendum, British businesses have abandoned investment plans worth more than ?65 million, brought on by uncertainty in the current economic climate. The Centre for Economic and Business Research, which surveyed 1,000 companies finding that almost half of large businesses had cancelled investment plans since July, and it is likely that this trend will continue following the election results. What?s more, if UK stock markets, business and consumer confidence continue to be dragged down for a prolonged period, the Bank of England could be set to amend its current ?neutral? position on interest rates, plunging businesses into a further realm of uncertainty. While it is widely acknowledged that we are living in an unpredictable time, businesses will want to provide reassurance to members of staff who are worried about the implications of Trump?s win from an economic perspective. Unfortunately, the election has caused a widespread wave of uncertainty, and it is likely this will enter the workplace as well.Looking ahead
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