SME Realities in a Changing Europe

Understanding the Economic Implications of Brexit

Confidence amongst the UK’s smaller businesses is at its lowest point for several years, particularly due to the effects of leaving the European Union, with many hesitant in forward planning.

If small businesses are expected to continue to play a critical role in driving local and regional economic success, they should be assured of high quality, relevant information and research about the changing business environment. It is crucial SMEs are able to make timely decisions about their future business plans.

As part of the SME Realities project, the Centre for Enterprise will organise a number of workshops to contribute to the overall aim of the UK in a Changing Europe initiative.

The programme itself draws on the SME-focused EU Referendum event held in May 2016 in Manchester (link), which brought together SMEs and academics to debate EU issues for business.

The project will centre around a series of three knowledge exchange workshops in Manchester. Workshops will focus on key themes on the topics of SME sustainability and growth.

• Workshop 1: What do we know about relationships of SMEs in North West England with Europe and other trading blocks?
• Workshop 2: SME Opportunities
• Workshop 3: Policy Asks

The project will draw on our wide range of well-established partnerships within the North West regional business community, including the Federation of Small Businesses, Greater Manchester and Cheshire Growth Hubs, Warrington Growth Hub, local Chamber of Commerce and local Enterprise Partnerships in Cheshire and Greater Manchester.