Quote Originally Posted by mickd1961 View Post
It seems obvious from your comments that you’ve never been involved in a business meeting.

The two cards you don’t give up are the ability to walk away and the threat of not paying an amicable severance payment ( £39 Billion )

I’d love to know what field it is you’re employed in and how old you are?

Just for transparency I’m 57 and I’ve run my own business for 22 years and 50% of my trade is with Europe.

I’ve been at work for 41 years almost and every one of my working days has involved being involved in the commercial world where I’ve had to negotiate with people.

A small amount of background about you would be appreciated?
Okay, I don't tend to shout it about because we all have opinions on here and I don't want it to seem like I'm any kind of expert, because I'm not. But some viewpoints on here are misinformed IMO.

I'm mid-late 30's. I went to a fairly good university where I studied Law and Economics.

I've been working in international trade and supply chain for 15+ years, since I have left University. I've negotiated with large multi-national businesses, at home and abroad, including pharmaceutical and automotive manufacturers. The information I am receiving from both sectors is that Brexit has so far been very damaging to them and will be to the UK.

I'm London based, but I've travelled with work to the United States, Middle East, Far East and across most of Europe.

I'm no expert on Brexit, but I believe I've got a fairly good amount of knowledge on EU Law, the Customs Union, the Single Market, global and domestic economics. I've got a great knowledge of supply chain and international trade.

My angle is that negotiation is about understanding each others point of view and coming to an agreement for which both sides are happy. Its not about threatening to do something which would be nonsensical. Leaving with no deal is nonsensical, but then that is what politics is right now.

It baffles me that 50% of your trade is with the EU, yet you want to make it more difficult to trade with them? Do you mind me asking if your business is reliant on JIT manufacturing? Or if you are a customer of or supplier to the EU (or both)?

Also, I'd be keen to know if you felt that your business wouldn't be affected before the vote? And now that it has been, whether you place any responsibility for this on Leave supporting politicians?

I tend to be neutral in my UK business meetings but the vast majority of the feedback I get is that business uncertainty is crippling us right now. Most Europeans (Or non Europeans even) who I'm dealing with believe Brexit is a case of self-harm, I can't help but agree...