TTF EU Referendum survey: Timber Trade says stay

Timber Trade Federation have conducted an EU Referendum, survey which found members “overwhelmingly” in favour of staying in the EU, believing it would be better for the UK economy as a whole.

The survey was designed to reflect the simplicity of the final referendum itself and used two questions:

1. Should the UK remain a member of the European Union or leave it?

2. What result would be in the best interest if the UK economy as a whole.

According to the poll, 76% of respondents think the UK should stay in the EU, and 16% are in favour of leaving.

Respondents were given their own space to add a comment in addition to their answers, which mainly expressed concern about the uncertain economic and political scenarios following an exit from the EU, and how this would impact on business investment. There were also several other comments which stressed how the replacement of European Standards and Regulations with UK equivalents would negatively impact trade.

David Hopkins, managing director of the Timber Trade Federation said: “The TTF is not taking an official position on the referendum either way, but this survey gives an unequivocal view from the Members. It is perhaps unsurprising that uncertainty and lack of clarity from the Brexit camp about what leaving the EU would achieve does not impress a business sector for whom the EU is their biggest trading partner.”