Portillo to address conference on business implications of Brexit

A former Government minister will attempt to guide businesses across Coventry and Warwickshire through the ‘unforeseen turmoil’ of Brexit at a conference in October.

Michael Portillo will be a keynote speaker at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s annual economic conference at the Ricoh Arena on Friday October 14.

The event, which is being sponsored by HSBC, Coventry and Warwickshire LEP, Simplify IT, WarwickNet, Coventry University and Coventry University Enterprises, will have a 'Go For Growth' theme running through it.

Mr Portillo, who was a government minister for 11 years and is now a broadcaster and pundit, believes the momentous events of recent months have caused a ‘reversal of policy’ as well as a change of government.

“A year ago, as the Conservatives had won an unexpected parliamentary majority, the outlook for Britain seemed stable," he said. "Now, without a general election, we have had a change of government and a complete reversal of policy, with Theresa May committed to Brexit.

“Business growth is fundamental to the health of the UK both economically and socially, so encouraging and supporting companies to expand is vital.

“At the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s economic conference, I will offer businesses my thoughts on the unforeseen turmoil that Brexit has brought.”

Mr Portillo will be joined by Mark Berrisford-Smith, of HSBC, and Kevin Byrne, the founder of Check-a-trade, as speakers at the event.

David Burbidge, the chair of Coventry’s bid to be UK City of Culture in 2021, will also be speaking while Go For Growth panel discussions will look at opportunities and barriers to growth.

Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, outlined the conference's objective to draw on the knowledge and experience of key figures locally, regionally and nationally.

“All year we have been urging our businesses to expand through our Go For Growth campaign which has looked at everything from skills to international trade," she said. “Of course, the ability of firms to grow is affected by the economic conditions and there’s no doubt that Brexit was a major shock.

“The outlook that many companies across our patch have taken since getting over the initial decision is that it will be ‘business as usual,’ but it will be great to hear from the likes of Michael Portillo, as well as our other speakers, on how firms will be affected in the short, medium and long-term.

“We would urge companies to book on now as there is a great deal of interest in this year’s conference.”

More information on the conference is available at www.cwconf.com. To book on email events@cw-chamber.co.uk or call 024 7665 4321.