Business chiefs react to Theresa May's proposed deal

Business correspondent(wp/es):

Chief executives from across different business sectors share their initial thoughts on the latest Brexit deal….

Patrick Dardis at Young’s: 

“We wanted to avoid a cliff edge. This is great news for business. We have to press upon politicians to grab this opportunity and put aside personal ambitions and support this deal.

We have got as much as we can from a business perspective and we need politicians to support this.”

Franco Manca parent’s Fulham Shore’s chairman David Page:

“Plenty more agony and indecision to come I’m afraid… This country’s wealth and health rely on a stable political environment - the last two years have been a chaotic disaster. The last 24 hours even worse. 

Our employees and customers need a secure financial environment, the trust in our national political system is currently at zero.”

Helen Brocklebank at luxury goods trade body Walpole:

“We’re encouraged there’s a customs union with the EU until the end of 2020. We are resigned to it being the best deal we could expect. We’re relieved there is finally some kind of clarity. But the fact remains it was never going to be as helpful to British luxury businesses as we had as a member of the EU, and that’s the tragedy of Brexit.”

Jon Di-Stefano at Telford Homes:

“We are looking at the agreement with cautious optimism. We really need certainty that there will be a stable outcome and this is a significant step in the right direction.

I suspect market sentiment will not improve until, and if, it gets the backing of parliament as a whole and so that is the next big question.”

Bellway boss Jason Honeyman:

“The London residential market tends to be the most sensitive to the potential impact of Brexit. As the political picture becomes clearer it gives Bellway more confidence to invest in London albeit there is still long way to go.”

Gerry Hughes, boss of property agent giant GVA:

“I am pleased to see a step towards establishing the greater certainty that the real estate industry craves. Although the market has been more resilient than many would have feared over the last 2 years it is has been a difficult time. The worst outcome would be a no deal Brexit as this sets up a very uncertain  future. A small step forward, but a long way to go.”

Helen Dickinson OBE, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium:

“Until a withdrawal agreement is approved by both Parliament and EU member states, we have continuing uncertainty and the risk remains of consumers facing higher prices and reduced availability of products in March 2019.

We urge Parliament to come together to secure a withdrawal agreement that can protect frictionless, tariff-free trade throughout the transition period.”