'˜Sparks' say they want to Remain

Less than one fifth, 19 per cent, of entrepreneurs on board Entrepreneurial Spark’s business accelerator programme plan to vote leave.

Half of the 192 entrepreneurs questioned from start-up and scale-up businesses based at Entrepreneurial Spark’s Hatcheries thought the referendum would impact their business, with more than half stating that there wasn’t enough impartial information.

The 192 who took part in the survey were based in Hatcheries across the UK, in Glasgow, Ayrshire, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Bristol, Brighton, Leeds, Manchester and Belfast.

Jim Duffy, chief executive at Entrepreneurial Spark, said: “When the results of the EU referendum come back after the June 23 vote, whatever they may be, it’s important for businesses to focus on how to make it work.

“Half of the Entrepreneurial Spark respondents stated that there isn’t enough information to help them decide which way to vote and it can be difficult to decide what’s best for your business.

“Half also thought the referendum would impact their businesses.

“I’d always encourage entrepreneurs to embrace opportunities – whatever the outcome of the vote, look at how it can benefit your business and if you encounter problems that can’t be resolved, move on quickly.

“It’s great to see so many of our entreprenurs engaged with the EU vote and looking at what business implications there could be.”