British PM May Pledges Support for Small Businesses Amid Brexit Challenges – Reuters

LONDON (Reuters) – British Prime Minister Theresa May is set to address small business owners, emphasizing her intent to help them leverage the opportunities arising from Britain’s decision to exit the European Union.

Following the Brexit vote on June 23, the future of the world’s fifth largest economy is facing significant uncertainty, with many surveys suggesting potential recession, decreased consumer confidence, and a possible drop in investment.

In her effort to unite the nation and solidify her leadership, May aims to enhance the prospects for what she refers to as “hard-working people,” alongside introducing an industrial policy that she believes will bolster the economy.

On Thursday, the new prime minister will meet with representatives from the UK’s 5.4 million small and medium-sized businesses at Downing Street, according to her office.

“From dynamic start-ups to established family firms, our small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of our country,” May stated in remarks prepared for the meeting.

“I aspire to create an economy that works for everyone, which includes collaborating with and listening to smaller firms,” she continued. “I also want these businesses, across all sectors, to seize the opportunities presented by Brexit, such as exploring new export markets.”

May has indicated that the Brexit vote reflects a strong public demand for change in economic management. She has pledged to nurture what she describes as a fairer economy by reforming corporate governance, intensifying measures against tax evasion and avoidance, enhancing productivity, and providing the UK government with tools to block foreign takeovers.