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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2019 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK
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‘Enough is enough’ says Siemens boss on Brexit By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz
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he UK boss of Siemens has said “enough is enough” as he warned MPs a no-deal Brexit could cause “irreparable damage” to the manufacturing sector. Juergen Maier CBE, CEO at Siemens UK, said Prime Minister Theresa May’s latest deal defeat on Friday had moved the country “dangerously close to permanent damage.” Since then, MPs have once again failed to agree on proposals for the next steps in the Brexit process. He said the UK was becoming “a laughing stock,” and said if a Brexit solution was not found quickly, the damage on manufacturing could be severe. Siemens is currently planning to build a new £200m train factory in Goole, in a move which would create hundreds of new East Yorkshire jobs. Writing an open letter to MPs, Mr Maier said: “This letter is a direct plea at a time of increasing national crisis in the UK. “Brexit is exhausting our business and wrecking the country’s tremendous reputation as an economic powerhouse. The UK’s historic stable political climate has facilitated huge investments from companies like Siemens over the years, and we are at risk of losing that critical pillar of economic stability. I know this view is held by many of my colleagues leading businesses here too. “As time has worn on, and with the Prime Minister’s deal defeated yet again on Friday, this political frenzy has moved us dangerously close to
Juergen Maier says UK is on verge of ‘permanent damage’
permanent damage for the UK. “From the outside, it’s very difficult to follow the political ins and outs and the only certainty that remains is that failure to agree a deal or an alternative way forward before April 12 will lead to a hugely damaging no-deal Brexit. Many of you already know this. “The UK Office for National Statistics on Friday confirmed investment is in its worst slump since the last recession, and we already know
80 per cent of businesses say Brexit has damaged investment decisions. Worse, the damage this is doing to the country’s hard-won reputation as a serious and stable place to do business is now all too real.” Mr Maier said where the UK used to be considered “a beacon for stability,” it was now quickly “becoming a laughing stock.” He said he was now unable to defend the actions of MPs in Westminster, and said he was finding it
difficult to fight for investment that impacts on UK jobs. The Siemens UK boss warned conversations being had across Europe about the country “would not play out well for our economy.” He said: “What makes this worse is that the majority of MPs, and many sensible members of the Government, understand these arguments. They have no desire to see the UK Turn to Page 2
Institute of Directors to merge regions The Institute of Directors (IoD) is to merge its Yorkshire and North East regions to create a powerful lobbying voice for the North of England. Stretching from Northumberland to South Yorkshire, the enlarged IoD North East region will have one regional committee and six branches, which support local business communities. Jon Geldart, IoD chair in Yorkshire and the Humber, has become the chair of the new IoD North East region. Dr Joanna Berry, former North East chair, becomes vice-chair of the enlarged region. Jon Geldart said: “The IoD exists to inspire business with knowledge, guidance and support. We also have a crucial role as an organisation which can ensure that regional business is represented in the corridors of power. “By creating a single region for Yorkshire and the North East and building on the strength and diversity that exists across this area, we will have a much more powerful voice.” Dr Joanna Berry, vice-chair of IoD North East, said: “We are passionate about collaboration between businesses. “By creating new branches for the North and South of the Tyne we will get even closer to members. “At the same time, those businesses will have an enlarged network with which to engage and seek fresh opportunities. “The merger has been received with unanimous positivity by our committee members and we are excited about building on our combined strengths.”