With 12 months to go until the UK withdraws its membership from the European Union, our message to the Oxfordshire business community is one of reassurance.
As a county – we continue to generate new jobs and attract new businesses.
Over the past five years, we have seen the creation of over 40,000 new jobs in Oxfordshire and although the primary concern for many businesses – whether local, national or international – is what Brexit terms will be negotiated over the coming months, the county’s economy remains one of the most agile in the UK.
In her 2017 election manifesto, Theresa May announced that she was committed to creating ‘a strong economy built on sound public finances, low taxes, better regulation and free trade deals with markets around the world.’ There is clearly a desire to ensure the UK economy has a global future, encouraging trade and creating the right conditions with countries away from the EU – therefore, it’s important for Oxfordshire businesses to understand this context.
For our international businesses and world-class assets, new opportunities will develop through the emerging Oxford-Cambridge Corridor and our Local Industrial Strategy.
Meanwhile – as a Local Enterprise Partnership – we will continue to work with all businesses across the county to support productivity and trade opportunities.
Nigel Tipple
Chief Executive
