The European Union and British SMEs

Last year's enlargement of the EU led to the accession of ten new member-states and thereby increased the number of consumers to approximately 455 million.

How is the enlargement primarily expected to affect your business in the future?

The enlargement will enhance a more effective and competitive market

First and foremost it will result in an increase of red tape and regulation

The enlargement is not expected to affect our business in any substantial way

Other

Within the single European market which factor is considered to be the most beneficial for your business?

Better market information

A stimulation of demand

Innovation possibilities

Competitiveness and lower prices

Other

Harmonisation and liberalisation are generally considered to be the most important features for businesses within the EU.

Which factors of EU harmonisation and liberalisation have been the most beneficial for your business?

Cross-border business and investments

A stimulation of demand

Innovation possibilities

Competitiveness and lower prices

Other

In the near future some member-states will ratify the new treaty of Europe. No matter the result the question of European integration will lead to both political and public disputes.

In which way would a British yes to the new treaty of Europe be expected to influence your business?

A yes would result in long-term growth potential for our business

A yes would have a negative impact on our long-term growth potential

A yes would not change our long-term growth potential at all

Other

In case of a British yes to the EU treaty which direction would your business be most likely to take?

Our business would recognise the need for a greater EU involvement and actively seek new EU markets and trade-relations

Our business would make no effort to engage new markets and trade-relations within the EU

Our business will continue our present direction and strategy

Other

In case of a British no to the new EU treaty, and hence a possible withdrawal from the EU, what will the potential consequences be for your business?

Since our trade-relations within the EU and the single European market are of high importance to our business, we would make great efforts to maintain these

Our business would turn away from EU trade-relations and focus on other markets

Our business would continue to focus on present relationships and markets

Other

Although opinions are split on the economic effects of the euro it is still considered the most tangible product of the single European market.

How would a British membership of the European Monetary Union (the EMU) affect your business?

It would be beneficial to our business

It would not be beneficial to our business

It would not affect our business what so ever

Other

Which factors would be the most beneficial to your business if Britain joined the EMU?

Internal price and currency stability

Greater price transparency and competition

The removal of transaction costs and exchange rate risks

Other

Considering the fact that Britain is not a member of the EMU how has the euro affected your business?

The euro has definitely made the trading-process with other EU businesses more effective

The euro has made the trading-process with other EU businesses more ineffective

The euro has not influenced the trading-process with other EU businesses at all

Other

Considering the fact that Britain is not a member of the EMU how has the euro affected your business's competitiveness?

The euro has had a positive impact on our competitiveness

The euro has had a negative impact on our competitiveness

The euro has not changed our competitiveness in any way

Other

Throughout history Britain has been known to have strong trade-relations with both the US and commonwealth countries.

How has Britains EU membership affected your businesss non-EU trade-relations?

Our trade-relations with other businesses in non-EU countries have increased

Our trade-relations with other businesses in non-EU countries have decreased

Our trade-relations with other businesses in non-EU countries have not changed at all

Other

How has the focus on non-EU trade relations changed for your business?

Our business has chosen to focus our trade around a smaller number of non-EU businesses

To our business the EU membership has caused for a greater focus on non-EU businesses

Our focus on non-EU trading partners has on trading partners has not changed because of the British EU membership

Other

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