June 20, 2016

Brexit for breakfast at Bath Economic Question Time event

Bath business leaders gathered to hear a leading economist discuss the possible implications of Brexit and put their own questions to a panel of experts at a breakfast event organised by the city’s largest law firm, Withy King.

Mark Berrisford-Smith, Head of Economics at HSBC Bank, spoke about the possible implications of a Brexit in the context of the UK’s current and future economic prospects at Withy King’s first Economic Question Time held at Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel.

Mr Berrisford-Smith then joined the panel comprising Graham Street, Managing Partner at Withy King, Lynne Fernquest, former editor at the Bath Chronicle, Andrew Sandiford, Bishop Fleming’s head of Bath office and Louise Prynne, chief executive of Bath BID (Business Improvement District) for a lively discussion sparked by questions from the audience on issues likely to impact Bath and its economy.

These included the lack of new and modern office space for growing businesses, the implications of faster rail links between Bath and London, and the need for Bath to communicate a clearer vision for itself and the type of businesses it is aiming to attract.

To find out what Bath business leaders had to say on some of the issues, why not watch the videos:

The shortage of quality commercial property in Bath:

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The Bath retail scene:

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Rail electrification and what it means for Bath:

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[Ends]

Media enquiries should be directed to Natalie Birrell at NBPR on 07557 356860 or email [email protected]

Date of issue: 20 June 2016

Group photo caption:

Mark-Berrisford-Smith-with-the-panelists-opt
Photos by Paolo Ferla.

Pictured from left to right at Withy King’s Economic Question Time event are panellists Mark Berrisford-Smith, head of economics at HSBC, Lynne Fernquest, former editor at the Bath Chronicle, and Louise Prynne, chief executive of Bath BID (Business Improvement District) with Andrew Sandiford, Bishop Fleming’s head of Bath office and Graham Street, Managing Partner at Withy King (both standing).

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