MY enthusiasm for the Rugby World Cup is a little low at the moment, after England threw away a winning position against Wales at the weekend, writes  Ross Smith, director of policy at the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC.

I expect it to come back again this week, however, as the atmosphere builds for the games the North-East will host at Newcastle’s St James’s Park.

NECC will be making the most of the occasion by co-hosting a major trade conference with a high profile South African delegation.

With opportunities to showcase in the marine economy, tourism, oil and gas, education and training, renewables and advanced manufacturing, it seems inconceivable that our businesses won’t benefit from closer ties with the country.

And in a region that is as open to international markets as England’s back line was for Gareth Davies’s try, I’m equally confident our visitors will find the North-East a great place to work with.

But a survey of NECC members last week showed concerns that openness is at risk where Europe is concerned.

It showed 38 per cent of NECC members believe leaving the EU would have a slight or strong negative impact on growth, with 10 per cent reckoning the effect would be positive.

When it comes to exports and international trade, 36 per cent of respondents forecast a negative impact, with only 7 per cent predicting these would be improved.

Overall, 61 per cent of respondents said they would vote to stay in the EU at present, with 30 per cent saying they would vote to leave.

This is by no means a definitive view from North-East businesses. It’s a snapshot of opinion from a group of NECC members at a time when we don’t even know the date of the vote.

Moreover, 49 per cent of people said their views could change based on the Prime Minister’s renegotiation, so, as in the World Cup group stages, there is still all to play for in this debate.

But it does show these concerns from businesses must be given greater attention, as the issues they raise directly affect the jobs and livelihoods of thousands of people in the region.

I am of course well aware that South Africa, where this column began, is not in Europe.

But many North-East firms that are headquartered or trading outside the EU do so from here because it is an ideal location for a European base.

We should be careful not to give up that advantage as easily as England gave up their lead on Saturday night.