Mike Matthews: Just what is the plan on Brexit?

You said it Ross, and I have no doubt that the business community in the North-East is well behind you.

More than a year since the nation had its say, it would seem there is still no strategy - no clear aim from a Government that appears increasingly divided on whether a hard or soft Brexit is right for this country.

Passive disagreement is one thing, but reports that politicians with one view appear to be prepared to derail the plans of those with an opposing view is deeply worrying – if nothing else, as was made clear during the snap General Election, we need strong leadership and that can only come from a clear position, and a clear strategy for Brexit negotiations.

I made my opinion very clear before Brexit.

I felt strongly that we ought to remain in Europe to retain stability and to effectively compete against our counterparts.

However, we live in a democracy, and when the nation speaks, the nation respects the decision made - whether they agree with it or not.

If, as a nation, we are ready to move on from last year’s referendum, then why aren't those who we have elected into Government also ready?

Brexit need not be the economic disaster I felt it could be.

Much of this depends on the handling of negotiations by Government.

However, I must share Mr Smith's concerns - what is the plan?

When will we start to see sensible, open and transparent discussion with the nation on the reality we are likely to have to face up to, when negotiations are complete?

We are one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, yet we are still recovering from the credit crunch of 2007-2008, we need stability to be able to continue with our recovery while remaining competitive.

This region's economy places a heavy reliance on businesses like Nifco.

Large manufacturers, for which international trade - and in particular, trade with Europe - is an absolute necessity.

And this is a sector that relies on the UK demonstrating that it can compete with its international counterparts.

Nifco Inc has operations around the world, and many in Europe.

Nifco UK has been the success it has not only because of the skilled team we have, but because we have been operating in equitable conditions and have been able to stand out.

However, take away that level playing field and we will have to find new ways of working harder, more efficiently and more effectively to protect our position globally – a big ask when we are already at full steam.

When the nation voted for Brexit, I suspect they did so under the belief that this would be delivered in a way that would secure the ‘best bits’ of Europe and see us cast off the perceived shackles of being part of the EU.

I don’t suppose anyone thought about the messy ‘divorce’, or the risk of Government entering negotiations with apparently no idea of what it wants from this.

Let’s be clear.

This country is depending on our Government to achieve, at the very least, a level playing field for Britain as is possible when it comes to trading agreements.

It is looking for an outcome that will not paralyse our economy but improve our business opportunities.

Article 50 has long-since been triggered, we have seen what some might say was a totally unnecessary election shoehorned in between, and we must now get down to business.

There is no more ‘thinking time’ now – this Government must deliver.

Britain's exit from Europe is certain.

However, until Ministers get a grip – or at least a grip on the communications machine, it is just about the only thing that is.

If we know anything, it's that businesses flourish in stable conditions, that allow them to grow in confidence and invest to succeed.

Creating these conditions is firmly in the hands of our Government, a government that needs to pull together and present one voice, a united voice.

Let's all hope Mr Smith's very sensible words of caution don't fall on deaf ears.

Mike Matthews is managing director of Eaglescliffe-based car parts maker Nifco UK