In the survey, over half of respondents said it’s the facts that will have the biggest impact on their decision. 17 per cent of those surveyed said they’ll place their vote based on gut instinct alone, with less than 1% saying that politicians or personalities would be the biggest influence on their decision.
While there is a clear desire from business owners and entrepreneurs to have as much information as possible to inform their vote, nearly half still do not feel well enough informed to make a decision in the referendum.
“Barely a day goes by that there’s not another surreal, sensationalist claim in the media: from claims of a world economic slowdown if we leave, to Britain becoming a ‘hostage’ to the EU if we stay, a potential European war, or to Europe being on the same ‘doomed’ path as Hitler”, said Brendan Flattery, President, Sage Europe, who commissioned the research. “As this survey demonstrates, small & medium businesses, which make up more than two-thirds of new jobs and generate more than EUR 3.7 trillion across Europe – are hungry for the real facts. We need a balanced argument on both sides rather than continuing on with ridiculous assertions from big personalities”.
