Today, 3 July 2018, members of the Professional and Business Services Council (PBSC) wrote to the Prime Minister Teresa May urging for action on Brexit. The PBSC, of which the RIBA is a member, brings together sectors including architecture, law, accountancy, consultancy, surveying and advertising services. The letter makes a number of demands to Government that will support the wider economy after the UK leaves the EU.
The sectors represented in the letter employ 4.6 million people and contribute £188 billion in gross value to the Britain’s bottom line. The professional services, including architecture, combine to keep the wheels of the British economy turning.
The letter urges Government to meet certain demands that will continue to serve clients and support the economy. These include:
- Mutual recognition of professional qualifications, products and operating licences
- The ability to educate and recruit the best talent from overseas, whether from the EU or beyond
- Mutual recognition of the regulatory frameworks and regulators
- The ability of service providers to fly in-fly out to facilitate advice across the EU27 and trade across Europe
- Mutual recognition of judgments so deals across EU27 countries can proceed with legal certainty
- Continued co-operation in areas that facilitate trade
- Reduced uncertainty through any transition period
RIBA Chief Executive Alan Vallance says, “The RIBA is pleased to support this letter that shows a united front from businesses across the UK to ensure that we get the best deal when the UK leaves the EU. Alongside the sectors represented in the letter, architecture is a global success story, generating £4.8bn in GVA for the economy every year. The UK is renowned for producing innovative and inspiring buildings and communities in the UK and across the world. As we enter this crucial stage in negotiations with the EU, jeopardising our reputation for excellence could have dire consequences for the economy.
The demands made to Government today must be heard. Growing uncertainty has already started to impact our businesses and action is needed.”
