Analysing Brexit gives new perspectives to Southampton accountancy specialist

The ever-changing news on Brexit is keeping Teaching Fellow Gavin Midgley from Southampton Business School extremely busy.

In demand by broadcasters for his insights, Gavin spoke at the December meeting of the Executive Learning Partnership (ELP) about future prospects for business after the UK referendum vote in 2016 to leave the European Union. He further developed the theme later that day at an evening seminar with students, staff and guests from local companies and organisations

“We are reaching a stage where major developments regarding Brexit are occurring almost daily,” says Gavin. “The two events have been an excellent opportunity to gauge thoughts and possible opportunities and concerns. It was interesting that 32 per cent of the ELP delegates stated that they have already seen tangible negative effects of Brexit in their own businesses, with 5 per cent reporting a significant positive effect so far.”

Gavin believes European issues were becoming increasingly important long before the vote, with the rise of the UK Independence Party (UKIP) and the focus on the effects of immigration. Anecdotal evidence suggests local companies in the hospitality, catering and retail markets are already finding recruitment difficult.

Gavin joined the University of Southampton in 2016 as a Teaching Fellow in Accountancy having worked in professional practice and industry.