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Brexit, and the future of European resourcing….

Martin Sorrell of WPP suggested the Remain campaign was out of touch with the concerns and views of the majority of the electorate. The focus on the rational economic argument, neglecting the emotionally-driven issues of sovereignty and immigration, was an error.

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The full consequences of Remains’ failure are hard to predict but they will likely include slower growth rates in the UK and beyond. There will be considerable uncertainty for some time, which will slow decision-making and deter economic activity and investment. Delaying triggering Article 50 feels like there was little expectation of Brexit succeeding, little plan for afterwards, politicians resigning and in a time when businesses need swift action to reduce uncertainty.

All this in a business world that has become self burdened with caution, risk-aversion and short-termism. We have already seen examples of investment being put off or cancelled altogether, the faltering Tata Steel sale process, or the delayed EDF Hinckley Nuclear investment are cases in point. Besides, this could have serious implications for our National ability to satisfy future UK Energy demand (if the lights start going out, will the Brexiteers be ok with that?), and future job loses.

However, we have no choice but to look ahead to a post-Brexit future and will that be so different politically. After all of this upheaval, will we revert back to something which operates in a similar way to pre referendum? If the UK needs to make concessions on free movement of people and immigration in order to retain trade relationships – are we not back to Square one?

Paradoxically, WPP and other firms may become more European than ever. While the UK may have voted to leave Europe, companies have not. Four large top 10 markets are in Western Continental Europe – Germany, France, Italy and Spain. Here it’s likely to spur recruitment of people employed in European markets faster than in the UK.

The strategic reaction to Brexit may be to pursue a greater focus on the fast-growth markets (“emerging” economies); a greater focus on data and digital; and (another irony) a greater focus on getting people to work together more effectively across national and functional boundaries for the benefit of clients.

Working together for its clients (the electorate) is something the UK’s politicians are finding hard to do. After a vote for division and isolation, and a descent into political in-fighting, this message of unity is one that Westminster would be well-advised to listen to.


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Insight posted: 12/07/2016 by Duncan Carter
Director, Macallam Talent Resourcing & Career Transition

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