Today I visited cutting-edge Sheffield manufacturer Tribosonics to see how they, like other local businesses, benefit from Britain’s membership of the European Union.

Tribosonics is a fast-growing business developing cutting edge technology and creating exactly the sort of local jobs we need, in high value manufacturing. Speaking to staff showed me just how their business has grown through the opportunities provided by EU membership. 

Across the UK, over 200,000 businesses can sell to Europe freely and easily thanks to the EU’s free trade single market, which buys almost half our products. Small businesses in Sheffield that don’t export themselves, are often kept in work by large companies which do export in Europe. And the EU invests billions in Britain to help small businesses through funding for research, development and expansion.

Cutting Britain off from our biggest market would put businesses and jobs in Sheffield at risk. Leave campaigners are asking to take a leap in the dark, because they have no idea what trading relationship we should have with Europe if we leave.

As Dr Phil Harper, Managing Director of Tribosonics, said:

Most of the trade that we do is export. The EU is our largest market and is right on the doorstep. We have ease of access and minimal barriers for trade. Staying in the EU continues access to this market and provides confidence for us to invest in growing the business in the medium term. This means more jobs, more tax being paid in the UK, a better local economy and a better country.

I visited Tribosonics as part of Britain Stronger In Europe’s small business week.