British exit seen as opportunity by business sector

David Cameron’s demand for an EU with trade at its core was swiftly followed by reactions that saw Britain leaving the EU as offering more business opportunities for the rest, including Ireland.

The IDA said it would leave Ireland as the only English-speaking economy in the EU, which would prove attractive to many investors, while the French foreign minister said they would “roll out the red carpet” for those wishing to relocate from Britain.

However, the employers body Ibec warned of massive economic implications for the country if Britain’s relationship with the EU changed, and IDA said the UK freed from EU rules could be “more flexible” to investors.