Lucy Thomas, Campaign Director of Business for New Europe, said: 

"Once again UK businesses have made clear that they support Britain remaining a member of the European Union. 

"The report from the Federation of Small Businesses highlights the deep concern that many of its members have about a possible British exit, and the FSB's commitment today to have a 'strong voice' in the referendum debate is a welcome commitment. 

"As the referendum campaign fires up, it is vital that businesses large and small continue to make their voices heard. Businesses are stronger because of our EU membership and it is right that they should have their say.

"Small businesses employ over 15 million people in the UK, and they rely on our place in Europe. Walking away from the world's largest single market would be bad for business and bad for Britain."

Contacts:

• For enquiries and interview requests, please contact the BNE press office at [email protected] or 07502 360537.

Notes to Editors:

• The British Chambers of Commerce barometer earlier this year found 55% of the small business people surveyed thought the most positive outcome would be to stay in a reformed EU; 63% thought Brexit would have a negative impact on their business (http://www.britishchambers.org.uk/press-office/press-releases/bcc-businesses-want-to-be-in-the-eu,-but-a-reformed-eu.html)
• The Confederation of British Industry survey in 2013 found 77% of its SME members wanted to stay in, compared to 11% who wanted to leave. (http://www.cbi.org.uk/media/2451423/our_global_future.pdf) 
• 9 out of 10 small businesses that export do so to the EEA, according to the FSB (http://www.fsb.org.uk/campaigns/assets/fsb_manifesto_2014.pdf)