BRIDPORT Business Chamber president is advising business owners to keep bank advisers close at hand following the rejection of the Brexit withdrawal agreement by MPs.

Rob Muhl, who was elected president of the chamber in 2017 and is a director at Ocean Bathrooms in Bridport, is encouraging businesses to be prepared for any eventuality regarding Brexit and a no-deal exit.

He said: “These are very uncertain times for many businesses, the best advice we can offer is ensure you have your bank advisers close at hand.

“The best banks have numerous divisions for international, commerce, import and export, along with the support of your local commercial bank manager, so keep in close contact.”

In response to parliament’s meaningful vote, Dr Adam Marshall, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, is urging the government to set out what it will do to avoid the damage a “messy and disorderly exit” could do to businesses.

He said: “There are no words to describe the frustration, impatience and growing anger amongst businesses after two and a half years on a high-stakes political rollercoaster ride that shows no sign of stopping.

“Basic questions on real-world operational issues remain unanswered and firms now find themselves facing the unwelcome prospect of a messy and disorderly exit from the EU on March 29.

“The overriding priority for both government and parliament must now be to avoid the clear danger that a no-deal exit on March 29 would pose to businesses and communities across the UK.

“Every second that ticks by sees more businesses spending money on unwanted changes, activating contingency plans or battering down the hatches and halting investment as they try to anticipate a future that is no clearer now than is was at the time of the referendum result.

“Businesses will take a dim view of more shuttle diplomacy and last-minute bargaining, which have so far done nothing to end the political impasse.

“The government must now urgently set out in concrete terms what it will do to avoid the damage that a messy and disorderly exit on March 29 would cause to businesses, communities and the UK economy.”