What do business leaders think about the EU?

	Vision and Achievements of the European Union What do business leaders think about the EU?

	The Single European Act 1986 brought about a peaceful, free-market-based revolution in Europe. Before it, Europe was characterised by border queues, customs checks, currency controls and competing national regulations. It was the Single European Act that turned the tables against those who had been resisting liberalisation. It unleashed an assault on barriers to trade which has been sustained ever since. Lord Brittan, Vice-Chairman of UBS Investment Bank, Financial Times article, 16 February 2006.

	In the twenty first century, the world economy is becoming ever more competitive. In order to compete with the likes of China and India, the UK will need to leverage its strengths through the EU. As an economic bloc, the EU continent can compete and flourish on the world stage. Sir Philip Hampton, Chairman of Sainsbury

	The EU needs to focus on completion of the single market, the resurrection of the services directive and the goals of the Lisbon agenda. It is an ambitious agenda but one that will bring continued benefits to the UK and to the European economy. David Levin, CEO, United Business Media

	Our membership of the EU is vital to our continued economic success. It contributes to UK employment, trade and prosperity. The single market has allowed UK businesses to trade with and invest across continental Europe. We should celebrate its success in opening up markets and opportunities. Vijay Patel, CEO, Waymade Healthcare

	The European Union brings together member states to cooperate on issues which transcend national borders, such as counter-terrorism, energy policy and most recently combating bird flu. If it did not exist, we would have to invent a forum to provide such international cooperation across Europe. Sir Nigel Rudd, Chairman, Boots

	Business for New Europe is the right organisation at the right time. We should be proud of Europe’s many achievements for business, but there needs to be greater reform and liberalisation. The EU needs to create the conditions to maximise opportunities to do business in Europe, and to position Europe as a formidable economic entity, able to compete with other continents. Sir Martin Sorrell, CEO, WPP

	By engaging constructively with our European partners we can most effectively influence outcomes on all those issues that touch on our own vital interests. Lord Tugendhat, Chairman - European Advisory Board, Lehman Brothers