SOUTH West businesses have turned a corner and are now ready to tackle Brexit head on, a report has revealed.

Joint research by HR and payroll providers NGA Human Resources (NGA HR) and its SMB division, Moorepay, has shown that despite the 54 per cent majority of those working at businesses in the South West claiming to have voted ‘remain’, over two thirds (69 per cent) now feel ready to address the challenges and exploit the business opportunities that will arise from Brexit.

In fact, 40 per cent now believe their business performance is actually going to improve as a result of Britain leaving the European Union.

The South West business community is also showing support for new employment laws, with 91 per cent in favour of more flexible legislation.

Additionally, the research has shown that nearly three quarters (71 per cent) of businesses in the South West state that they will favour hiring non-EU workers over their European counterparts in a post-Brexit labour market.

Jonathan Legdon, UK & Ireland president at NGA HR, said: “It is great to see that, just as large businesses have done on a national level, the South West business community has bounced back from the initial shock of the referendum outcome and is ready to embrace Brexit and the opportunities that come with it.

“Their resilience to even the most fundamental changes will be instrumental in overcoming any potential economic crises the South West might face in the future.”