The European Union – What Are The Odds?

Religion, politics and money might not be the best topics of conversation for your next dinner party if you want to keep your friends. Understanding what makes a suitable talking point can be equally problematic for businesses, particularly when issues are so big, there is a real potential to impact on future trading. Take the EU Referendum for example.

Whether you are in the “in” or “out” camp, it’s certainly a divisive topic. You just need to take a look at your Facebook feed to see “flame wars” erupting between friends who see beyond their own point of view.

A number of businesses have also raised their heads above the parapet and come out in support of the two camps. EasyJet, Shell and BAE Systems are firmly behind the “in” team. However, the “no” camp is equally well supported with notable business leaders including John Timpson (Timpson), Luke Johnson (Patisserie Valerie) and Nigel Wilson (Legal & General) expressing a desire to leave.

By stating their opinion so openly, all these organisations face a potential backlash from clients opposed to their stance. This risk was clearly demonstrated in the recent Scottish Independence Referendum were companies like ASDA took a battering on social media for joining the debate. This backlash is probably them main reason why Tesco and Sainsbury’s will not be drawn on the EU issue.

Perhaps the smartest move comes from the high street bookmaker Ladbrokes who have publicly stated it is not their job to tell their customers which way to vote but if they want to place a bet on the referendum they will be more than happy to supply the odds.

Whatever the results in June’s referendum, it looks like there will be one clear winner – the bookmakers.

Will your business be taking a public stance on the UK in Europe? Do the risks of staying or leaving justify potentially disenfranchise a significant percentage of your client-base? Or will you follow dinner party protocol and speak about the weather instead (always a safe topic)?