Support for a Brexit is growing among Scottish business leaders but a majority still want to stay in the European Union, a new poll has found.
The Business Growth Fund (BGF), which is backed by major banks and was established to provide growth capital to ambitious and growing small and medium enterprises around the UK, said 61% were now backing continued EU membership.
But this is down from 82% from June 2015 as uncertainty stalks the economy north and south of the border in the run up to the in-out referendum on June 23.
BGF said 67% of Scottish business leaders expected another independence referendum in the event the UK leaves the EU.
In other findings from the BGF Growth Climate Index survey of “more than 320 talent network members”, just 18% of Scottish business leaders expected conditions for growth to improve over the next quarter – down from 46% in November 2015.
And despite concerns about macro-economic conditions and instability in overseas markets, 61% were focused on growth.
BGF said 64% of Scottish respondents believed the UK’s membership of the EU gave British firms invaluable access to European markets, while 55% were concerned that an EU exit risked stifling business growth.
Looking ahead to the potential implications of a vote to leave the EU, 55% said a Brexit would prompt multinational companies to relocate operations overseas.
And one-third (33%) believed an EU exit would result in the UK suffering a skills shortage.
Reflecting current frustrations with the EU, 64% of Scottish business leaders said UK membership of the bloc saddled British firms with unnecessary and problematic regulation.
BGF investment director Mike Sibson said: “The Growth Climate Index exclusively seeks the views of senior business leaders who are committed to supporting Britain’s most ambitious small and mid-sized businesses.
“While the poll shows an uptick in support for Brexit among the Scottish business community, the majority remain in favour of staying in the EU.
“It’s also clear that despite uncertainty prompted by the vote and economic instability overseas, Scottish businesses remain committed to growth.
“In uncertain times it is crucial that businesses get the support they need to innovate, export, grow and prosper.”
