4 steps to assist the case against no-deal

The CBI continues to campaign against government triggering a no-deal Brexit, speaking out in the media and directly to key policy makers. As the threat increases, the CBI is calling members to use their personal stories to show how no-deal must be avoided.

Find a good story

• Focus on practical, real world examples that show the impact Brexit is having on your business and staff. This will help focus MPs minds and give journalists a level of detail they are looking for.
• Choose the right tone. Stick to the facts, be objective and use clear and simple language. This will help you makes your case and ensure politicians from across the political spectrum listen.

MPs want to know your story: engage with them

• Find out as much as you can about your MP and their position on Brexit – the CBI has profiles on the new MPs from 2017 here. Contact details for all MPs can be found on the House of Commons website.
• Be clear on why you’re reaching out. On a complex issue like Brexit, MPs will be keen to hear anecdotes, facts and figures they can use in debates or the impact a ‘no deal’ will have on your business.
• Decide what form you want the engagement to take. You can write to them, sit down for a coffee, or invite them to your office or factory to understand how your business works first hand. MPs are more likely to participate if local press is involved.
• If you need any advice, talk to the CBI’s EU Negotiations team at [email protected].

Get the right media strategy

• Choose the right media outlet. If you’ve got a story that will have a significant impact on the UK consider sending it across multiple national media outlets, if there is a more localised impact consider contacting your local or regional press.
• Choose the right medium. You can have more control over a story through a press release or op-ed, while an interview can be more impactful and offer the chance to give a more wide-ranging explanation of the difference Brexit will make.
• If you need any advice, talk to the CBI’s press team at [email protected].

Communicate across your business and stakeholders

• Get buy-in from across the business. Signing off your plans at board or Brexit working group level will inform the story you want to tell and help communicating to staff across the business on why you have decided to go public.
• Consider giving stakeholders prior notice. Communicating with shareholders and your supply chain in advance will ensure everyone will feel fully informed.

If you need any assistance in making your story heard, get involved.