As the date of the EU referendum draws closer, Prettys has invited eminent guest speakers from the East of England to the firm’s next Business Academy events in Ipswich and Chelmsford to debate the issues and implications of the vote on businesses.

Ben Gummer MP will present the ‘remain’ argument against former conservative MEP David Campbell Bannerman supporting Brexit on Tuesday 14th June at Wherstead Park, Ipswich.

Meanwhile, former conservative MEP Lord Balfe will debate to remain in the EU and Bernard Jenkin, MP for Harwich and North Essex, will argue for the leave campaign at Grant Thornton’s offices in Chelmsford on Thursday 16th June.

Partner in the employment team, Matthew Cole will outline some of the possible legal outcomes associated with Brexit.

Prettys is inviting local businesses to attend the free events in Ipswich and Chelmsford, which will also feature a ‘question time’ session for attendees to raise their concerns, issues and queries with the panel.

Commenting on the event, Matthew Cole said, “We are delighted to welcome such eminent speakers to our Business Academy events which, just a week before the vote, looks set to be a heated debate with both sides passionately presenting their case.”

“For business owners, the implications of the vote could have a lasting impact and many are still undecided on which vote will be best for their business.”

Prettys’ Business Academy is part of a programme of events, seminars and legal updates that run throughout the year. The Brexit debate events will run between 8am-10am and a light breakfast will be provided.

To book a complimentary place at either the Ipswich or Chelmsford event or to find out more information, email: academy@prettys.co.uk

About the Speakers

Ipswich

David Campbell Bannerman:

A Conservative MEP for the East of England, he was first elected in June 2009. David has now chosen to campaign fully for Brexit, following the disappointment of the Prime Minister's negotiations with the EU.

Ben Gummer MP

Appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Quality at the Department of Health in May 2015. He entered Parliament for the first time in 2010 and in 2015 increased his majority as the MP for Ipswich.

Chelmsford

Bernard Jenkin MP

First elected to Parliament in 1992, Bernard is now MP for Harwich and North Essex.

Bernard is one of the Conservative Party’s most prominent eurosceptics and regularly speaks on European issues and is on the board of Vote Leave.

Lord Balfe

Richard served as MEP from 1979 to 2004 and between 2008 to 2012 he was David Cameron’s envoy to the Trade Union movement and since 2013 has been a member of the House of Lords where he serves on the EU foreign affairs committee.