Two thirds of Kent business people believe their company would be better off if Britain remains in the EU, according to recent polls.

The surveys were carried out at the West Kent and Kent B2B exhibitions in Paddock Wood and Ashford, held in March and April.

They found 67% of 85 respondents believed their business would benefit from remaining in the European Union.

Simon Crookston, tax Partner at accountancy Crowe Clark Whitehill, which conducted the polls, said: “Many respondents wanted more honest facts from reliable sources to allow them to make an informed decision.

“Some believed small businesses would suffer less red tape if we left the EU and also said money contributed to the EU would be better spent in the UK. However, others said it is too much of an unknown if we leave.”

A separate poll at the Kent B2B, conducted by the KM Group, had a slightly closer result. It found 58% of 51 people who took part said they would prefer to remain in the EU.

“Whether a business feels remaining in the European Union is positive or not, they should be considering how the company may be impacted from an economic perspective if there is a Brexit,” added Mr Crookston.

“They should be looking the possibility of currency fluctuations, how the relationship with their suppliers and customers may change and whether there will be an impact on their staffing.”

Crowe Clark Whitehill has Kent offices in Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone.