Uncertainty plays a lot on my mind these days. Every time I see a news item on Scotland, or the EU, I think about how these two debates impact our business community.

The uncertainty each debate generates has a big effect on business decision-making.

How many, I wonder, are feeling like the management of Standard Life, who became one of the biggest financial companies to publicly acknowledge it was undertaking contingency planning around the potential break-up of the Union?

Are there companies out there that see any opportunity in all this uncertainty, especially when so many of those who stick their head above the parapet talk about risk?

The British public and the European Union had the opportunity to have their say in the European elections and the result is not too much of a surprise.

The old saying, ‘if you don’t like it then vote with your feet’ was certainly well and truly exercised.

What does it mean for Kent businesses now UKIP have received the majority in the European parliament seats?

In my mind, it means we have to work with the party’s MEPs to let them know what Kent companies want from Europe.

We need to tell them what is holding us back as a result of Europe and potentially stifling business growth.

We have to say which EU regulations are adding costs.

Unlike many others in the European Union, we have not taken to the streets in our masses to demonstrate over the years.

Instead we have quietly accepted the status quo and tried to make the most of it. Last week’s vote was a clear demonstration to the current government that change is wanted by the British public.

It is an opportunity to renegotiate to ensure the right terms to enable Kent businesses to create the wealth and prosperity needed to continue to build economic growth.

It is a shame the whole discussion around the elections appeared to be on immigration. There are so many other elements that affect us all.

It is the continued burden of business regulations that will have an impact and result in greater costs to consumers.

It will affect the ability for local companies to trade on a global scale competitively.

Let’s not hide behind the word referendum. Let’s start talking about the detail.