Fear of uncertainty dominates post-Brexit poll sentiment

3rd September 2016 |   Journal Of Sales Transformation

Andy Hough

Andy Hough: educated, knowledgeable sales professionals even more important.

A majority of sales leaders in the UK believe that they will suffer a decline in business following the decision to leave the European Union, according to a poll conducted by the Association of Professional Sales (APS) in the immediate aftermath of Britain’s vote to leave the European Union. Just under two thirds (63%) of those who took part in the survey said they believed Brexit would have a negative effect on their organisation.

Of these, 94% were worried about the negative impact of market uncertainty. Fluctuations in the value of sterling, possible cuts to investment and new trade barriers were also cited as fears. More than 45% said they feared the pipeline of new sales orders would start to dry up.

APS CEO Andrew Hough told the Journal: “Having educated, knowledgeable sales professionals will be even more important as we look ahead to the opportunities of selling to a broader range of markets.”

Jobs in the sales industry were also addressed in the APS opinion poll, but here the mood was more positive. More than half of those who took part in the survey (52%) believed the decision to leave the EU would not affect their staffing levels. Seven per cent suggested they might even need to hire more staff. In contrast, 41% feared that staff cuts could be on the cards in the future.