More than 80% of businesses do not want the UK to leave the European Union without a deal, a new survey suggests.
The poll from the CBI - which has been actively opposed to a hard Brexit - said the vast majority of firms want the Government to deliver on its stated aim to strike an agreement in October with the EU.
The survey of 330 businesses, representing around one million employees, said businesses are concerned about delays at borders, exchange rate volatility and regulatory trade barriers in the event of no-deal.
Firms are slightly more prepared for Brexit than in a previous survey in March, the survey said, but smaller firms are still struggling with contingency planning.
CBI director-general Dame Carolyn Fairbairn said: “This survey shows the vast majority of businesses of all sizes want the UK to leave the EU with a deal. This is the first choice for eight in 10 firms.
“At the same time, they are also preparing for a no deal outcome. It is welcome that 70% of CBI members report being moderately or significantly prepared for the disruption of no deal.
“More worryingly, this survey also lays bare the actions firms are taking to protect their business. They make for sombre reading. Seven in 10 firms have adjusted their supply chains outside the UK, with a further one in 10 planning to do so.”
She added: “While many firms can be prepared for a no deal Brexit, they cannot be protected. They have no choice but to take actions that will harm the UK economy.
“Firms are also aware a no deal Brexit does not mean the end of uncertainty; merely the beginning of even greater ambiguity.
“The overall message from this survey could not be clearer. Businesses across the UK support getting a deal. They want politicians on all sides to make this their top priority to protect jobs and livelihoods.”
The survey found that 50% of firms have raised prices as a result of Brexit and 19% plan to do so. Seven out of 10 firms have already adjusted their supply chains outside the UK, with another 10% planning to do so.
