A survey of more than 6,000 members of the Federation of Small Business (FSB) indicated that 47% would vote to stay if the referendum was held today, with 41%
against and 11% undecided. Just over 1% said they would not vote or
preferred not to say, The Guardian reports.
As expected, opinions varied greatly by nation, with Scotland showing the most support where 60% of companies favored and 26% opposed leaving the EU.
By contrast, English firms remained deeply divided on the issue with 45% wishing to remain and 43% wanting out.
The poll also underscored a worrying lack of clarity, with one in three members saying they did not feel informed about the EU from a business point of view.
Votes by nations
• Scotland 59.9% for; 25.7% against; 11.9% undecided
• Northern Ireland 54.2% for; 31.3% against; 13.5% undecided
• Wales 49.4% for; 38.6% against; 11.6% undecided
• England 45.1% for; 43.1% against; 10.5% undecided
Where businesses were in favor of staying
• Scotland 59.9%
• London 55.4%
• Northern Ireland 54.2%
• North east 51.3%
Regions where businesses are most opposed
• East Midlands 48.7%
• Yorkshire and the Humber 47.8%
• West Midlands 47.0%
• East 42.6%