As 2019 nears, the drama surrounding Brexit continues to escalate. Theresa May is caught between duty to her parliament, and brokering an agreement with the EU, all while businesses and companies are left hanging. The effect of UK’s exit is still unclear.

Mainstream media attention has focussed on how multinational corporations such as Boeing, Jaguar Land Rover and London’s banks will be dealing with the transition, but what of the small, family-run businesses?

Local business owners told JesmondLocal their views on the issues.

Gill Reeve, who runs Dene’s Deli on Jesmond Road, said her business would be hit since around 20% of her goods come from the EU.

“I will have to increase prices,” she said. While she was unsure how it would pan out, Reeve was certain that the after effects of Brexit would cause problems. However, she refused to let it deter her, saying that despite the need for a visa and other checks, she would not be stopped from travelling to Europe for holidays.

Her sentiments were echoed by John Ord, who runs Abercrombies interior design store on Clayton Road. Since close to 80% of his goods come from outside the UK, he is unsure how the supply chain would react until Brexit takes place.

Having voted to remain in the EU, both Reeve and Ord say they would vote no again if another referendum was to be held. “I do feel that it was a majority decision if somewhat made under a ‘smoke and mirrors’ campaign of Brexiteers,” Ord said, an idea that was echoed by Peter Bryce, who works at Edo on Clayton Road.

“It’s a huge mistake and will cost the country dearly,” Bryce said. “The margin was very close, it was hard to read the mood of the nation.” He went on to add that since the last referendum was held in haste and little was known about the actual effects of leaving the EU, the government should hold another referendum now.

Bryce also hopes to see a huge turnout from the youth, whom he believe are vital to the decision May and the government make. “If there is another [referendum], I want to see more youth turn out because this is about their future, not our generations.”

Both Ord and Bryce also came down heavily on the media, believing that they had a key role to play in the referendum and subsequently the mood of the nation.

“I do however feel that the way the media and remain parties have publicly dealt with Brexit is shameful and has already caused damage to confidence nationally,” Ord said.

However, with some sort of deal on the table, the future isn’t all that bleak for the UK. Only time will tell how local businesses will have to adapt to the situation.