Solicitor and McCann FitzGerald partner John Cronin, who is president of the British-Irish Chamber of Commerce, has said that business is practical and apolitical and will respond to Brexit in a pragmatic manner.

Speaking at the  British Irish Chamber spring networking dinner (pictured) at Dublin’s Intercontinental Hotel, Cronin said that British-Irish trade continues to be an important positive contributor to the economies of both islands.

“Regardless of what happens next, the UK will remain an important market for Irish firms and vice versa. The shared history, culture, business mindset and familial links underpins the strength of this relationship.

Foster new relationships

He called on leaders to foster new business relationships that can grow and develop beyond Brexit. 

“Once there is certainty around the next steps forward, businesses will respond in a pragmatic manner that will seek to ensure that trade, jobs and investment are not only protected, but can grow into the future,” he said.

“While relationships may have been tested over the recent past, they will endure and there is an opportunity to build new relationships as we move towards the next stage of the Brexit process.”

John Cronin is head of the McCann FitzGerald Brexit group.