BUSINESS leaders in the North West have warned the Government that adopting the euro currency will lead to extra costs for businesses and force prices up in the region.
David Briggs, chairman of Business for Sterling North West, part of the national campaign group set up to put the economic and business case for keeping the pound, said: "Leading retail organisations have estimated that joining the euro would cost businesses up to 2.5 per cent of their turnover and it is the smaller, local retailers who would be hardest hit.
"Banks are expecting the euro to increase their operating costs dramatically due to the cost of staff training and changing cash machines. It is the customer who pays for all these extra costs.
"Why should businesses be expected to waste money preparing for the euro when we have not even decided to join and when more than two thirds of the public are against it?"
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article