(Bloomberg) -- While the debate rages over whether Brexit will be a blessing or a curse for British businesses, the reality is nobody will know for years. And even once the results are in, the two camps are sure to disagree over the facts—and, of course, what could have been had Brexit not happened. But these entrepreneurs have to make the best of it now. We're going inside their companies to uncover the real-life impact from decisions made in Westminster. You can follow their progress here.
The Fintech Lenders
Funding Circle Ltd., Britain's largest peer-to-peer lender, matches investors with thousands of small-businesses around Europe. Co-founders Samir Desai and James Meekings and their London employees—many of them non-British—fear major disruption from Brexit, though business is booming so far.
Part One: Brexit Terrified This CEO. Then Business Jumped 50%
The Brexit Backer
Ebac Ltd. makes water coolers, dehumidifiers and washing machines in the northeast of England. Although sales in the European Union contribute a big chunk of revenue, founder John Elliott campaigned for Brexit. He says tariffs, if they are imposed after Brexit, won't seriously hurt his business.
Part Two: Lobbying to Leave While Profiting from Europe
The Poultry Farmer
Traditional Norfolk Poultry sells five million free-range and organic birds a year, on farms in the countryside northeast of London. Co-founder Mark Gorton says 60 percent of his workers are east Europeans, doing jobs he says Britons don't want to do. He's concerned Brexit will curb the supply of labor, while a weakening pound has forced him to raise prices.
Part Three: After Brexit Who Will Feed All These Chickens?
The Ambitious Startup
Boxarr Ltd. builds software for complex engineering and manufacturing projects, serving clients such as planemaker Airbus from its base in western England. Chief Executive Officer Alasdair Pettigrew says Brexit may present opportunities — but he is worried about access to labor and lenders.
Part Four: Britain Needs Companies Like This. Brexit May Scare Them Off
To contact the authors of this story: Edward Robinson in London at edrobinson@bloomberg.net, Franz Wild in London at fwild@bloomberg.net, Stephanie Baker in London at stebaker@bloomberg.net, Matthew Campbell in London at mcampbell39@bloomberg.net.
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Timothy Coulter at tcoulter@bloomberg.net, Anne Swardson
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