EMC becomes latest to speak up on Brexit

Vendor joins the ranks of the Remain campaigners

EMC is the latest tech company to back the UK staying in the EU, following similar announcements from Microsoft, HPE and UKFast this week.

EMC backed the Remain campaign in a joint public letter, published in the Financial Times, which included signatures from companies including Cisco, whose CEO Chuck Robbins previously told CRN Brexit would be a "big mistake".

Ross Fraser, EMC's country manager for the UK and Ireland, outlined the vendor's reasons for backing the Remain campaign in a separate blog post today.

"At the heart of the decision is the significant lack of certainty for businesses when it comes to the viability of different possible post-Brexit scenarios, which could range from continued participation in the European Economic Area (EEA) and European Free Trade Associate (EFTA) to attempting to negotiate our own bilateral trade deals with Europe and the rest of the world," he said. "Whatever the outcome, it will take time to agree in the UK and beyond, with no guarantees of a positive long-term economic impact for UK business."

Fraser added that he wants the UK to "keep its place at the table during ongoing negotiations" regarding change to EU law, such as the incoming Privacy Shield rules.

SCC's founder Sir Peter Rigby recently told CRN that a Brexit could cause problems for his firm, but ANS Group's founder scott Fletcher is calling for more devolution of power to the UK.

EMC's Fraser added: "Lastly, businesses continue to struggle with a digital knowledge and skills deficit. Staying in the EU will mean free movement of labour across the EU, which is essential to companies looking to access this much-needed talent.

"The technology sector is all about freedom of data and collaborative innovation, both of which could become significantly more complicated if the UK decides to remove itself as a member of the world's largest trade bloc. The vote on 23 June is a pivotal one for the UK and for Europe; for our citizens and our businesses; and as a business we stand in the Remain camp."