Fears grow: ⅓ of British firms consider move abroad over Brexit

LONDON — Nearly a third of British firms may shift their operations abroad because of Britain’s looming departure from the European Union, a survey of 1,200 company directors suggested Friday, as the political stalemate over a Brexit deal heightened jitters among businesses.

The survey by the Institute of Directors, an employers’ group, found that 16 percent of businesses already had relocation plans while a further 13 percent were “actively considering” a move.

The group said while headlines have focused on big companies, less notice has been given to smaller businesses and their plans to relocate.