Rooney Anand, CEO of Greene King, Alan Clark, CEO of SABMiller, Ivan Menezes, CEO of Diageo and Paul Walsh, chairman of Compass Group were amongst the signatories of the letter which was published in yesterday’s Times.
It stated: “Sir, The businesses we lead represent every sector and region of the UK. Together we employ hundreds of thousands of people across the country. Following the prime minister’s renegotiation, we believe that Britain is better off staying in a reformed European Union.
“He has secured a commitment from the EU to reduce the burden of regulation, deepen the single market and to sign off crucial international trade deals.
“Business needs unrestricted access to the European market of 500 million people in order to continue to grow, invest and create jobs. We believe that leaving the EU would deter investment, threaten jobs and put the economy at risk. Britain will be stronger, safer and better off remaining a member of the EU.”
Other signatories included Ian Breminer, managing director of Complete Coffee Ltd, Allen Hogan, managing director of Hogan’s Cider, Lady Ruth Rogers, owner of The River Café, Kasim Ali, director of Waterloo Tea Ltd, Richard Reed, co-founder of Innocent Drinks and Jam Jar.
Britain will vote in a referendum whether to stay in or leave the European Union on 23rd June 2016.