British businesses' support for Brexit grows, according to BCC poll

The proportion of British businesses wanting to leave the European Union has grown, according to a British Chambers of Commerce survey on Tuesday.

The BBC said a poll conducted in April showed 37% of members intend to vote to leave the EU in the 23 June referendum, compared to 30% in poll conducted between 23 January and 4 February.

The percentage of business wanting to remain in the EU fell to 54% from 60%.

"Although a clear majority of the business people we surveyed continue to express a preference to remain in the European Union, the gap between 'Remain' and 'Leave' has narrowed significantly in recent weeks," BCC acting director general Adam Marshall said.

The poll asked more than 2,000 BCC members their stance on the EU referendum, which came before the publication of reports from Britain's finance ministry and the International Monetary Fund warning of the economic impact of a Brexit.

Opinion polls on British voters show a close tie between the Remain and Leave camps. On Monday a ICM poll revealed 46% in favour of Brexit and 44% wanting to stay in the EU.