"Any effect would be as a "knock-on" from clients suffering from adverse exchange rates. Currently the pound appears to be overvalued against the Deutschmark in particular and certain clients are suffering through being uncompetitive. This then begs the question about being locked in to an exchange rate that has no flexibility. Rather than responding to market forces it would appear to be much more an arbitrary decision."

"As a company specialising in airports, we rarely have much to do with Europe as their airport infrastructure is pretty much complete, but oddly enough we do have a current contract in Europe, so the UK adopting the euro would actually help our business in this respect in the immediate short term. Much more of our business is done in the Far and Middle East where the UK's involvement with the euro (or not) would have much less impact. My concern is that the euro will end up rather like the ECU - which it replaces wef 1/1/99 of course."

"Roll on the days when you don't need six wallets with various currencies to travel in Europe! Although very pro EMU, we feel the UK has been right in it's cautious approach. Our views would have been different if the entry criteria had been rigorously implemented, then there would have been a true "Economic" drive for EMU. Now it is purely based on Political will and therefore less likely to succeed (initially)."

"Adoption of the Single European Currency means we lose, forever, the sovereign right to govern ourselves. We are then at the mercy of an unelected, irremovable foreign power which will pass laws and run the economy for its benefit, not ours. This can only be worse for the UK than if we were to run our country for our own benefit. Not that they are any good at running for their own benefit with economic stagnation and soaring unemployment. A Fortress Europe, protectionist mentality is as dead as the dinosaurs in a global free trading world."

"It is perfectly possible to fix euro based prices with european based customers without the pound being tied into what may well prove to be a very restrictive and de-stabilising influence on local economies. Though fixing euro prices is likely to mean accepting lower margins within those prices to remain competitive as a result of the high value pound."

"Anything that will ensure stability in exchange rates and preferably at a lower rate for the pound against the euro than at present."

"As a holiday provider it will give us a universal pricing for the whole of Europe."

"We produce a magazine for the tyre retreading industry and 60% of our advertising business comes from EU countries. Apart from the fact that these advertisers will want to pay in Euros, the money we will save in bank charges will be substantial. Under any circumstances I will be printing a Euro price list from the start of next year."

"Consolidated foreign exchange status will enable Europe to better withstand external economic swings, especially with regard to Far Eastern volatility and, to a lesser extent today, the US Dollar. The only 'loser', and hence lack of impetus, is the international banking market which, if trading correctly, makes a margin on both sales and purchases of FX irrespective currencies weakening or strengthening - plus of course their commissions."

"If the European currency system works it will be advantageous, but after ERM we must be cautious & wait & see!"

"It would be difficult at first just to get people to change to the way they think, but would be a bonus for sourcing funding in the EU. I borrowed 15K from France to help set up my business seven years ago and lost about 2K just due to the exchange rate."

"The UK cannot hope to keep trading in Europe unless it adopts the Euro."

"Economists should publish a list of pros and cons, showing probable winners and losers in different business sectors, and effects on domestic prices and consumption. We need to know what preparations and costs are involved, e.g. accounting conversions and training."

"It would make life easier for our export customers, but inevitably, there would be extra costs in maintaining an additional bank account, etc."

"It is inconceivable how the UK can avoid this, to stand alone would only serve to weaken Sterling and make British goods less competitive in the export markets."

"I think the UK are well advised to be prudent in joining EMU and should wait and see how things are working in practice in 2002 or even by 2005."

"No difference to my business, other than how it may impact the macroeconomic environment."

"It might be of benefit if interest rates were reduced to 4%!"

"It has become quite clear that the driving force behind the currency change will be industry and that it is inevitable. EMU will not fail - although it might not succeed as well as it could. The political tennis match between our political parties is potentially so damaging economically that the sooner they recognise that they no longer have meaningful economic power (other than to damage us all) the better."

"The Euro would be useful as a secondary currency for all EU states. It could make my business easier as I sell my consultancy services in Europe. I am not convinced of the logic of transferring our gold and reserves to Frankfurt. What would happen if the Euro crashed ???"