THE boss of a Christchurch construction firm who backed Brexit has welcomed this week's general election announcement.

Simon Boyd, managing director of award-winning company REIDsteel, said it was an opportunity for the nation to get behind Brexit plans.

“British businesses and their staff need certainty so that they can plan for the future and this has been put at risk by those who want to undermine what the British people voted for," he said.

“This is a seismic, one-off chance for the nation to give Mrs May an even stronger mandate to seek the best possible deal from the EU.

“The election came as a surprise to many people, but it is the perfect opportunity to end the uncertainty, bring stability and show a united front for our Article 50 negotiations.

“Whatever side of the argument people were on at the time of the referendum, most have now come together and want our government to get a deal that works for the UK.

“Those politicians and powerful multi-nationals who are trying to stall or overturn the UK decision are wilfully damaging our negotiating position.

“Our government now needs the full support of the British people to give it the backing it needs to ensure the best possible outcome."

Mr Boyd was regional Chairman of Business for Britain South West during the EU Referendum campaign and welcomed Boris Johnson to REIDsteel in Christchurch on the Vote Leave battle bus in late May 2016.

He added: “It’s time for the country to pull together and to emerge stronger, with a positive outlook after June 8. This election is in the national interest.

“It’s time for Britain to be a global power again, to show the world that our destiny is very much in our own hands.”

Family-owned REIDsteel, with 130 staff, is a four times winner of the Queen’s Award’s for Enterprise (International Trade).

REIDsteel designs, manufactures, ship and erects all types of steel-framed buildings and structures, including their cladding and or glazing requirements.

They include commercial premises, aircraft hangers, stadiums, bridges, process plants, industrial units, large commercial buildings, grandstands, bridges, process plants, car parks and many other steel structures worldwide.