'Nothing will change overnight:' Business minister Sajid Javid reassures companies on Brexit
Javid was speaking at the launch of the new Creative Industries Council's 5-year plan for growth.
He told representatives of the film, publishing, tech, advertising, and broader creative industries:
"It is important to note that at this point in time - right here and now, and at least for a couple of years - nothing has changed."
Javid made clear that the message was one for the broader business community, not just creatives, saying:
"That's important to reiterate because even now I'm getting companies from all sectors saying look what's happened, can I still do this - nothing has changed, nothing will change overnight. It will be done gradually so that companies can plan for the changes that do happen."
Javid reiterated government's support for the creative industries and said "also, I'd like you as an industry to think about the opportunities in terms of rules and regulations. I look forward to hearing how we can deal with not just the challenges together but also take advantage of any opportunities that are presented."
Despite Javid's insistence that there will be opportunities alongside challenges, the mood at the event was one of pessimistic uncertainty. Business Insider spoke to a specialist publisher at the event, who was worried about what Brexit would do to her small US office and Chinese printing costs. Meanwhile, a jewellery maker told us they feared for their overseas sales, but added that the weak pound could bring more sales from tourists.
In short, as with pretty much every industry, it is too early to tell what the impact of Brexit will be but people are worried that the decision to leave will do more harm than good.
Sajid Javid is supporting Work and Pensions Secretary Stephen Crabb's bid to become the next Prime Minister, following David Cameron's resignation in the wake of the Leave vote. Javid would likely take up the position of Chancellor if Crabb's bid is successful.
Javid didn't mention his joint leadership bid with Crabb during his speech but he did joke about the tumultuous time British politics has been having.
He said: "They say a week is a long time in politics but at the moment it feel like just 10 minutes is a very long time in politics. Just walking over here earlier there has been resignations. There's a very significant resignation about an hour ago. I'm not talking about Nigel Farage - [I'm talking about] Chris Evans."