BUSINESS is another key indicator of opinion within the debate on the EU referendum – but many don’t want to get involved.

The Bury Times contacted about a dozen Bury businesses which export to Europe and the wider world to offer their opinion on the issue, but very few were willing to put their head above the parapet.

Many said this was in fear of becoming embroiled in a fierce debate, categorised by politicians such as Boris Johnson and Ken Livingstone.

But one business which did respond and has a more neutral outlook is Radcliffe based James Halstead PLC, a manufacturer and international distributor of commercial floor coverings.

The company, which employs about 1,000 people worldwide with around half of those in Greater Manchester, celebrated its centenary last year with record breaking figures with revenues of £227.3 million.

Gordon Oliver, finance director of the company, said he doesn't expect the company's performance to be affected either way.

He said: "I don't think the world will cave in if we leave the EU or stay in that respect.

"I think it's an evenly matched debate. About one third of our exports go to Europe and I can't see that changing either way.

"There is going to be some turmoil at first for the months after the vote, but I don't think it will change anything.

"We have dealt with Europe before and will be able to in the future.

"Two thirds of our products go to the rest of the world, so that is also a very important market to us. Europe isn't unimportant, but it is one part of our business."

A key advocate in the case for Britain remaining within the EU in Greater Manchester is Charlie Cornish, the chief executive of the Manchester Airport Group, of which Bury Council is a shareholder.

Mr Cornish says the EU has benefited holidaymakers and business alike.

He said: “UK airlines now compete successfully on routes right across Europe, taking full advantage of the ‘open skies’ created by the EU.

“In addition to a greater choice of destinations and lower fares, European travellers have also gained in other ways, including safer and more secure travel, the abolition of mobile phone roaming charges, reciprocal health agreements and protection when flights are disrupted.”

Bury was yesterday set to be a key battleground in the campaign of those wanting to leave the EU.

The chairman and founder of the Wetherspoon chain of pubs, Tim Martin, visited the Art Picture House pub in Bury to speak to drinkers as a leading supporter of Brexit.

Mr Martin said: “By regaining democracy and power over our own future, we can make our own laws in this country and elect and dismiss our political representatives – while retaining good relations with our good friends in Europe and the world.

“Continuing to give away power to the unelected elite in Brussels is a dangerous and unpredictable path.”