Business people from across Richmond enjoyed a very exclusive view of the Thames last Friday – enjoying high tea at The House of Lords.

Richmond’s Chamber of Commerce held its annual event at Parliament, sponsored by Moore Blatch solicitors and Richmond & Twickenham Times.

They were joined by peers Baroness Kramer (Liberal Democrat) and Baroness Drake (Labour) as well as Sky News’ chief political correspondent Jon Craig who led a discussion on how Brexit will impact on Richmond businesses.

There was also a guided tour of Parliament, including the House of Commons, which brought to life the history of British democracy and institution.

Anne Newton, CEO of Richmond Chamber of Commerce, said: “The nonpartisan business-like discussions with more than 50 businesses were guided expertly by Sky News’ Jon Craig.”

“All agreed that future outlook and business confidence is key.”

She added that the Lords Summit was incredibly useful, offering Richmond’s businesses and professionals to share opportunities, threats and best practice responses to Brexit.

Engaging discussions ranged around policy and legal aspects of the economy, social, constitutional law - including Ireland - and specific business concerns such as trade law, immigration, employment, business location and social care.

Baronesses Kramer and Drake both shed light on the immense complexities, implications and various likely outcomes of leaving the European Union on local business.

The next Chamber Brexit Summit, sponsored by Moore Blatch Solicitors, will be held on July 6, 2018.