Businesses have been discussing the impact Brexit will have on them when Britain leaves the EU.

With Article 50 being triggered to start the withdrawal process, companies in Richmond as elsewhere will be facing challenges around employment and immigration.

A seminar organised by Richmond Chamber of Commerce at Old Deer Park brought businesspeople from the borough together to talk about the issues.

Richmond Park MP Sarah Olney addressed the event, speaking about the threats and uncertainties including those around specific sectors such as the NHS and high-tech.

She said afterwards: “I am concerned that Brexit will impact on local businesses in Richmond, particularly their ability to recruit the skills and talent they need.

“I’ll continue to fight in Parliament for the best possible deal for the British people and local businesses.”

The main speaker was Alison de Lord, HR director of Richmond College, who spoke on the law and how to manage change and protect overseas staff.

Chamber CEO Anne Newton said: “The Chamber of Commerce, the voice of business across the borough, was keen to offer directors of corporates, non-profits and SMEs the opportunity to hear and discuss how immigration law would impact their policies, procedures and HR strategies.”

The next chamber event is a coffee morning and tour at The Poppy Factory, Richmond, on April 4.

This is followed by a boat party at Turk Launches with guest speaker Bamber Gascoigne on April 7.