BUSINESSES have vowed that Britain’s decision to leave the EU will not negatively impact them - but question marks remain over the future of BMW and Honda in the town.

In the wake of Brexit, companies who have large plants or headquarters in Swindon have come out fighting.

Leading up to the referendum, fears were raised that car manufacturers such as Honda and BMW could cut staff as tariffs applied to non-EU countries would leave them unable to compete with rivals on the continent.

Honda, which has its UK plant in South Marston, has the third largest turnover of businesses based in Swindon and is the biggest employer of people in the town itself, with 3,200 employees. In 2013, Honda cut 800 jobs due to a slump in demand across Europe

It said it remained 'committed' to its business in Europe as preparations continue for its Civic launch from Swindon.

A spokesman said: “At this moment, it is not clear what conditions and rules will ultimately replace the UK’s membership of the EU. We will therefore carefully monitor developments.

"We continue to prepare for the production launch of the 10th generation Civic from our Swindon plant.

“Honda remains committed to its business in Europe.”

BMW, who run their Mini Plant from Stratton St Margaret, and employs 1,200 people said for now, it was business as usual."

A spokesman said: “While it is clear there will now be a period of uncertainty, there will be no immediate change to our operations in the UK.

“Today, we know that many of the relevant conditions for supplying the European market will have to be re-negotiated, but of course we cannot say what this means for our UK operations until those future regulatory and legislative arrangements are agreed.”

Nationwide Building Society, whose UK headquarters are in Piper's Way, pledged to "provide security and stability" to customers for years to come.

A spokesman said: “As one of the safest and strongest financial services organisations in the country, the direct impact of the vote to leave the EU on Nationwide will be limited, and in the immediate and short-term nothing will change.

“Our priority, is to make sure that Nationwide continues to provide stability and security for members’ money for generations to come.”

And Zurich Insurance, which has its headquarters in Newbridge Square, said the business was here to stay in Swindon.

“Even though the British people have chosen to leave the EU, the UK is a key market for our business globally,” said a spokesman.

“While some customers may be worried about what this means for their policies or investments, we remain committed to our customers, distributors, communities and employees in the UK.

“We are a global insurer operating in over 170 countries and territories, and support the EU as a facilitator of free and open international trade. We saw Britain as an integral part of this and believed the EU to be stronger when it includes the UK.

“The process of the UK leaving the EU is likely to take years, so at the moment it’s far too soon to say what all the effects will be across our business."