AS the dust settles after a whirlwind referendum campaign, some of the town’s housing experts have shared their thoughts on the likely consequences of Brexit.

James Lockhart, partner at commercial property agents Whitmarsh Lockhart, views the leave vote as an opportunity for improved productivity in the UK, from which Swindon is well-placed to benefit.

He said: “The full implications of Brexit will inevitably take a few years to materialise, however I believe the future is brighter than it might seem at present and we will see a positive effect in the long term for UK commerce.

“Many of our home-grown industries are world-leaders and a large number of the leading companies I work alongside increasingly look at business on a global stage, which Europe only plays a small part in.

“Whilst the fall in the value of the pound and the FTSE 100 was to be expected, it will act as a stimulus to our manufacturing industries and in the medium to long term we should see the UK producing more goods ourselves rather than rely on importation.

“As we stop relying on others to provide what we need I suspect we will see an improvement in productivity, which has been the bane of our economy. With the country’s industries investing in new plant, equipment and robotics, we’ll be creating a stronger position for our economy in the long term.

“The flexibility of UK business is amazing. I believe that UK manufacturing is in for a renaissance over the coming years and Swindon is well-placed to take the benefit of this due to our strong industrial and engineering background.”

Whitmarsh Lockhart has been established for 20 years and was responsible for the sale or letting of two thirds of industrial and warehouse space in Swindon during the difficult economic years of 2008-2014.

A spokesman from house building company Persimmon said: “Negotiating Britain’s exit from the European Union could be a long and complex process and it is difficult today to predict how and over what timetable this process will evolve.

“Against this background, Persimmon has a strong balance sheet and a clear strategy, and we remain focused on building the new homes around the country that Britain needs.”