Mid-sized manufacturing companies in the UK are in favour of staying in Europe, according to new figures published by accountancy and advisory firm BDO LLP.

59% of mid market manufacturing firms surveyed (those with revenue of between £10 million and £300 million) want to stay in Europe under David Cameron’s new terms.

In addition, the poll found that 67% of mid market manufacturers believed that leaving the EU would make it harder to run a successful business.

Despite being in favour of staying, mid market firms do want further changes to the EU. When asked what other reforms they would like to see, 73% of firms wanted less red tape and gold plating of EU legislation to make it easier to do business. In particular, those polled wanted to see regulatory off setting with every new regulation adopted leading to one existing EU regulation removed.

Improving trade agreements to help boost exports was also highlighted by the firms surveyed. 44% want the EU to have a greater focus on trade agreements such as the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership with the US and other high growth markets like India.

Further liberalisation of markets to make it easier to trade across Europe was also flagged. 23% would like to see greater progress with creating a digital single market making it easier for consumers to buy online across Europe.

Tom Lawton, head of manufacturing at BDO, says, “Exports and international trade are critical to UK mid market manufacturers. These firms are entrepreneurial, have high growth targets and are focused on international expansion so it’s no surprise that the over half of them support remaining within the EU.

“Despite being supportive, mid market manufacturing companies want to see further EU reform. They want an end to gold plating, greater progress with trade agreements and increased liberalisation of markets. They are clear that this will create jobs and growth for the UK.”