As has been pointed out, WTO is the default deal for schlubs who can't get a decent deal, so that they aren't totally kicked in the goolies and robbed blind.

Also, dealing with the EU is the bread and butter for many companies, because it is just a stone's throw away, and currently no import/export duties, so their products are competitive and can be transported fairly quickly. The only thing making them less competitive is the cost of the Channel crossing.

Dealing with other parts of the world means the goods have to be transported much further, meaning higher costs, and producing in the UK also isn't very economical, compared to Asia, then you have import duties to add to the price, that makes the goods even less attractive.

And judging by what I see on Amazon Germany, a lot of Brits make a living out of importing Chinese electronics and selling them in Europe. That business model will be hit on the head by Brexit.

There are a lot of things to be considered, especially with businesses, big and small, and how much they currently deal with Europe and how the changes will affect them - for many of these small retailers who specialise in delivering cheap goods to Europe, it will mean folding up their business; generally they are one of a dozen retailers advertising on Amazon and eBay and their prices are about equal to "local" companies. Slap on import duties and the hassles with customs in the target countries and nobody will use them.

For large multi-nationals, it is easier, they just open up a subsidiary in Europe, if they don't already have one. The UK subsidiaries will lose in importance and depending on the amount of business that the UK itself accounts for, many will be downsized or even closed.

Mid sized manufacturing businesses that survive by dealing with Europe will also be in a mess.

Then there is the anti-immigration thing, there the Brexiteers are looking to send back the skilled workers and often the EU skilled workers are there, because there are no UK workers (or not enough) in those fields. That will also have an affect on business as well.

I can see a spike in unemployment caused by a hard Brexit. Over the long term, it will probably level out, but it will be painful in the short term.

Also, what are you going to do about the sudden influx of ex-pat Brits who get kicked out of Europe, as they are no longer allowed to remain, because the UK is no longer part of the EU? Immigration in the EU works both ways, you know.

I hope that it isn't going to be as grim as it looks at the moment. The Brexiteers have won, but I still don't see anything coherent coming out of the UK about how they are going to deal with all those businesses that survive solely through their trade with the EU.

big-D the EU export more to the UK then the UK export to the EU we win on any tariffs.

the UK will be a member of NAFTA of which the UK will be able to use any trade deals already agreed.

the UK will strike deals via or using WTO with other nations outside of the EU until a 'FREE' trade deal is reached. if A50 is not invoked then a early GE will follow

which will result in a massive majority Govt.

which part of 'LEAVE' are you failing to understand ...

Remainers “But you don’t know what you want!”

Leavers “We want massive economic growth, no migration, free trade with the EU and every other country, on our terms, the revival of British industry, re-open the coal mines, tea and vicars on every village green, some bunting, and maybe restoration of the empire.”

Remainers “You’re delusional.”

Leavers “We’re a delusional majority. DEMOCRACY! So do the thing that isn’t possible, very quickly, and give all Leavers what they want, even though they don’t know what they want, and ignore the 16 million other voters who disagree. They’re tight trouser latte-sipping hipsters who whine all the time, who cares.”

Do you want to be shot at? Yes/No

it seems we will just have to wait and see and i am smiling all the way to the EU exit door ...

Can I ask what you have against Europe? You know a lot of the population of the UK are descended from Europeans?

i have nothing against Europe or the countries within nothing at all but i have no time whatsoever for the EU. the EU is not Europe ...

Free movement is as available to today as it was when I first left the UK for Europe.

The UK and Ireland are the only countries where I have had to show my passport.

I often pop over to Holland, Belgium, France for the weekend, over to the Czech Republic or Hungary. I have friends I visit in Italy. All of those are available without having to show my passport or other form of ID. I just drive down to where I want to go, no hassles.

It makes it very easy to go for a day out somewhere. The only hassle is trying to get back to the UK. It always felt that the UK never took EU membership seriously.

anti free movement anti illegals. where is free movement available now within the EU, boarder control and the ability to vet by application any immigration is required for the UK. free movement is history ...

That does make me laugh considering Europeans have been immigrating to the UK since history began. Where do you think the Romans and Vikings came from? Do you seriously think leaving the EU will stop people coming to this country?

again we will wait and see WHO has the last laugh as i have heard they may laugh the loudest.

i believe the last invasion to the UK was 1066. over and above the the illegals invading vie the EU ...