Superdrug founder Peter Goldstein is among more than 300 business leaders backing a Brexit because EU membership “stifles” UK growth.

Goldstein was one of 300 signatories on a letter, published in the Telegraph, which claimed that “Brussels’ red tape stifles every one of Britain’s 5.4 million businesses”.

The letter was signed by various UK business leaders including former chief executive of Tesco Clothing John Hoerner, Goldman Sachs managing director David Sismey and leaders of hundreds of small and medium-sized businesses across the UK.

“Britain’s competitiveness is being undermined by our membership of a failing EU,” the letter states.

“It is business – not government – which generates wealth for the Treasury and jobs for our communities.

“Outside the EU, British business will be free to grow faster, expand into new markets and create more jobs. It’s time to vote leave and take back control.”

Goldstein founded Superdrug in 1964 with his brother Ronald and left the business in 1990.