A Brussels business authority has launched a “major initiative” backed by the regional government to attract UK-based financial services companies and insurers to the city as a solution to Brexit.
Brussels Capital Region said basing themselves in the Belgian city or surrounding region would ensure firms could continue to operate across Europe following the UK withdrawal from the EU.
Cécile Jodogne, Secretary of State for Foreign Trade at the Region of Brussels, said establishing an operational base in the EU was the “only way” for UK and global firms based in the UK to guarantee seamless operations in the EU after the UK withdrawal.
“Despite the UK and EU establishing in principle, a Withdrawal Agreement, there will still be plenty of room for uncertainty until the end of the transition period. Businesses operating in both in the UK and the EU need to prepare now for any eventuality, and as a priority ensure that they can continue to operate seamlessly across the UK and EU,” she said.
Brussels is marketing its credentials under the slogan ‘The Future is close. Brussels is yours’ and partly leveraging its proximity to major regulatory bodies and position at the heart of the EU infrastructure.
A series of events will take place at the Belgian Embassy in London over the coming weeks, starting December 4 with an event for financial services firms and insurers. Other events will focus on life sciences and audio-visual sectors.
Jodogne added in a statement supporting the initiative: “We are seeing an increasing number of businesses investigating different cities in which to base their European operations. With a well-educated local workforce and very attractive conditions for foreign nationals moving to our region, as well as competitive house prices, a good education system and a cosmopolitan city centre, Brussels represents a fantastic option for both work and family life.“
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