Rich traditional relations: Hamburg and the UK

As businesses around the UK consider relocation to European countries in the post-Brexit landscape, why are cities such as Hamburg attracting companies relocating to the continent?

Hamburg, one of the centres of attraction for UK businesses considering relocation
It is often said that Hamburg is the most anglophile city in Germany, business relations in particular
boast a long tradition.As early as 1266, merchants of the Hanseatic League met at London’s Stalhof (steelyard) to do business. By 1567, the “Right Worshipful Company of Merchant Adventurers of England” traded cloth in Hamburg.

Hamburg: The UK’s link into Europe

In 1926, the “British American Tobacco Co” (BAT) set up a branch on the banks of the Elbe River. Today, about ten per cent of the exports of Hamburg companies go to Britain, Pharmaceutical goods and aircraft top the list of exports. Major imports goods are crude oil and natural gas as well as petroleum products. Great Britain is a perfect market for German goods, offering companies also good access to other Commonwealth markets.In the year 2015, Hamburg welcomed almost 280,000 British tourists. Roughly 4,000 British citizens live in Hamburg. Last but not least, also a fair focusing
on Great Britain has been taking place in Hamburg for 26 years – the “British Flair”. 
Hamburg stresses its century long
friendship with the United Kingdom and regrets its decision to quit the EU. For the city it as vital to secure the UK’s utmost integration into the European
single market in future.In cases of limited options of integration, and companies needing to consider additional activities in the European Union, Hamburg will serve as gateway to the EU.Hamburg offers many advantages. Flight connections to many destinations in the UK are excellent, while costs are modest in Hamburg. Average office rents in good locations on the Elbe only amount to €15-25 a month per square metre. Hamburg also boasts British flair and an excellent infrastructure for the British way of life.For related news and features visit our Serviced Apartments sectionAccess hundreds of global services and suppliers in our Online Directory

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