German ministers are writing to Brit businesses uging them to move to Berlin after Brexit
The letter has been sent to UK companies and warns that remaining in Britain will damage their businesses
A GERMAN senate is writing to British businesses urging them to leave the UK and move to Berlin in the wake of Brexit.
The city's business tsar Cornelia Yzer takes a swipe at the decision to leave the European Union, telling companies the vote ‘will severely affect your operations in the United Kingdom’.
In the letter – which has been shared on social media – Ms Yzer warns British businesses that remaining in Britain post Brexit will damage their businesses.
But it has been slammed as "cronyism at its most blatant".
Mark Littlewood, of respected think tank the Institute of Economic Affairs, said: “To try and entice firms to move locations by offering publicly funded schemes is cronyism at its most blatant.
"It should appal Berliners that their hard-earned taxes are being offered up to bribe major companies to move. The government of business should not be the business of government, whether here or in Berlin.”
One recipient of the letter was Maz Nadjm, CEO of brand advocate platform SoAmpli.
Speaking to Sun Online he called the letter “cheeky” – but said he didn’t think about making the move “for a second”.
Maz – who set up his business nearly two years ago said: “The only way I can describe it is cheeky.
“I was amazed – it wasn’t that long after Brexit that it arrived. They provided full details about a move.
“I understand why they are doing it but it still wouldn’t be a target for me. I wouldn’t move from London. Not for a second."
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Maz added: “The UK is the most advanced for what I do, competition is high, customers know what they are looking for.
“Secondly it’s home. HQ will always be here.
“Based on the survival of the credit crunch and how it was managed I was confident. We have actually now sold more post Brexit.
“I love London – it’s a gorgeous city. Would I want to move? No.”
I was amazed – it wasn’t that long after Brexit that it arrived.
Maz Nadjm, CEO of brand advocate platform SoAmpli
The letter states: “Berlin is an international open-minded city attracting high
Speaking last month Yzer took another swipe at Brexit Britain, pointing out that Berlin still has the "three Ts - talent, technology and tolerance."
She also says that Berlin will provide resources that will help them relocate.
Several hundred of these letters have been sent out, according to the Cornelia Yzer's office.
Speaking in June she said: “We will now take advantage [of Brexit]. And this is more than fair."
Ms Yzer’s office said: “Indeed, during the last weeks Senator Yzer has sent several letters to UK based enterprises, start-ups and VC funds to promote Berlin as an alternative after Britain's vote to leave the EU.
"One was posted during the last days in social networks like FB and Twitter. Also she gave a number of interviews to the international media.
“The feedback has been overwhelming. Quite a few have responded and expressed interest in moving to Berlin.”
But the government has hit back calling the UK “the number one European destination for foreign direct investment”.
A Department for International Trade spokesperson said: “The UK is the number one European destination for foreign direct investment.
"We rank 6th in the World Bank’s ‘Ease of Doing Business’ report – ahead of the US, Germany and Japan – and have a record rate of employment with almost a million new businesses in our country since 2010.
"All this clearly demonstrates the strengths of the UK as an attractive place to do business and trade with.
"With a new Department for International Trade and a government committed to making the most of the opportunities, we are going to make a success of Brexit.”
And Lucy Haynes, CBI London Director, said: “London’s star has continued to rise over the past few years. From setting a new standard for hosting the Olympic Games to the emergence of Tech City, the capital has shown the world it is still the best place to grow, do business and thrive.”
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