Apple, one of the technology giants in the world is very “optimistic” about the United Kingdom’s future post-Brexit. This is according to what its boss told the British Prime Minister.
When he met Theresa May at Downing Street, Tim Cook, and the Apple Chief Executive said that the UK would have no problem by staying outside the European Union as per his thoughts, reports Telegraph.
The company has a plan of building new UK headquarters in London.
Mr. Cook’s comments came in just when the United States Chamber of Commerce said US companies were not fast enough for the UK investment decisions.
It has a large population of members, thousands in number within the US, and many large multination included.
According to Myron Brilliant, the company’s head of international affairs, the firms were much worried about the future trade rules.
He also added that once the UK stays out of EU, there could emerge new regulatory challenges.
‘Bumps in road’
“We are big believer in the UK – we think you will be just fine,” said Mr. Cook at his meeting with the prime minister.
“Yes there will be bumps in the road along the way but UK is going to be fine.”
In one of the statements in their meeting, Apple claimed that they are very proud of their innovation and growth that is said to support approximately 300,000 jobs across the UK.
In the UK, the new Apple’s headquarters will be located at Battersea Power Station and about 1,600 staff will be moved there by 2021.
As per his description, Mr. Cook said that the new headquarters will be very huge and the firm will leave a significant space for expansion.
“Vested Stakeholders”
Speaking to BBC radio 5 live’s Wake Up To Money, Mr. Brilliant of the US Chamber of Commerce claimed that the US firms were worried about the nature of the transition rules. “They are worried about whether there are going to be new regulatory challenges, impediments, and so we are going to see how that plays out over the next two years.”
Some members have an expectation the UK-EU will come to a trade agreement. But according to Apple, members are going to be vested stakeholders as it has been in terms of their business.
“Some companies are holding back investments to see how this plays out. That makes sense. But there is no question that Europe is an important part of any Company’s international strategy,” added Brilliant.
Brilliant also said that it does not mean that they are going to pull back from Europe. Instead, they will realign their investment and this will depend on the negotiations.
