CITY VIEWS: DO YOU AGREE THAT THE UK IS STILL AN EASY PLACE TO DO BUSINESS?
MARK LINDSEY HSBC
“It isn’t as easy as it was and, given the way the UK is going on taxes, it seems the government does not realise that the world wants to move in on what we’ve got. And as well as our unfavourable tax regime, the City is also archaic in terms of computer systems.”
GRAEME HUGHES ACCENTURE
“I think it is – employment laws are less strict than in other EU countries and we benefit from English being the international business language. Tax rates aren’t very competitive, but the UK isn’t too badly affected as companies are reluctant to move out.”
GAVIN BOYLE FIDELITY INTERNATIONAL
“In short, yes, though I think the UK’s competitiveness is more likely to decline than to improve in the future because of our tax situation and the poor macro environment in the UK. Also, the recent public backlash against the City is an overreaction and won’t help.”