Brussels launches campaign to entice UK creative industries ahead of Brexit
Brussels has positioned itself as a potential new home for the UK’s creative industries by calling on creative businesses to move to the Belgian capital ahead of Brexit.
The campaign aims to bring British companies in the film, broadcast and creative industries to Brussels to help them secure their European operations when Britain leaves the EU.
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It said the Belgian capital offers “attractive” tax conditions for productions based in the city, while the city boasts a newly-regenerated development dedicated to the media and creative industries.
The move comes after several high-profile businesses announced plans to move their headquarters away from London ahead of Brexit.
Earlier this week it emerged Sony plans to move its European base from the UK to the Netherlands in a bid to avoid Brexit-related disruption.
US media giant Discovery has also said it will establish a base in the Netherlands in case of complications from a no-deal Brexit.
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Cecile Jodogne, secretary of state for foreign trade in Brussels, said: “Businesses operating in the creative industries, such film and video, broadcast media and gaming, need to prepare now for any eventuality, and as a priority ensure that they can continue to operate seamlessly across the UK and EU.
“The only way to guarantee this is to establish a base of operations within the EU and, as the Brexit deadline bears down upon us, there are multiple reasons why businesses should act now to guarantee this presence in the EU.”