6 SEPTEMBER 2016 SI T E S E L E C T IO Nhe reactions to the United Kingdom’s “Brexit” referendum have tended toward the extreme, ranging from jubilation at the UK’s “independence” to pessimism and despondency about the country’s self-imposed isolation. Views on the implications of Brexit for the UK’s status as one of the world’s leading destinations for foreign direct investment (FDI) have reflected these extremes. Will the UK lose its appeal and suffer an exodus of foreign investors? Or will the UK emerge from the European Union with renewed vigor, offering an even more attractive option to companies seeking a European base?Under the first, negative, scenario, many companies that are currently using the UK as a base for supplying products or services to the European Union will relocate their operations Mass Exodus or Switzerland on Steroids?In addition to reaffirming its commitment to wind turbine manufacturing in Hull, UK, Siemens for years also has been working to connect London through new transport technology and a smart grid that will be capable of delivering renewable energy across the city and integrating these sources with the national grid.Archive photo courtesy of SiemensTUNITED KINGDOM: PERSPECTIVES ON BREXITThe following contributions and excerpts highlight the range of views on the Brexit vote among experts in corporate location consulting and FDI.1609_SS_UK_3.indd 68/26/16 5:52 PM
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