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Brexit: Sony to move European headquarters out of UK to avoid customs issues

Announcement follows Panasonic's decision to make similar move, and comes as Dyson switches HQ from Wiltshire to Singapore

Caitlin Morrison
Wednesday 23 January 2019 15:14 GMT
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European Commission: no-deal Brexit 'means hard border'

Sony is to move its European headquarters from Britain to the Netherlands in order to avoid Brexit-related customs difficulties.

The Japanese electronics giant will move its HQ by the end of March, a company spokesman said.

The relocation will have no impact on personnel and operations in the UK, but will make the firm’s European arm an EU company after Brexit.

The announcement follows Panasonic’s decision to make a similar move, announcing in August last year that it would move its European HQ from London to Amsterdam.

Meanwhile, British firm Dyson, founded by outspoken Brexit backer James Dyson, revealed earlier this week that it was moving its headquarters from the UK to Singapore.

The company said its decision was not linked to Brexit, however, the announcement was widely criticised.

Layla Moran, MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, described the decision as being “utterly unbelievable” and accused Sir James of “staggering hypocrisy”.

James Dyson can say whatever he wants but he is ditching Britain. This can only be seen as a vote of no confidence in the idea of Brexit Britain,” Ms Morgan said.

“Rather than fleeing can I suggest he maybe donates to the Final Say campaign to help mop up some of the disaster he created. This is damning for the government.”

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