Re: British made but another who goes abroad

Investment capital that does not see a substantial return within six to twelve months (at the most) is impossible to obtain unless at punitive interest rates. Even then it usually involves a piece of the action in the form of part, often substantial ownership of the enterprise.

Then there is taxation. Even with a skilled accountant knowing the dark side of accountancy remaining in the UK is a mugs game. Transport of things physical is yet another factor when the mass market for your product is some distance from the UK.

Production costs in the UK are silly. A combination of legislation and loaded labour rates along with high outsourcing costs add more disincentives.

I could go on but the bottom line is that it's just too expensive in the UK.

For the last 20 years since retiring from salaried employment I've built - and sold little businesses, just nickle and dime things, as well as a few other things that were far from small fry, and the only searous money I made from the small UK things, mostly small case import and sell businesses was when I sold them as going concerned.

Not a single one survived for twelve months after I flogged them.

Nothing fundamentally wrong with any of them, they could have run and run, but the buyers just didn't have a clue how to build a business.

The UK is not a place to make serious money any more. It's over legislated, far too socialist, and sources of finance look for far too much return in far too short a timescale.

Why do we stay?

We've both spent time in other countries and believe it or not we like the climate, especially as we can get away for breaks when we want, or at least could before the Whoo Hoo Flu!

We also like our house as well as where we live and have -- interests in the UK that are safe from HMRC so it suits us.

But if I managed to invent a machine that ate P*****s and pissed petrol there is no way that I would even think about manufacturing it here in the UK. It would make no sense.

Re: British made but another who goes abroad

Society, and promises, a lot has happened since the 1920s when the term "Entrepreneur" was coined, expectation has outstripped "Sustainism".

Re: British made but another who goes abroad

The UK, or even London as a separate state, is now in the position to become the world #1 tax haven, for wealthy individuals and global corporations alike. But I can't see it happening, there is too much ingrained resentment. Footballers and celebs are admired, but folk, even the so-called right-wing press, can't see beyond that.

Re: British made but another who goes abroad

I absolutely agree on both points. Amazon is a prime example of such resentment.

Amazon operate 100% legally as do Starbucks et al but the raw hatred because they operate tax efficiently is simply disgusting.

In any case how long would it be before a government was in office that just couldn't keep their sticky fingers off such tax efficient provisions being offered or used their presence to their advantage in hustings spun to suite their advantage.

Re: British made but another who goes abroad

It should also be remembered that many of these company owners started their businesses from scratch.
Many started with little money. took out bank loans and existed on overdrafts. They took risks. They probably did without proper wages themselves to build their business up. They employed people.

No l don’t begrudge any of the money they have. They’ve earned it.
Those that moan and begrudge what they have, probably could’ve done the same but didn’t have the nerve.

If they take their business abroad, so be it. This government has milked them here.