Siemens 'committed to London' whatever the outcome of Brexit talks

Bosses at German engineering giant Siemens - one of Britain’s biggest foreign employers - today pledged the company was “committed to London in the long-term” whatever the eventual outcome of Brexit talks.

Speaking at an event in Berlin to promote trade links between London and Germany, Juergen Maier, Siemens’ UK chief said “London and the UK remains an important market for Siemens and is a good place to do business.

“We will continue to apply our expertise in technology and engineering to the challenges that face cities, particularly urban transit and air quality.

"London remains a leading centre for innovation and technology and we see many opportunities for collaboration on talent, digitalisation and investment in the years ahead.”

Siemens has 13 manufacturing sites and employs 15,000 people across Britain and invested £30 million on The Crystal, a building in the Royal Victoria Dock highlighting the most advanced techniques and materials for constructing sustainable buildings.

Mayor Sadiq Khan, said: “London is the world’s greatest commercial centre but retaining our place at the top is always tough.

"This commitment by Siemens helps send the message loud and clear that London remains open to talent, investment and ideas.

"Our connections on the continent have never been more important and, regardless of Brexit, we will continue to work closely together to our mutual benefit.”

The commitment from Siemens came as deputy Mayor for Business Rajesh Agrawal published new research showing that London and Berlin are Europe’s two leading cities for technology investment.

According to data published by London & Partners, the Mayor’s promotional agency, London tech firms have raised £5.4 billion since 2011, while Berlin tech companies have raised £3.3 billion – more than any other European tech hub including Paris, Dublin and Amsterdam.

At the event the Deputy Mayor urged German businesses to follow the lead of Berlin tech companies that have already established a presence in London including online-streaming music service SoundCloud, ecommerce fashion retailer Zolando and web-based fresh food delivery service, Hello Fresh.