Canon snaps up a move to the capital

Japanese photo technology giant Canon today bucked the trend for major corporates to relocate outside the UK as it said its European HQ will move from Amstelveen in the Netherlands to Stockley Park, near Heathrow.

Ryoichi Bamba, chief executive of Canon Europe, said: "A London location will be beneficial for both our customers and partners, and bring us closer to key players in the global business community."

Mayor Boris Johnson's office welcomed the news and Think London, the company that lobbies for foreign direct investment, claimed that its efforts to persuade multinational businesses about the benefits of London were paying off.