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UK companies turn to Flanders to access the EU
Following an initial 41 % drop in UK goods going to the EU in
January this year , Flanders Investment & Trade ( FIT ), an official regional body , has reported that it is now seeing a return to pre- Brexit levels . Many UK companies have managed the challenges posed by Brexit by investing in a base in Flanders and trading with the EU from there . However , some companies are still struggling , with 11 % of UK SMEs avoiding the EU and looking at other markets .
Astrid Geeraerts , Head of Investment at FIT in London , said :
“ Flanders is one of the EU regions that has historically had the closest ties with the UK . Brexit has caused major logistical challenges for companies on both sides of the channel . Our government is keen to help UK companies with these challenges . It is in the economic interest of both countries that trade is not harmed by Brexit .”
The attractions of the region to SMEs , post-Brexit , are numerous . Flanders has a friendly , closely connected community , that makes it very easy for UK companies to navigate . English is widely spoken , and the region has been independently assessed as one of the most highly productive countries in Europe . Despite this , living costs are comparatively low and up to 30 % cheaper than France .
Norse Atlantic Airways prepares for take-off next year
Norse Atlantic Airways has given an update on its plans to launch lowcost long-haul operations . The company believes that demand for transatlantic travel will be back by late Q1 next year or early Q2 and anticipates that all its 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliners will be flying customers between Europe and the US next summer .
“ We strongly believe that there is a need for a new and innovative airline serving the low-cost intercontinental market with modern , more environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient aircraft as the world gradually reopens . Our plans are on track and operations will commence when travel restrictions are lifted and demand for transatlantic travel is back ,” said CEO , Bjørn Tore Larsen . be flying customers between Europe and the US next summer . We will launch our ticket sales approximately three months prior to first flight and will offer exciting destinations that have proven to be attractive ,” Larsen added .
Since its launch in March , there has been tremendous interest in Norse from the travelling public , people who want to be a part of the team , airports , tourism organisations , media , politicians and authorities – on both sides of the Atlantic .
“ We are grateful for that interest , which translates to a very motivated Team Norse ,” said Larsen .
Norse will have approximately 1,600 employees by summer 2022 .
“ Based on the current situation , we anticipate that all our 15 Dreamliners will
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