For overseas companies looking to establish a European base of operations, deciding on the best possible location has to be one of the first considerations. Europe is home to many world-renowned business centres. Frankfurt, Brussels, Barcelona, Munich, Amsterdam; the list goes on. However, when it comes to the place to do business and at the same time enjoy a safe, exiting and even glamorous lifestyle, one city stands out head and shoulders above the rest.

Why London?

European Gateway

Served by three major airports, Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted, there are flights to every major world destination, but more importantly, most destinations in Western Europe are less than two hours away, whilst Brussels and Paris can also be reached in the same amount of time via the excellent Eurostar service.

Economic Growth

The Mayor of London's Economic Strategy paper, states that over the next 10 to 15 years, it is estimated that between 1,400 and 3,200 companies from China, Taiwan, South Korea and India may consider moving to Europe.

Although these are astonishing figures, it's hardly surprising that companies are being tempted to establish themselves in London as despite the recent recession, it still manages an annual £52 billion in foreign direct investment, £22 billion from tourism and £1.5 billion from its 93,000 students.

A city that is capable of sustaining this sort of income during one of the worse economic downturns ever known is surely something special, and warrants serious consideration as a business base, especially amongst Latin American companies looking to establish a successful and profitable European presence coupled with a safe, agreeable and satisfying lifestyle for their families and employees.

Assisted Start

In 2009, a cost of living survey by the EIU (Economist Intelligence Unit), found that for the first time since 2002, it's now cheaper to live in London than New York. Encouraged by this, and in a bid to attract foreign business to set up in the capital, the Mayor of London has rolled out a ‘business incubator' service. In conjunction with a leading serviced-office supplier, new businesses can currently benefit from up to twelve months' free office space and facilities coupled with solid support throughout the process of establishing a London operation.

UK Tax

The UK tax regime is also very favourable, with corporation tax now down from 30% to 28%. The highest rate of income tax is 50% and VAT stands at 17.5%. In addition, as there are fewer restrictions concerning international ownership and conducting of business than any other European country, new arrivals will benefit from significantly faster start-up times.

Integration

Families will also find opportunities to enjoy and discover all that London has to offer as they settle into their new lives, and for those who don't speak or have very little knowledge of the English language, there are classes available throughout the city that specialise in teaching English to foreign visitors. Continuity of education for their children is of course a main priority for most parents, and London certainly has no shortage of schools for all ages, including international schools and colleges.

Entertainment and Lifestyle - It's Not All Work and No Play!

From a lifestyle point of view, London is a city that can be frenetic one minute and quiet the next. It's a city that's lively, vibrant, cosmopolitan, multicultural and chic, and packed with iconic images, from Big Ben and red London buses to Nelson's Column and the Tower of London Beefeaters: there is never a shortage of things to see and do.

The Arts

Absolutely packed full of history, London is also home to art galleries containing works by Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, and Constable to name but a few. Fans of ballet can experience world class performances by members of the English National Ballet with shows like Swan Lake, the Nutcracker and Giselle, whilst opera buffs can enjoy classics like Cosi Fan Tutte, La Boheme and La Traviata.

Theatre and Cinema

The West End is home to one of the world's oldest theatre districts, where many international movie stars and critically-acclaimed stage actors play to sell-out audiences nearly every night of the week. The classic Les Miserables started running in 1985 and is still playing 25 years on. Cinemas are also plentiful, most notably Leicester Square Cinema where star-studded UK premieres such as the ever popular Harry Potter movies are always a huge attraction.

Dinning Out

Eating out in London always involves having to make a choice beforehand. In addition to the more famous restaurants like The Grill at The Dorchester, Mezzanine and La Gavroche, the city is filled with thousands of smaller establishments serving excellent cuisine from all over the world; the fun is discovering them all.

Sights

A Thames cruise is an ideal way to see places like Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye, whilst Hyde Park is a perfect setting for picnics and leisurely walks. Open-topped tour buses take you to Trafalgar Square, Oxford Street, The Royal Albert Hall and countless other attractions waiting to be experienced.

Shopping

In addition to well-known names like Harvey Nichols and Selfridges, London is also home to more exclusive stores such as Fortnum & Mason and of course Harrods. DeBeers in Old Bond Street is the place to shop for diamonds; a visit to Prada will delight female fashionistas, whilst sartorial-minded males can acquire handmade suits from world famous tailors in Saville Row, such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Gieves & Hawkes and Hardy Amies.

Successful Entry to the UK

Before being able to enjoy life in the capital though, one extremely important matter must be addressed: that of obtaining visas. For the uninformed, this is an area that can and often does upset the best laid plans, and in many instances wrecks them entirely, so securing the services of an immigration expert is not only recommended but absolutely essential if everything is to progress smoothly.

Help Where it's Needed Most

Visa Applications

UK immigration specialist Monika Jablecka of London-based Migra & Co is only too aware of the difficulties faced by companies and individuals trying navigate the visa application process.

She says. ‘It's vitally important that foreign businesses considering a move to the UK, seek professional and competent immigration and visa advice. It will almost certainly prove costly and time-consuming for them not to do so'.

Monika explained that one of the main reasons for rejected visa applications are the frequent and often unannounced changes in application requirements; something that makes it extremely difficult for many applicants who obviously have no way of knowing when those changes take place.

She added. ‘Always having the most up-to-the-minute information available and quickly adapting to constant regulation changes is just one of the reasons for our extremely high visa applications success rate'.

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