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Apple CEO Tim Cook met with UK Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday and said that he thinks that the company will be "just fine" outside of the European Union.
This goes against the concerns of many US-based multinational companies who have, according to the US Chamber of Commerce, been delaying UK investment decisions. Its head of international affairs Myron Brilliant said that firms were worried about future trade rules in comments made to the BBC. He said that new regulatory challenges may emerge once the UK leaves the EU.
Cook however does not share those concerns and said: "We’re a big believer in the UK – we think you’ll be just fine. Yes there will be bumps in the road along the way but the UK’s going to be fine." He also said that the company plans to build a new UK headquarters in the redeveloped Battersea Power Station in the forseeable future.
"We’re doubling down on a huge headquarters in the Battersea area and we’re leaving significant space there to expand," Mr Cook said. Last year, Apple announced that it would be moving 1,600 employees to the South London campus in 2021.
In a statement about the meeting, Apple said: "Tim had a positive meeting with the Prime Minister today, discussing Apple’s continued investment in the United Kingdom. "We are proud that Apple’s innovation and growth now supports nearly 300,000 jobs across the UK."
While in the capital, Cook also met with mayor Sadiq Khan to "discuss talent, digital skills and Apple’s investment in London".
Delighted to welcome @Tim_Cook to City Hall to discuss access to talent, digital skills & Apple’s investment in London #LondonIsOpen pic.twitter.com/e2ZCKMOyLh
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) February 9, 2017
