SMEs accounted for 51% of the UK’s total private-sector turnover in 2017. A survey of more than 500 businesses by the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry found that 22% consider moving out or have already moved out owing to Brexit.

Free zones present an attractive option for companies looking to relocate outside their primary jurisdiction, as they tend to offer advantageous tax regimes, helpful business setup programmes, and a ready-made community of like-minded entrepreneurs on hand to advise and to trade with. The United Arab Emirates has positioned itself as an attractive investment destination and has developed 45 free zones with a host of benefits including full foreign ownership, 100% repatriation and zero import-export taxes.