European tech chiefs put off capital by exit

Brexit and a “lack of clarity” from the Government on immigration are causing overseas technology executives to rethink moving to London, new data have revealed.

Research showed interest from European tech execs for London-based tech roles in the 12 months halved after the Brexit vote compared with the year before.

That’s according to data from boutique headhunting firm Gordon & Eden, which approaches around 500 European candidates a year for tech executive roles.

The company’s data also shows a 40% fall in short-listed EU candidates — those reaching the interview stage — for London jobs.

“Even though London continues to be the main tech hub of Europe, and I think will be for some time, there are a lot of people who are more tempted by other opportunities and just don’t want to throw themselves into the uncertainty,” said co-founder Sam Gordon.

He said unless there is clarity from the Government on immigration, people will continue to be put off moving to London. As well as tech firms, it recruits for “large corporate clients looking to transform their business,” he said.