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This Week in AsiaEconomics

The real reason Dyson is swapping Brexit Britain for Singapore

  • James Dyson says relocating his firm’s HQ to the Lion City has nothing to do with his views on the UK’s decision to leave the European Union
  • Is that true, or is it the kind of hot air you’d expect from a super-charged hair dryer?

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Why you can trust SCMP
Dyson hair dryers are in high demand in China. Photo: AFP
Jing Yng Ng
The decision by British technology firm Dyson to move its head office to Singapore has prompted a predictable backlash in its home country.
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The British press seized upon Tuesday’s announcement as further evidence of hypocrisy on behalf of the firm’s founder, James Dyson, who has been vocal in support of Britain’s decision to leave the European Union (Brexit), yet – according to some – appears to have hedged his bets when it comes to his own business. Dyson’s latest move follows the firm’s announcement in October that it would use Singapore as its base for its ventures into the electric car market.

While Dyson has been at pains to deny the move is linked to Brexit – he said in press release that the move “reflects the increasing importance of Asia” to the firm’s business – few in Britain seem ready to believe him.

James Dyson has been knighted by the Queen of England. Photo: Reuters
James Dyson has been knighted by the Queen of England. Photo: Reuters

Nevertheless, there is much to be said for Dyson’s claims. Analysts point out that moving to the Lion City will place the firm – famed for revolutionary vacuum cleaners and super-charged hair dryers that have taken the Chinese market by storm – nearer to its manufacturing partners Meiban and Flex. This will help speed the entry of its products into major Asian markets as well as facilitate its research and development plans.

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The Singapore-owned Meiban, headquartered in Singapore and employing 4,000 staff across 16 production sites in China, Singapore and Malaysia, is one of Dyson’s key manufacturing partners. Flex, founded in the United States, has three sites in Singapore and a presence in a further 30 countries. Both companies work with Dyson in supplying parts for products like its vacuum cleaners and bladeless fans.

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