Howards comments ring true.
Look at Amazon running competitive bids for the new 2HQ and the way the local governments have responded.
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/08/16/as-amazon-narrows-choice-for-hq2these-cities-finishing-strong.html JLR asked for bids for the new factory and Slovakia made the best bid.
At the end of the day governement (local and central) needs to drive employment and make their region productive. I feel the UK Gov. have had some moments or enlightenment but overall and no way involved enough for the long term. Honda and others have proven their capabilities many time in sustained productivity. We don't really give them enough praise because we are British. The British don't do that. I would love to have seen the British Gov. make JLR an offer that retained the business. Stupid and maybe impossible given Brexit etc but I live in a place where things should be done if possible.
Eire has done a good job historically of working with businesses to attract investment. I applaud the smart thinking behind this. They stuffed Dublin to the hilt with startups using EU grants. The result was hyper-inflation of house pricing and salaries! They then started to fill Cork. Apple has done very well with the Cork facility. It is friendly, focused and productive. I will not comment on the tax and legal position as I am not skilled to. From Corks point of view the area has definitely benefited in quality of life due to high employment. People are happy.
