A man shut down his business and left the UK in a bid for a better life after becoming sick of life at home.
Richard Ng-Zeederberg left the UK for Gibraltar after what he describes as mounting financial pressure forced him to shut down businesses, make 30 staff redundant and rack up personal debts.
The 39-year-old entrepreneur, from Worcestershire, said UK tax laws had long frustrated him but believes things “took a turn for the worse” under the Labour Government.
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Six months ago, after reaching breaking point, he packed up and left.
Now, after setting up home in the British Overseas Territory, he hasn’t looked back and reckons he won’t be back in the UK permanently again.
“I am an entrepreneur and have a number of businesses,” he told Whats The Jam.
“I have been in Gibraltar for just under six months now and love it.
“The weather is amazing, the people are friendly, and it’s like home from home.
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“I had just had enough of the UK weather and the government.
“The UK tax laws didn’t help and under the Labour Government things certainly took a turn for the worse.
“I also think the added VAT on school fees had a major impact on my decision as my son was in private education.”
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“I felt like a stranger in my own country and that nothing I said mattered.
“In the UK I ran a number of businesses that supplied into the London hospitality space and it was here I first felt a big shift in the UK economy and spending behaviours.
“And rent and business rates were the killer for my business.
“We had to let 30 staff go and I ended up with big personal debts, so I simply sold everything I had in the UK and left.
“I booked a flight, rented an apartment and the rest was history.
“Here I am today, living my best life.”
He said dissatisfaction with policy and regulation played a major role in his departure – adding that he will never return permanently.
He said: “The UK tax laws felt unfair to me and the biggest deciding factor was the points system on driving licences.
“I felt every way I turned someone was trying to take something from me; money, freedom, time.
“I don’t miss anything about the UK other than family; however, I get to see them on video call and technology has helped a lot.
“I have made many friends since being here and it’s amazing how welcoming people are.
“The language is English and the currency is Sterling, so it’s been very easy to settle in.
“I love it here and will never return to the UK other than to visit.”
Explaining the collapse of his UK businesses and subsequent move, he said: “I had closed my companies in the UK due to huge economic pressures and not being supported by the UK Government.
“So, I decided to retrain as an HGV driver and got a job driving.
“Shortly after, I was driving through Oxford and came to a road that went from 50mph to 40mph and the road signs were hard to see due to low-hanging trees.
“Straight after the 40mph sign were two police officers pointing speed cameras at me.
“It then made me realise that I could lose my driving licence and potentially my job because of the totting up points law in the UK.
“So not only did the police want to fine me but they also wanted to take away my right to work.
“I was delivering chilled food to supermarkets and that is a pretty important job.”
Detailing what he sold and the scale of his exit from the country, he said: “I left my family home after a divorce and closed my business.
“I sold my car, my boat and plane.
“I kept my laptop for work.
“I raised £15,000 from selling everything.”
He also set out his costs in the UK compared to Gibraltar.
He added: “I was mortgage-free.
“I paid £2,800 per year council tax, £500 per month on utilities and £300 per month car costs.
“My business costs were £10,000 per month and my tax burden was huge.
“By contrast, life in Gibraltar is significantly cheaper.
“My rent is £950 per month, utilities are £80, groceries are £200 per month, I spend £100 eating out and there is no council tax.
“I ride a scooter and fuel is £30 per month.
“My life in Gibraltar feels a lot less hectic and I don’t feel pressure from the government. The laws are a lot more relaxed and people generally are happier.
“I visit the beach three or four times per week and I swim and relax.
“I enjoy walking and meeting new people.”
He added that his family in Britain supported the move too.
He said: “My mum and dad said they would miss me but they knew the reasons and supported me hugely.
“They are happy for me and see I am happy in Gibraltar.”
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