Michael Bloomberg says London will keep rising as a global capital at opening of new European HQ in the City

Bloomberg founder and chief executive Michael Bloomberg said today that London would continue its rise as a global capital, regardless of how the UK’s relationship with the EU changes.

The billionaire businessman and former New York mayor was speaking as he opened Bloomberg’s new European headquarters in the Square Mile.

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“Whatever London and the UK’s relationship to the EU proves to be, London’s language, timezone, talent, infrastructure and culture all position it to grow as a global capital for years to come,” Bloomberg said.

“We are very optimistic about London’s future, and we are really excited to be a part of it.”

The ramp is the centrepiece of the building

Bloomberg’s new hub on Queen Victoria Street has been designed by Norman Foster, whose design achieved the highest level of sustainability for a major office ever awarded by BREEAM.

The open-plan office, which stretches across 1.1m square feet, will allow the company to bring all of its 4,000 London-based staff under one roof.

The office floors are accessed through a spiral ramp at the centre of the building, and sun pours into the building from the glass roof.

Bloomberg employees will literally have coffee on tap in the new HQ

London mayor Sadiq Khan attended the opening with Bloomberg.

“Thank-you for the vote of confidence in London,” he said.

“The fact that London has been chosen as the home of Bloomberg’s European headquarters sends a clear message to the world about the value of investing in this great city and thus remaining at the heart of Europe’s commercial market.

“Bloomberg’s view of London mirrors my own optimism about the future of our city as the world leading financial, technology and cultural capital. It also shows that despite Brexit London is open, open to business, open to investment and open to some of the best design in the world.”