As early as 1266, merchants of the Hanseatic League met at the Steelyard trading base in London to do business. By 1567, the “Right Worshipful Company of Merchant Adventurers of England” was trading cloth in Hamburg. In 1926, the British American Tobacco Co (BAT) set up a branch on the banks of the Elbe River. Today, about 10 percent of Hamburg’s exports go to Britain, with pharmaceutical goods and aircraft products topping the list. Imports from Britain mainly include crude oil and natural gas as well as petroleum products. Great Britain is a perfect market for German goods as it also provides German companies with access to other Commonwealth markets.
World meets business at the waterfront
Located between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, with the Elbe River as its lifeline and the city-state of Hamburg as its heart, the Hamburg Metropolitan Region (HMR) is one of the most competitive regions in Germany and Europe. The region is highly attractive for international and national companies as it combines economic momentum with a high quality of life. Export-oriented businesses benefit from the broad range of services available in the port of Hamburg.
Ever since Hamburg’s port was established more than 1,000 years ago, cosmopolitanism, open-mindedness and hospitality have been continuously nourished in Hamburg. When this emerging commercial centre joined the Hanseatic League of merchants in the 14th century, Hamburg became the economic centre of the North Sea and Baltic Sea region. Hamburg swiftly turned into a true global player and cosmopolitan city. Since then, Hamburg, the “gateway to the world”, has made it a point to keep its gates open – in both directions. Today, Hamburg is one of the most dynamic cities within the European Union and continues to attract companies, institutions and professionals from around the world. Some 250,000 citizens from 185 nations have made Hamburg their new home and currently work on the banks of the Alster Lake and the Elbe River. More than 100 consular missions represent their interests in Hamburg.
With more than 550 businesses from China, 100 from Japan, and 50 from Taiwan, Hamburg is also Germany’s major location for Asia-related expertise. What is more, numerous companies from Central and Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, the UK and the United States coordinate their activities for the German, Austrian and Swiss markets and Northern European markets from Hamburg.
Milestones
In 1350, the brotherhood “Right Worshipful Company of Merchant Adventurers of England” was founded in Hamburg. At the same time, the Steelyard was established as an important trading centre for Hamburg merchants in London. The Hamburg Senate offered accommodation to British merchants in its guesthouse, and seats were permanently reserved for Hamburg merchants at the London Stock Exchange.
- The British Consulate General opened in Hamburg in 1632. In 2006, it was replaced by an Honorary Consulate.
- In 1843, the Hamburg Senate commissioned the British engineer William Lindley with the construction of Hamburg’s first sewage system.
- Many of Hamburg’s parks were modelled on England’s garden architecture.
Hamburg at a glance
- Around 4,000 British citizens live in Hamburg
- Around 1,000 Hamburg companies maintain business relations with the UK
- Around 200 Hamburg companies have a branch in the UK
- In 2015, Hamburg exported goods to the tune of €5.6 billion to Great Britain, while imports from Great Britain totalled €3.7 billion.
- The total trading volume amounted to €9.3 billion
- The UK is Hamburg’s fourth most important economic partner Milestones In 1350, the brotherhood “Right Worshipful Company of Merchant Adventurers of England” was founded in Hamburg. At the same time, the Steelyard was established as an important trading centre for Hamburg merchants in London.
- The Hamburg Senate offered accommodation to British merchants in its guesthouse, and seats were permanently reserved for Hamburg merchants at the London Stock Exchange.
- The British Consulate General opened in Hamburg in 1632. In 2006, it was replaced by an Honorary Consulate.
- In 1843, the Hamburg Senate commissioned the British engineer William Lindley with the construction of Hamburg’s first sewage system.
- Many of Hamburg’s parks were modelled on England’s garden architecture.
Hamburg on tour in London
On 20 and 21 October, London will have the opportunity to immerse itself in the spirit of Hamburg. So what is it like to live in Hamburg? What cultural highlights does it have to offer, and what are the region’s music festivals like? All of this will be revealed during the “Hamburg on Tour” event. The Boiler House in the Brick Lane neighbourhood will be transformed into a miniature version of vibrant Hamburg. Visitors will be able to enjoy live music, great food and drinks, take a guided Beatles tour through the St Pauli off-scene district and catch a glance of the Elbphilharmonie – Hamburg’s new landmark that was opened in January 2017. With its excellent choice of festivals, Hamburg has something to offer for every music lover.
Let’s keep in touch: http://london.hamburgontour.com or www.facebook.com/hamburgontour #hamburgontour
Contacts In UK
Christoph Lampert Hamburg Ambassador in UK
Phone: +442074331058
Mobile: +447833431760
christoph.lampert@me.com
In Germany HWF Hamburg Business Development Corporation
Stefan Matz Director International Business
Phone: +49 40/227019-14
Fax: +49 40/227019-59
stefan.matz@hwf-hamburg.de
Katharina Strenge Project Director
Phone: +49 40/227019-62
Fax: +49 40/227019-59
katharina.strenge@hwf-hamburg.de