Two go-getting young London-based entrepreneurs. What they are doing is taking advantage of the moment and making plans to relocate overseas to pursue greater opportunity. Perl, 30, who was recently on the receiving end of a trademark objection by another small firm. As such, she has repackaged her cosmetic line from PERL Cosmetics to Isobel Perl. Her goal is to liquidate the equivalent of £500,000 of stock before year end. After moving to Dubai in the new year, her business will make the leap across borders into the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Hyde, 25, departed his corporate career last October. Today, he runs his business from Bali, where he currently employs six people and intends to hire an additional four.
Their decision to join the growing tide of young Britons to go overseas is illustrative of a new wave in the British brain drain. Almost 200,000 people ages 35 and under emigrated from the UK in the last year prior to June. Both entrepreneurs are scathing about the anti-business culture in the UK. They view places such as the UAE as creating a far more conducive ecosystem for achievement.
Perl’s rebranding is an important move, as she heads into what will likely be a long transition. The trademark objection has forced her to reimagine her brand identity. Simultaneously, she has to juggle a huge portfolio of stock that all needs to be cleared out. That enthusiasm is just as essential to feel,” Perl pronounced. The support provided by Dubai’s dynamic business ecosystem is what makes Dubai an undeniably exciting platform for my future.
Hyde’s story has been a polar opposite tale since leaving his day job in the corporate world. Through these experiences, he has seen first-hand how the business ecosystem can encourage innovation and momentum. In fact, he blames the UK’s culture for hating on success, which he terms as “tall poppy syndrome.” Hyde continued to expand upon his feelings about this peculiar occurrence.
“Success is met with criticism, rumour-spreading and general hate.” – Sol Hyde
Hyde’s journey has since taken him across the country from his home base of Colchester. Yet as he worked remotely in Bali, he found the perfect home for his productivity. This heady, creative lifestyle allowed him to truly enjoy his success.
“Destinations like the UAE offer tax-free living, a ‘can-do’ attitude, and a business-friendly environment that feels far more optimistic and rewarding,” – Sol Hyde
Hyde’s choice to move was based on the need to be safe and comfortable. He talked about how different the experience was outside of the UK compared to what is done here.
“It feels much safer here. I can walk around and not worry about my phone being stolen. I can leave my laptop in a cafe for a while and it’s still going to be there.” – Sol Hyde
Financial reasons aren’t secondary to those young entrepreneurs — they’re central to their decisions. Hyde explained how living abroad was cheaper than the UK.
“And the flat I’m renting would be three times the price in London.” – Sol Hyde
Perl’s optimism about expanding into the UAE aligns with Hyde’s sentiments about moving away from what he sees as a negative culture in the UK. He thanked God for his family’s support during this trying transition. He observed that families are increasingly contributing for emigration costs rather than first-home downpayments.
“Interestingly, instead of the traditional ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ helping with a first home deposit, families are now supporting children with the costs of emigration and settling abroad.” – Sol Hyde
Perl and Hyde are thrilled to be continuing their new adventures across the pond. They’ve left the door open to a future return if the conditions are right. For Perl, this change is a great opportunity to expand and innovate their international growth market.
Hyde seemed to have similar designs on his future. Though he loves the UK, his heart swells with gratitude for what awaits him outside of its shores.
“I love the UK and I’m not ruling out coming back when I’m in a better financial position, but right now I’m so glad I left.” – Sol Hyde
Ray Amjad, an additional entrepreneur who has seen this pattern first hand, talked about the affect it’s having on the UK workforce.
“In my experience, the UK is losing too many talented young people,” – Ray Amjad
As Perl prepares for her move and Hyde continues to grow his business from Bali, both young entrepreneurs represent a new wave of talent seeking opportunities beyond their home country. More importantly, their experiences highlight a profound shift in what young Britons want out of their working lives. Today, they look for environments that foster innovation, safety, and long-term economic prosperity.