FOR CLEAN VERSION SEE STORY NUMBER: 4043819

LEAD IN:

For years, Berlin and London have competed to be the 'Silicon Valley of Europe', the place where start-ups and tech companies base their operations.

After Britain's historic vote to leave the European Union, many in Berlin now feel the German capital has a clear advantage.

STORY-LINE:

It's called 'Silicon Alley'.

Thousands of start-ups are formed in Berlin each year. As many as one every 20 minutes according to 'Start-up Berlin' - an organisation which tracks new companies in the German capital.

The only other European city that could compete with Berlin for the title of the 'Silicon Valley of Europe' is London.

Following Britain's recent vote to leave the European Union, politicians and business leaders in Berlin are now sensing they have a chance to pull ahead in the race.

When Berlin's economy minister, Cornelia Yzer woke to news of the result of Britain's EU referendum, her initial reaction was disappointment.

But then she reached for her phone and stepped up her efforts to lure companies from Britain to the German capital.

"As regrettable as I find the British decision, it's also clear that this could create chances for Berlin that I, as the minister for economy of this country, should use," she says.

Yzer (pron. EE-ser) isn't the only official on the continent hoping for a Brexit bonanza.

Britain's referendum to leave the 28-nation bloc has already seen a frenzy of bids from cities such as Frankfurt, Paris and Amsterdam to succeed London as Europe's financial capital.

Berlin stands little chance of competing for a piece of the lucrative banking pie.

But Yzer believes multinational companies, from airlines to pharmaceutical firms, will see the advantage of basing their European headquarters in the capital of the EU's biggest economy.

"The decision (to leave the EU), which I regret, was taken by Britain," she says.

"So there can't be any surprise that those who see themselves firmly anchored inside the European Union, and that's the case for Germany and its capital Berlin, now want to make sure that they're a home for businesses that say 'we need to be in.'"

Berlin's image as a relaxed and relatively affordable city may convince some tech companies to relocate to Berlin, which is already home to audio-sharing platform SoundCloud and online retailer Zalando.

6Wunderkinder, makers of the 'Wunderlist' app, was formed and based in Berlin before being sold to Microsoft last year.

Yzer says she's already in contact with several tech companies based in London.

"Of course I'm speaking to companies that have their European headquarters in London about whether they should move their European headquarters to Berlin in the future," she says.

One of the key benefits that Berlin's business ambassadors will likely tout is access to the EU's single market that ensures the free movement of labour and capital.

"The prevailing feeling here in Berlin is that with the Brexit London has more or less taken itself out of the race," says Lukas Kampfmann, co-founder of Factory Berlin, a company that rents space to tech firms.

"And we do believe that over time the advantage of Berlin will grow and more tech start-ups will come to Berlin, will be founded here and will succeed here in comparison to London."

London and Brussels are likely to spend years haggling over trade tariffs and labour permits, creating uncertainty for UK companies wanting to do business on the other side of the channel.

"Once the Brexit has been done it's not going to get easier for London-based companies to do business in the world, but probably harder," says Kampfmann.

But, convincing companies to move to the continent may not be so easy.

Those who know Berlin have questioned whether it can match the cosmopolitan and dynamic atmosphere of London.

The city's new airport is years behind schedule, English isn't universally spoken and bureaucracy can be cumbersome.

"We have a situation that Great Britain will leave Europe. Will that necessarily mean that start-ups will come to Berlin? I don't think so," says Artur Fischer, co-CEO of the Berlin Stock Exchange.

"Because, at the moment a start-up doesn't necessarily need to enjoy all the advantages of the EU. It enjoys a local advantage. And at some stage it might need funding. But the funding process in today's world works through crowd-funding, it works through private equity. And that is available in London, it won't go away so swiftly."

Even if companies don't move straight away, people working in those London companies may move quicker.

Wooga, a games development company based in Berlin, already has 19 British staff members, out of a total of around 300.

Steven Gilmore is the head of human resources at the company and is also British.

He says he expects an increase in applications from London-based coders and designers.

"I personally would think that if you want to move from the UK, if you want to move to another European city, Berlin would be top of the list there," he says.

"You're looking for cities that have predominantly English-speaking, have support and help you when you kind of initially move. And Berlin is totally set up for people to move from all over Europe."

FOR CLEAN VERSION SEE STORY NUMBER: 4043819

LEAD IN:

For years, Berlin and London have competed to be the 'Silicon Valley of Europe', the place where start-ups and tech companies base their operations.

After Britain's historic vote to leave the European Union, many in Berlin now feel the German capital has a clear advantage.

STORY-LINE:

It's called 'Silicon Alley'.

Thousands of start-ups are formed in Berlin each year. As many as one every 20 minutes according to 'Start-up Berlin' - an organisation which tracks new companies in the German capital.

The only other European city that could compete with Berlin for the title of the 'Silicon Valley of Europe' is London.

Following Britain's recent vote to leave the European Union, politicians and business leaders in Berlin are now sensing they have a chance to pull ahead in the race.

When Berlin's economy minister, Cornelia Yzer woke to news of the result of Britain's EU referendum, her initial reaction was disappointment.

But then she reached for her phone and stepped up her efforts to lure companies from Britain to the German capital.

"As regrettable as I find the British decision, it's also clear that this could create chances for Berlin that I, as the minister for economy of this country, should use," she says.

Yzer (pron. EE-ser) isn't the only official on the continent hoping for a Brexit bonanza.

Britain's referendum to leave the 28-nation bloc has already seen a frenzy of bids from cities such as Frankfurt, Paris and Amsterdam to succeed London as Europe's financial capital.

Berlin stands little chance of competing for a piece of the lucrative banking pie.

But Yzer believes multinational companies, from airlines to pharmaceutical firms, will see the advantage of basing their European headquarters in the capital of the EU's biggest economy.

"The decision (to leave the EU), which I regret, was taken by Britain," she says.

"So there can't be any surprise that those who see themselves firmly anchored inside the European Union, and that's the case for Germany and its capital Berlin, now want to make sure that they're a home for businesses that say 'we need to be in.'"

Berlin's image as a relaxed and relatively affordable city may convince some tech companies to relocate to Berlin, which is already home to audio-sharing platform SoundCloud and online retailer Zalando.

6Wunderkinder, makers of the 'Wunderlist' app, was formed and based in Berlin before being sold to Microsoft last year.

Yzer says she's already in contact with several tech companies based in London.

"Of course I'm speaking to companies that have their European headquarters in London about whether they should move their European headquarters to Berlin in the future," she says.

One of the key benefits that Berlin's business ambassadors will likely tout is access to the EU's single market that ensures the free movement of labour and capital.

"The prevailing feeling here in Berlin is that with the Brexit London has more or less taken itself out of the race," says Lukas Kampfmann, co-founder of Factory Berlin, a company that rents space to tech firms.

"And we do believe that over time the advantage of Berlin will grow and more tech start-ups will come to Berlin, will be founded here and will succeed here in comparison to London."

London and Brussels are likely to spend years haggling over trade tariffs and labour permits, creating uncertainty for UK companies wanting to do business on the other side of the channel.

"Once the Brexit has been done it's not going to get easier for London-based companies to do business in the world, but probably harder," says Kampfmann.

But, convincing companies to move to the continent may not be so easy.

Those who know Berlin have questioned whether it can match the cosmopolitan and dynamic atmosphere of London.

The city's new airport is years behind schedule, English isn't universally spoken and bureaucracy can be cumbersome.

"We have a situation that Great Britain will leave Europe. Will that necessarily mean that start-ups will come to Berlin? I don't think so," says Artur Fischer, co-CEO of the Berlin Stock Exchange.

"Because, at the moment a start-up doesn't necessarily need to enjoy all the advantages of the EU. It enjoys a local advantage. And at some stage it might need funding. But the funding process in today's world works through crowd-funding, it works through private equity. And that is available in London, it won't go away so swiftly."

Even if companies don't move straight away, people working in those London companies may move quicker.

Wooga, a games development company based in Berlin, already has 19 British staff members, out of a total of around 300.

Steven Gilmore is the head of human resources at the company and is also British.

He says he expects an increase in applications from London-based coders and designers.

"I personally would think that if you want to move from the UK, if you want to move to another European city, Berlin would be top of the list there," he says.

"You're looking for cities that have predominantly English-speaking, have support and help you when you kind of initially move. And Berlin is totally set up for people to move from all over Europe."

Berlin, Germany - 4 July 2016

1. Wide of people working in 'community space' in start-up hub 'The Factory' in central Berlin

2. Various close shots of people working in community space' in start-up hub 'The Factory' in central Berlin

3. Pan of space

4. Pull focus of people working

5. Various of people working in community space' in start-up hub 'The Factory' in central Berlin

6. Wide of Berlin skyline

7. Setup shot of Cornelia Yzer, Berlin's economy minister, seated at desk in office, opening folder

8. Close of Yzer

9. Close of Yzer writing

10. SOUNDBITE (German) Cornelia Yzer, Berlin State Economy Minister:

"As regrettable as I find the British decision, it's also clear that this could create chances for Berlin that I, as the minister for economy of this country, should use."

11. Wide high shot of Berlin street

12. Long shot of people on street

13. Mid of 'Rosenthaler Platz' sign where many start-ups are based

14. Long shot of people on street

15. SOUNDBITE (German) Cornelia Yzer, Berlin State Economy Minister:

"The decision (to leave the EU), which I regret, was taken by Britain. So there can't be any surprise that those who see themselves firmly anchored inside the European Union, and that's the case for Germany and its capital Berlin, now want to make sure that they're a home for businesses that say 'we need to be in.'"

16. Tilt up with Berlin wall memorial in foreground and 'The Factory' start-up hub in background

17. Wide of Berlin wall memorial in foreground and 'The Factory' start-up hub in background

18. Mid of 'Factory' sign

19. Various of people working in the 'community space' in start-up hub 'The Factory' in central Berlin

20. Close of 'Soundcloud' logo, a Berlin-based company based in the Factory

21. Pull focus of 'Soundcloud' url on computer screen

22. Pull in of smartphone with 'Wunderlist' application, made by 6Wunderkinder, a Berlin start-up that was sold to Microsoft in 2015

23. SOUNDBITE (German) Cornelia Yzer, Berlin State Economy Minister:

"Of course I'm speaking to companies that have their European headquarters in London about whether they should move their European headquarters to Berlin in the future."

24. Wide of start-up hub 'The Factory' exterior

25. Mid of 'Factory' sign

26. Various of Lukas Kampfmann, Co-Founder of Factory Berlin, speaking to colleague

27. SOUNDBITE (English) Lukas Kampfmann, Co-Founder of Factory Berlin:

"I absolutely believe it's an opportunity, not necessarily one that we wanted because we've been competing with London for quite a couple of years. But now the prevailing feeling here in Berlin is that with the Brexit London has more or less taken itself out of the race. And we do believe that over time the advantage of Berlin will grow and more tech start-ups will come to Berlin, will be founded here and will succeed here in comparison to London."

28. Various close shots of window with notes in the Factory office

29. SOUNDBITE (English) Lukas Kampfmann, Co-Founder of Factory Berlin:

"First of all, obviously right now what you have is a lengthy period of uncertainty. And uncertainty is never good for business. Until that is resolved there will be questions about how things will end up. And then obviously most everyone agrees that once the Brexit has been done it's not going to get easier for London-based companies to do business in the world, but probably harder."

30. Wide tilt to office of Wooga, a Berlin-based games company

31. Various of people working in Wooga office

32. Close of sign reading 'Player Experience'

33. Setup shot of Artur Fischer, Co-CEO of the Berlin Stock Exchange, at desk

34. Close of Fischer

35. Close of hands on keyboard

36. SOUNDBITE (English) Artur Fischer, Co-CEO of the Berlin Stock Exchange:

"So now, we have a situation that Great Britain will leave Europe. Will that necessarily mean that start-ups will come to Berlin? I don't think so. Because, at the moment a start-up doesn't necessarily need to enjoy all the advantages of the EU. It enjoys a local advantage. And at some stage it might need funding. But the funding process in today's world works through crowd-funding, it works through private equity. And that is available in London, it won't go away so swiftly."

37. Setup shot of Steven Gilmore, Head of HR at Wooga, speaking to colleague

38. Close of Gilmore

39. Wide of Gilmore and colleague

40. SOUNDBITE (English) Steven Gilmore, Head of HR at Wooga:

"I personally would think that if you want to move from the UK, if you want to move to another European city, Berlin would be top of the list there. You're looking for cities that have predominantly English-speaking, have support and help you when you kind of initially move. And Berlin is totally set up for people to move from all over Europe."

41. Wide of Berlin skyline

LEAD IN:

For years, Berlin and London have competed to be the 'Silicon Valley of Europe', the place where start-ups and tech companies base their operations.

After Britain's historic vote to leave the European Union, many in Berlin now feel the German capital has a clear advantage.

STORY-LINE:

It's called 'Silicon Alley'.

Thousands of start-ups are formed in Berlin each year. As many as one every 20 minutes according to 'Start-up Berlin' - an organisation which tracks new companies in the German capital.

The only other European city that could compete with Berlin for the title of the 'Silicon Valley of Europe' is London.

Following Britain's recent vote to leave the European Union, politicians and business leaders in Berlin are now sensing they have a chance to pull ahead in the race.

When Berlin's economy minister, Cornelia Yzer woke to news of the result of Britain's EU referendum, her initial reaction was disappointment.

But then she reached for her phone and stepped up her efforts to lure companies from Britain to the German capital.

"As regrettable as I find the British decision, it's also clear that this could create chances for Berlin that I, as the minister for economy of this country, should use," she says.

Yzer (pron. EE-ser) isn't the only official on the continent hoping for a Brexit bonanza.

Britain's referendum to leave the 28-nation bloc has already seen a frenzy of bids from cities such as Frankfurt, Paris and Amsterdam to succeed London as Europe's financial capital.

Berlin stands little chance of competing for a piece of the lucrative banking pie.

But Yzer believes multinational companies, from airlines to pharmaceutical firms, will see the advantage of basing their European headquarters in the capital of the EU's biggest economy.

"The decision (to leave the EU), which I regret, was taken by Britain," she says.

"So there can't be any surprise that those who see themselves firmly anchored inside the European Union, and that's the case for Germany and its capital Berlin, now want to make sure that they're a home for businesses that say 'we need to be in.'"

Berlin's image as a relaxed and relatively affordable city may convince some tech companies to relocate to Berlin, which is already home to audio-sharing platform SoundCloud and online retailer Zalando.

6Wunderkinder, makers of the 'Wunderlist' app, was formed and based in Berlin before being sold to Microsoft last year.

Yzer says she's already in contact with several tech companies based in London.

"Of course I'm speaking to companies that have their European headquarters in London about whether they should move their European headquarters to Berlin in the future," she says.

One of the key benefits that Berlin's business ambassadors will likely tout is access to the EU's single market that ensures the free movement of labour and capital.

"The prevailing feeling here in Berlin is that with the Brexit London has more or less taken itself out of the race," says Lukas Kampfmann, co-founder of Factory Berlin, a company that rents space to tech firms.

"And we do believe that over time the advantage of Berlin will grow and more tech start-ups will come to Berlin, will be founded here and will succeed here in comparison to London."

London and Brussels are likely to spend years haggling over trade tariffs and labour permits, creating uncertainty for UK companies wanting to do business on the other side of the channel.

"Once the Brexit has been done it's not going to get easier for London-based companies to do business in the world, but probably harder," says Kampfmann.

But, convincing companies to move to the continent may not be so easy.

Those who know Berlin have questioned whether it can match the cosmopolitan and dynamic atmosphere of London.

The city's new airport is years behind schedule, English isn't universally spoken and bureaucracy can be cumbersome.

"We have a situation that Great Britain will leave Europe. Will that necessarily mean that start-ups will come to Berlin? I don't think so," says Artur Fischer, co-CEO of the Berlin Stock Exchange.

"Because, at the moment a start-up doesn't necessarily need to enjoy all the advantages of the EU. It enjoys a local advantage. And at some stage it might need funding. But the funding process in today's world works through crowd-funding, it works through private equity. And that is available in London, it won't go away so swiftly."

Even if companies don't move straight away, people working in those London companies may move quicker.

Wooga, a games development company based in Berlin, already has 19 British staff members, out of a total of around 300.

Steven Gilmore is the head of human resources at the company and is also British.

He says he expects an increase in applications from London-based coders and designers.

"I personally would think that if you want to move from the UK, if you want to move to another European city, Berlin would be top of the list there," he says.

"You're looking for cities that have predominantly English-speaking, have support and help you when you kind of initially move. And Berlin is totally set up for people to move from all over Europe."

LEAD IN:

For years, Berlin and London have competed to be the 'Silicon Valley of Europe', the place where start-ups and tech companies base their operations.

After Britain's historic vote to leave the European Union, many in Berlin now feel the German capital has a clear advantage.

STORY-LINE:

It's called 'Silicon Alley'.

Thousands of start-ups are formed in Berlin each year. As many as one every 20 minutes according to 'Start-up Berlin' - an organisation which tracks new companies in the German capital.

The only other European city that could compete with Berlin for the title of the 'Silicon Valley of Europe' is London.

Following Britain's recent vote to leave the European Union, politicians and business leaders in Berlin are now sensing they have a chance to pull ahead in the race.

When Berlin's economy minister, Cornelia Yzer woke to news of the result of Britain's EU referendum, her initial reaction was disappointment.

But then she reached for her phone and stepped up her efforts to lure companies from Britain to the German capital.

"As regrettable as I find the British decision, it's also clear that this could create chances for Berlin that I, as the minister for economy of this country, should use," she says.

Yzer (pron. EE-ser) isn't the only official on the continent hoping for a Brexit bonanza.

Britain's referendum to leave the 28-nation bloc has already seen a frenzy of bids from cities such as Frankfurt, Paris and Amsterdam to succeed London as Europe's financial capital.

Berlin stands little chance of competing for a piece of the lucrative banking pie.

But Yzer believes multinational companies, from airlines to pharmaceutical firms, will see the advantage of basing their European headquarters in the capital of the EU's biggest economy.

"The decision (to leave the EU), which I regret, was taken by Britain," she says.

"So there can't be any surprise that those who see themselves firmly anchored inside the European Union, and that's the case for Germany and its capital Berlin, now want to make sure that they're a home for businesses that say 'we need to be in.'"

Berlin's image as a relaxed and relatively affordable city may convince some tech companies to relocate to Berlin, which is already home to audio-sharing platform SoundCloud and online retailer Zalando.

6Wunderkinder, makers of the 'Wunderlist' app, was formed and based in Berlin before being sold to Microsoft last year.

Yzer says she's already in contact with several tech companies based in London.

"Of course I'm speaking to companies that have their European headquarters in London about whether they should move their European headquarters to Berlin in the future," she says.

One of the key benefits that Berlin's business ambassadors will likely tout is access to the EU's single market that ensures the free movement of labour and capital.

"The prevailing feeling here in Berlin is that with the Brexit London has more or less taken itself out of the race," says Lukas Kampfmann, co-founder of Factory Berlin, a company that rents space to tech firms.

"And we do believe that over time the advantage of Berlin will grow and more tech start-ups will come to Berlin, will be founded here and will succeed here in comparison to London."

London and Brussels are likely to spend years haggling over trade tariffs and labour permits, creating uncertainty for UK companies wanting to do business on the other side of the channel.

"Once the Brexit has been done it's not going to get easier for London-based companies to do business in the world, but probably harder," says Kampfmann.

But, convincing companies to move to the continent may not be so easy.

Those who know Berlin have questioned whether it can match the cosmopolitan and dynamic atmosphere of London.

The city's new airport is years behind schedule, English isn't universally spoken and bureaucracy can be cumbersome.

"We have a situation that Great Britain will leave Europe. Will that necessarily mean that start-ups will come to Berlin? I don't think so," says Artur Fischer, co-CEO of the Berlin Stock Exchange.

"Because, at the moment a start-up doesn't necessarily need to enjoy all the advantages of the EU. It enjoys a local advantage. And at some stage it might need funding. But the funding process in today's world works through crowd-funding, it works through private equity. And that is available in London, it won't go away so swiftly."

Even if companies don't move straight away, people working in those London companies may move quicker.

Wooga, a games development company based in Berlin, already has 19 British staff members, out of a total of around 300.

Steven Gilmore is the head of human resources at the company and is also British.

He says he expects an increase in applications from London-based coders and designers.

"I personally would think that if you want to move from the UK, if you want to move to another European city, Berlin would be top of the list there," he says.

"You're looking for cities that have predominantly English-speaking, have support and help you when you kind of initially move. And Berlin is totally set up for people to move from all over Europe."

Berlin, Germany - 4 July 2016

1. Wide of people working in 'community space' in start-up hub 'The Factory' in central Berlin

2. Various close shots of people working in community space' in start-up hub 'The Factory' in central Berlin

3. Pan of space

4. Pull focus of people working

5. Various of people working in community space' in start-up hub 'The Factory' in central Berlin

6. Wide of Berlin skyline

7. Setup shot of Cornelia Yzer, Berlin's economy minister, seated at desk in office, opening folder

8. Close of Yzer

9. Close of Yzer writing

10. SOUNDBITE (German) Cornelia Yzer, Berlin State Economy Minister:

"As regrettable as I find the British decision, it's also clear that this could create chances for Berlin that I, as the minister for economy of this country, should use."

11. Wide high shot of Berlin street

12. Long shot of people on street

13. Mid of 'Rosenthaler Platz' sign where many start-ups are based

14. Long shot of people on street

15. SOUNDBITE (German) Cornelia Yzer, Berlin State Economy Minister:

"The decision (to leave the EU), which I regret, was taken by Britain. So there can't be any surprise that those who see themselves firmly anchored inside the European Union, and that's the case for Germany and its capital Berlin, now want to make sure that they're a home for businesses that say 'we need to be in.'"

16. Tilt up with Berlin wall memorial in foreground and 'The Factory' start-up hub in background

17. Wide of Berlin wall memorial in foreground and 'The Factory' start-up hub in background

18. Mid of 'Factory' sign

19. Various of people working in the 'community space' in start-up hub 'The Factory' in central Berlin

20. Close of 'Soundcloud' logo, a Berlin-based company based in the Factory

21. Pull focus of 'Soundcloud' url on computer screen

22. Pull in of smartphone with 'Wunderlist' application, made by 6Wunderkinder, a Berlin start-up that was sold to Microsoft in 2015

23. SOUNDBITE (German) Cornelia Yzer, Berlin State Economy Minister:

"Of course I'm speaking to companies that have their European headquarters in London about whether they should move their European headquarters to Berlin in the future."

24. Wide of start-up hub 'The Factory' exterior

25. Mid of 'Factory' sign

26. Various of Lukas Kampfmann, Co-Founder of Factory Berlin, speaking to colleague

27. SOUNDBITE (English) Lukas Kampfmann, Co-Founder of Factory Berlin:

"I absolutely believe it's an opportunity, not necessarily one that we wanted because we've been competing with London for quite a couple of years. But now the prevailing feeling here in Berlin is that with the Brexit London has more or less taken itself out of the race. And we do believe that over time the advantage of Berlin will grow and more tech start-ups will come to Berlin, will be founded here and will succeed here in comparison to London."

28. Various close shots of window with notes in the Factory office

29. SOUNDBITE (English) Lukas Kampfmann, Co-Founder of Factory Berlin:

"First of all, obviously right now what you have is a lengthy period of uncertainty. And uncertainty is never good for business. Until that is resolved there will be questions about how things will end up. And then obviously most everyone agrees that once the Brexit has been done it's not going to get easier for London-based companies to do business in the world, but probably harder."

30. Wide tilt to office of Wooga, a Berlin-based games company

31. Various of people working in Wooga office

32. Close of sign reading 'Player Experience'

33. Setup shot of Artur Fischer, Co-CEO of the Berlin Stock Exchange, at desk

34. Close of Fischer

35. Close of hands on keyboard

36. SOUNDBITE (English) Artur Fischer, Co-CEO of the Berlin Stock Exchange:

"So now, we have a situation that Great Britain will leave Europe. Will that necessarily mean that start-ups will come to Berlin? I don't think so. Because, at the moment a start-up doesn't necessarily need to enjoy all the advantages of the EU. It enjoys a local advantage. And at some stage it might need funding. But the funding process in today's world works through crowd-funding, it works through private equity. And that is available in London, it won't go away so swiftly."

37. Setup shot of Steven Gilmore, Head of HR at Wooga, speaking to colleague

38. Close of Gilmore

39. Wide of Gilmore and colleague

40. SOUNDBITE (English) Steven Gilmore, Head of HR at Wooga:

"I personally would think that if you want to move from the UK, if you want to move to another European city, Berlin would be top of the list there. You're looking for cities that have predominantly English-speaking, have support and help you when you kind of initially move. And Berlin is totally set up for people to move from all over Europe."

41. Wide of Berlin skyline