A British entrepreneur, Richard Ng-Zeederberg, who previously owned multiple businesses, a boat, and a plane, has revealed why he shut down his UK operations and relocated to Gibraltar to work as a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) driver.
Richard Ng-Zeederberg, 39, from Worcestershire, made 30 staff redundant and closed his hospitality supply businesses after facing mounting financial pressures, high business rates, and rising tax burdens in the UK.
Following the collapse of his businesses and a divorce, Ng-Zeederberg retrained as an HGV driver.
However, frustration with UK driving laws—specifically speed camera enforcement and the driver’s license points system—prompted him to leave the country entirely.
“The UK tax laws felt unfair to me, and the biggest deciding factor was the points system on driving licences,” Ng-Zeederberg said. “I felt every way I turned someone was trying to take something from me: money, freedom, time.”
Cost Comparison: UK vs. Gibraltar
Ng-Zeederberg raised £15,000 by selling his personal assets, including his car, boat, and plane, before moving to the British Overseas Territory six months ago.
He noted that living costs in Gibraltar are significantly lower than his previous expenses in the UK.
Highlighting the financial relief of the move, Ng-Zeederberg noted that his monthly living expenses dropped drastically after settling in Gibraltar.
In the UK, despite being mortgage-free, he faced nearly £233 a month in council tax, £500 in utilities, £300 in car costs, and an exhausting £10,000 monthly business overhead.
By contrast, his current lifestyle in Gibraltar requires just £950 for rent, £80 for utilities, £30 for scooter fuel, and zero council tax—a dramatic shift that he says has relieved his financial pressure.
He added that additional policies, such as the introduction of VAT on private school fees, influenced his decision to leave because his son was previously enrolled in private education.
Ng-Zeederberg stated that he has no plans to return to the UK permanently. “The weather is amazing, the people are friendly, and it’s like home from home,” he said. “I love it here and will never return to the UK other than to visit.”
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