Stephen Allen, managing director of a prominent provider of internet services to the UK, was attracted to Madeira by its low rate of value added tax. But he has stayed on because of the people and the island’s way of doing business.

“Since the moment we arrived, I have been impressed by the competence, openness and willingness to help we have found at every level,” he says. “We have also built an office team that really works well together. The staff we have recruited are just excellent.”