Won't manufacture in UK, British workers hardly work – they go to pub: Apollo tyres CEO Neeraj Kanwar

Head of Apollo Tyres, Neeraj Kanwar, recently made candid remarks about manufacturing in the UK, stating that he would not prefer it due to British workers "hardly work – they go to the pub." In an interview with the Daily Mail, he emphasized the lack of incentives for operating in the UK compared to other countries, pointing out Hungary's competitive labor costs and production advantages.

Kanwar said, "And you know how the workforce in the UK is. They hardly work – they go to the pub." The managing director attributed this to what he sees as a "policy issue," suggesting that government policies allowing people to stay at home and receive pensions without working contribute to the problem.

Apollo Tyres, a global employer with approximately 18,000 workers worldwide, only has a team of 30 managing corporate affairs in the UK. While the company has innovation hubs in both the UK and Hyderabad, it is yet to establish a manufacturing presence in the UK.


Kanwar, who also owns an Italian restaurant in London, operates seven factories worldwide, but none are currently in the UK. Despite this, Apollo Tyres remains a long-term sponsor of Manchester United football team.

The remarks from Kanwar come amid London's efforts to regain its status as a central hub for global business leaders. Many executives, despite conducting most of their operations overseas, have opted to either establish their base or list their businesses in the UK.

Neeraj Kanwar, a 50-year-old executive residing in London, serves as the Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Apollo Tyres. Under his leadership, the Gurugram-based company has successfully transformed into one of the globally renowned auto brands.