So what can companies do now to become Brexit ready and future proof their organization? The priority for those seeking to relocate or expand their business is to understand where the alternatives are.

Since the vote to leave the EU, the European FDI (foreign direct investment) map has shifted. Universal banks, investment banks and brokerages, insurers and insurance brokers are among big businesses moving staff and operations out of the U.K.

There are clear frontrunners, such as Dublin, due to proximity, and Frankfurt and Paris, who have been successful in attracting businesses relocating from the U.K. However, the growing challenges for companies in the U.K. and Europe have opened up the field for new competitors, including some of the EU's smaller nations.

Strategically located at the crux of Europe, Africa and Asia, with full access to the world's largest single market, Cyprus — a full member of the EU since 2004 — neatly fulfills the brief of most companies. This small but dynamic country is already a hub for international business activities, retaining a unique cluster of expertise and service capability to support key growth sectors of the economy. It is ahead of its competitors in creativity and infrastructure, and, crucially, it has a highly skilled and multi-lingual labor workforce.

According to a recent survey by Deloitte, CFOs (chief financial officers) in 11 out of 20 countries cited skilled labor shortages as one of the top three risks to their companies. Indeed, while many businesses believe this is a good time to add to their workforce and invest, the reality is that most will face stiff competition to attract and retain talent for years to come. With the youngest population and workforce in the EU, and easy access to global talent, the human potential in Cyprus is exceptional.

At a recent conference, Mark O'Neil, president of Columbia Shipmanagement, established in Cyprus for more than 40 years, said it was "incredible" how educated the workforce was, describing Cypriot workers as "dynamic and hungry." "I was always impressed by the quality of the local professional services. Top quality accountants, top quality lawyers, top quality IT specialists … We see them here in abundance," he said.

With increasing globalization and a changing workforce, a crucial factor for companies seeking to attract and retain talent is lifestyle. Apart from year-round sunshine, what sets Cyprus apart is its hospitality, culture, safety and the diversity of its landscape, from mountains to pristine beaches, making it a place where people want to work.