Apple boss Tim Cook 'very optimistic' for UK post-Brexit

Tim Cook has told the Prime Minister he is "very optimistic" for the UK's future once the country leaves the EU.

Apple (NasdaqGS: AAPL - news) 's chief executive met Theresa May in Downing Street while continuing a visit to the UK that has seen him hold a series of meetings and accept an honorary degree from the University of Glasgow.

He said the tech firm's expansion plans were proof of its commitment to the UK amid pressure on some major companies to offshore operations to the continent - especially in the financial services sector - to bolster their presence in the EU.

Mr Cook made his comments on Brexit weeks after Apple completed its latest price rises in the UK to account for the plunge in the value of the pound against the dollar since the referendum.

At his meeting with the PM he referenced Apple's intention to build a new UK headquarters at the redeveloped Battersea Power Station in south London - housing at least 1,600 staff.

"We're doubling down on a huge headquarters in the Battersea area and we're leaving significant space there to expand," Mr Cook said.

"We're a big believer in the UK - we think you'll be just fine. Yes, there will be bumps in the road along the way but the UK's going to be fine."

In a statement, Apple added: "Tim had a positive meeting with the Prime Minister today, discussing Apple's continued investment in the United Kingdom.

"We are proud that Apple's innovation and growth now supports nearly 300,000 jobs across the UK."

Later, on a visit to a north London school, certified an Apple Distinguished School because of its commitment to innovation through learning, he spoke of his appreciation that computer coding was in the curriculum.

Woodberry Down Community Primary School in Harringay, which uses basic coding through Apple's Swift Playgrounds software, had done an "unbelievable job" of integrating technology into the classroom, he said.