WHY LOCATE IN THE UK

If you are thinking of opening an office, plant or R&D facility in Europe, then you have to consider locating it in the UK. One reason: nearly all other companies do - and they can’t all have got it wrong. The United Kingdom is by far the biggest recipient of inward investment in the European Union – currently holding 15.3% of all the inward investment stock in the 27 EU countries. Globally, it has been the second biggest recipient of inward investment since the 1980s - second in the world only to the United States. This is a remarkable fact given the relative size of the UK’s economy. Global inflows of FDI decreased slightly overall to $1.7 trillion in 2008, according to the World Investment Report from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The United States remained the world’s largest recipient country, followed by France, China, the UK and the Russian Federation. While the value of investment flows fell in 2008/09, however, the number of foreign projects in Britain actually rose by 30 per cent in 2008 to 1,298. So what is the attraction of the UK? Among the main reasons are: The UK is a major market in its own right as the sixth largest economy in the world.   A base there gives you guaranteed access to the European Single Market - the biggest market in the world comprising 500 million consumers in 27 countries.   The UK has the most open and business-oriented economy in Europe.   Its flexible labour market is one of the world’s least restrictive systems.   UK corporate tax rates are among the lowest in Europe.   It is the best country in Europe in which to raise new capital.   It is the home of the English language - the official language in more than 60 other countries, and the accepted international language of business, science and technology.   It offers an experienced and professional welcome to inward investors.   It has a large number of affordable sites and premises.   Labour costs are well below the EU average.   It offers a wide range of grants and incentives.

Like to know more? Then REQUEST A FREE COPY NOW of Invest in the UK, the annual directory/magazine produced for senior executives in non-UK companies that are planning to set up, expand or relocate a business facility in the United Kingdom: sales/service office, distribution, manufacturing, R&D. Go to the More Information page, to request detailed factual information on the UK regions and local areas in which you might want to locate.