Investing in the UK

In 2008 the United Kingdom secured 501 new investments and expansions of existing investments from overseas companies - the highest in Europe.

The UK is one of the major business centres in the world and offers the platform of an international business hub for companies to grow their business in and from its shores.

Of course there is competition from Europe and the wider world for such investments yet the UK remains extremely successful in attracting overseas investment. Why might this be so?  Here are just  a few reasons

  • The World Bank found that it takes only 13 days to set up a business in the UK.
  • The top corporate rate of tax is 28%, the lowest in the G7 and below most of the UK's core competitors
  • The World Bank rates the UK as the second best place in Europe to employ workers (behind Denmark)
  • The OECD noted that the UK is second in the world in Product Market Regulation, has the least barriers to entrepreneurship and has 3rd fewest trade and investment barriers in the world .
  • The UK is behind only the USA as a research base and is one of the most productive places for innovation in the world.
  • Transparancy International has said that the UK is one of the least corrupt places in the world.
  • The UK has a consultative approach to legislation so there are no surprises for business.
  • The UK has two of the top three universities in the world and the top six universities in Europe.
  • The UK is the number one gateway to Europe allowing access to 500 million EU residents in 27 member states.
  • More International Businesses set up their European HQ in the UK than anywhere else in Europe.

UK Trade & Investment is the government body that helps business locate in the UK and grow internationally.   For Renewable Energy visit the Office of Renewable Energy Deployment (ORED) For Nuclear Energy visit teh Office of Nuclear Development (OND)


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