in the G20
rated for attracting global talent
largest economy
of any major European economy
The UK offers a robust, business-friendly environment to reliably expand, trade and invest. It has a mature, high-spending consumer market and an open, liberal economy, world-class talent and a business-friendly regulatory environment.
The UK has long been recognised as a leading global business centre with a world-class regulatory and legal system and a leading financial services industry.
Investors can access a market of more than 60 million people, diverse suppliers and partners, and benefit from a range of programmes to help businesses of all shapes and sizes grow, including a £100 billion infrastructure spending commitment.
Data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) shows the total value of foreign investment stock into the UK by the end of 2018 increased by 5% to $1,890 billion; confirming the UK as the leading destination for foreign direct investment in Europe, and the third most significant in the world, behind the US and China.
The UK is one of the most innovative countries in the world – ranked in the top 5 countries in the Global Innovation Index 2019. Many of the world’s biggest and most dynamic companies – including Google, Facebook, Amazon, Coca-Cola – have chosen the UK as their European headquarters.
The UK is focused on developing the optimum environment for business to thrive and at the heart of this is low tax, fair but competitive tax rules, and generous tax relief for innovation. The UK has frozen corporation tax at 19% and currently has the lowest headline corporation tax in the G20. These conditions are essential for businesses to establish themselves successfully and profitably.
They are central to the UK’s aim to make this country the best place in the world to locate and grow an international business.
Access to graduates from four of the world’s top ten universities, business-friendly labour regulations, combined with the skill, commitment, and flexibility of the country’s workforce are recognised as proven commercial assets by the thousands of international companies that have already invested in the UK.
With a labour force of 32 million and an employment rate of around 75%, the UK is one of the top European economies for attracting, cultivating and retaining global talent, according to the Global Talent Competitiveness Index 2018.
With such a mobile labour force in a geographical area half the size of France, businesses can access the skills they need from anywhere in the UK.
The UK is leading the race to a net zero carbon economy, with cutting-edge technology and revolutionary research.
In 2019, the UK Government became the first major economy to adopt a legally binding obligation to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The UK government’s ten point plan will lay the foundations for this Green Industrial Revolution.
Did you know that the UK is home to the world’s largest floating offshore windfarm? Has digital infrastructure that supports a tech sector larger than the rest of Europe combined and is home to the largest air transport system in Europe connecting the UK globally.
With over 70 airports, 40 major ports, excellent rail links and toll-free motorways, the UK has the ideal combination of infrastructure components to move goods and people around the country in simple, affordable ways.
The UK also has the largest air transport system in Europe. Almost all of Europe’s leading technology markets can be reached in under 2 hours from any of south England’s international airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, City and Luton Airport. And with over 100 ports, the UK is the second largest ports industry in all of Europe.
With a diverse range of highly attractive housing options, a first-class health service, a world-renowned education system, and a sporting and cultural heritage that is second to none, international executives relocating to the UK enjoy a superb quality of life.
Find out more about investing in the UK on the Department for International trade website.
Business Hampshire is the economic development service of Hampshire County Council.
© Hampshire County Council 2024