Record number of overseas investors opt for UK

UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) has announced a record 1,573 investment projects won in what marks a fifth consecutive year of growth.

According to the figures, over 120 new jobs were created each day as a result of this investment from overseas companies, bringing employment and wealth to every area of the country.

John Hutton, Business and Enterprise Secretary, said: “These results are a ringing endorsement of the UK as an international investment destination, demonstrating that our compelling mix of a business friendly environment, political and economic stability, world-class talent, and a strong research and development base, is a powerful magnet for overseas companies.”

These results are a ringing endorsement of the UK as an international investment destination

John Hutton

Business and Enterprise Secretary

Although The UK has seen a slight softening in last year's record figure, the US remains its biggest investor - representing 30% of the total investment projects, and almost 30,000 new and safeguarded jobs.

David Miliband, Foreign Secretary, added: "The UK has a global reach and our investment pipelines are spread across the world. Once again, the US remains our biggest investor; but we have also increased investment from a range of key countries including Sweden and Japan, important for the rich research and development investment they bring; Australia, highlighting that the UK is an attractive base for expansion within Europe; high-growth markets such as India and China; and Ireland, Germany and the Netherlands, demonstrating that the UK's economy represents an opportunity for our neighbours too.

Lord Digby Jones, Minister for Trade and Investment, also commented: “As a passionate advocate of UK business success, I am delighted these figures reflect our continued ability to punch above our weight on the global stage. In a year of international financial uncertainty this impressive performance exemplifies that now, more than ever, the UK economy is synonymous with opportunity and global potential.”