Changing country and language options
This website segments users based on the country/region you are from.
We do this to deliver you local news, events and business support contacts.
To change your country of origin click on the world globe at the top right-hand-corner of the screen. You will be taken to our ‘Global Gateway page’, where you can select your country.
Contacting UK Trade & Investment
Are you based outside the UK?
Please contact your local UK Trade & Investment office by using the list on the Global Offices page.
Are you based in the UK?
Contact our London HQ using the details on the Global Offices page.
Do you have a technical website enquiry? Are you unable to find the information you need on this website?
Contact the Online team on web.editor@uktradeinvest.gov.uk stating the country you are emailing from.
Do you want to talk to the OurWorld news team?
Please email web.editor@uktradeinvest.gov.uk stating the country you are emailing from.
‘My UK’
What is ‘My UK’?
‘My UK’ is the section of the website that allows you to customise website content and investment news relevant to your needs.
‘My UK’ is accessed by an individual username and password set by you.
How do I create a ‘My UK’ page?
Just follow these simple steps:
Step 1 - Click on the ‘My UK’ page’ tab (near the top left corner of the screen)
Step 2 - On the next screen select ‘Sign up’
Step 3 – Complete the short questions that enable us to generate your customised page.
Hints: Your username is your email address, and your password should be something you can remember easily.
Once you have completed the online form your customised ‘My UK’ page will instantly be ready to use.
You will be emailed your username and password details. Keep this email safe so you can remember how to access My UK next time you visit the website.
Further customisation
You have the option to complete more detailed questions during the sign-up process to ‘My UK’.
If you have created a ‘My UK’ page just click on Change Preferences after you sign-in to complete the further customisation and receive a more focussed ‘My UK’ service.
Have you forgotten your password?
‘My UK’ has an automatic password reminder.
If you cannot remember your sign-in details select the ‘Forgotten your password?’ link on the ‘My UK’ page. By entering your username (this is your email address) your password reminder will be sent to you immediately.
Do you want to change your ‘My UK’ preferences?
You can change your profile at any time by clicking on Change Preferences at the top of your page, once you have signed-in to ‘My UK’.
This gives you the ability to amend details such as:
Sector(s) of interest
Business location (e.g. if you are in the UK or not)
Email alert types and frequency
Any changes you make will be automatically saved and ‘My UK’ will adapt to show only the most relevant content to your business needs.
Do you need help with email alerts?
‘My UK’ gives you one easy space for the content that’s relevant to you.
You can also have ‘My UK’ content mailed directly to your inbox on:
OurWorld
Daily news and views to help keep your finger on the pulse
Meet us here
Develop global business networks at UK Trade & Investment events
New on the website
Latest updates to UK business trends, publications, and statistics
You can manage your email alert preferences (frequency, sectors, topics) by selecting an option in the ‘Manage your subscription’ box on every email.
If you just want to subscribe to OurWorld news alerts, click on the Subscribe link on every OurWorld page.
How do I unsubscribe from email alerts?
Every email you receive has an option to unsubscribe. Click on the email link and you will be removed from the mailing list immediately.
Glossary of termsUKTI – UK Trade & Investment
UK Trade & Investment is the Government organisation that supports both countries in the UK trading internationally and overseas enterprises seeking to locate in the UK.
UK Trade & Investment’s role is to help companies realise their international business potential through knowledge transfer and on-going partnership support.
UK Trade & Investment provides Investment services for non-UK based companies seeking to locate and grow their business in the UK.
We also provide Trade services for UK-based companies who are looking to export.
IIG – Inward Investment Group
Inward Investment Group (IIG) is the team within UK Trade & Investment with responsibility for promoting the UK as an inward investment location and providing assistance to potential and established investors.
IIG works with an extensive network of Government partners and professional advisors in the UK and around the world.
This means we can provide overseas companies with all the information you need to start or expand your business in the UK. We can also help you find suppliers and deal with utility companies and planning regulations.
Once your company has set up in the UK, UK Trade & Investment's Investor Development team and regional partners provide ongoing services and a voice in Government to help your business grow further.
IO - Investment officer
Investment Officers are UK Trade & Investment staff based at British Embassies, High Commissions and Consulate Generals throughout the globe. They provide front-line services to businesses seeking to locate and grow their business in the UK.
IO’s are your first point of contact if you are outside the UK.
IO’s provide impartial advice on how and where to set up your business in the UK, information tailored to your business’ needs as well as introductions to professional advisors.
IO’s will also offer practical help such as organising visits to suitable locations, finding business partners and accessing financial incentives.
To contact your local Investment Officer please visit the Contact us page
RDAs – Regional Development Agencies
England is divided into nine Regional Development Agencies (RDAs), set up as non-departmental public bodies.
UK Trade & Investment works closely with the RDAs to provide a soft-landing for overseas investors, as well as helping their business to grow once established in the UK.
DAs – Devolved Administrations
Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales have Devolved Administrations (DAs) instead of RDAs (see above). For the purposes of inward investment, Devolved Administrations have the same core responsibilities as RDAs. However, some policies and services are different in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
UK Trade & Investment works closely with the DAs to provide a soft-landing for overseas investors, as well as helping their business grow once established in the UK.
Global Entrepreneurs Programme
A special programme run by UK Trade & Investment designed to attract world-class entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial talent in the life sciences and ICT sectors to the UK.
Global Partnerships
A special programme run by UK Trade & Investment designed to match overseas life sciences and ICT companies to suitable UK partners.
Investor Development
UK Trade & Investment provides a pro-actively managed and co-ordinated business support programme for existing UK inward investors known as Investor Development services.
Services offered by the Investor Development team are designed to help established investors grow their businesses within the UK and into Europe, the US and beyond.
Overseas Posts
These are British Embassies, High Commissions and Consulate Generals outside the UK. For a complete list of UK overseas missions please visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website.
Sector
A division of all business types into a common industry or method of economic activity and revenue generation. For example, the automotive sector, the financial services sector, software and IT sector.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
Foreign direct investment (FDI) is the movement of capital across national borders that grants the investor control over the acquired asset. Types of FDI include mergers and acquisitions and greenfield investment.
UK Trade & Investment also refers to FDI as Inward Investment.