United Kingdom: Investing

FDI in Figures

According to the World Investment Report 2010 of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the United Kingdom is the fifth highest recipient of direct foreign investment (FDI) in the world. In 2008-2009, FDI flow was on the decline and this trend should continue in the coming years. FDI flux decreased sharply since the international financial crisis and should remain low in the coming years.

The UK nevertheless has real strengths: London still seems to be Europe's financial capital. Furthermore, Great Britain has a strong currency and one of the most important European markets.

Why You Should Choose to Invest in the United Kingdom

Strong Points

One of the United Kingdoms main strong points is the speed of formalities: only thirteen days are required to set up a company in the United Kingdom, compared to the European average of 32 days, which puts the country in first place in Europe and sixth place in the world. Low taxation makes the environment investor-friendly. London is the world's leader in terms of financial services centers, on a number of key performance indicators and was once again voted best European city by the European Cities Monitor, which studies the appeal of cities .

Weak Points

The country's main weak points are: the financial sector's excessive influence on the GDP, poor quality infrastructures and a high level of competitiveness from foreign companies in the industrial sector.

Government Measures to Motivate or Restrict FDI

Once foreign companies are established in the UK, they are treated exactly like British firms. Within the EU, the British Government is a strong defender of any British registered company's rights, irrespective of its nationality or the nationality of its owner.

Bilateral Investment Conventions Signed By the United Kingdom

The UK has concluded 106 Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) with other countries, of which 94 are in force. More information is available on the website of UNCTAD.

Procedures Relative to Foreign Investment

Freedom of Establishment

Foreign companies establishing British subsidiaries generally encounter no special nationality requirements on directors or shareholders, although at least one director of any company registered in the UK must be ordinarily resident in the UK.

Acquisition of Holdings

In the United Kingdom, a majority holding interest in the capital of a local company is legal.

Competent Organization For the Declaration

Companies house

Investment Opportunities

Investment Aid Agency

Tenders, Projects and Public Procurement

OGC, Government Procurement Service
Tenders Info, Tenders in United Kingdom
Ted - Tenders Electronic daily, Business opportunities in EU 27
DgMarket, Tenders Worldwide

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