The UK has attracted the most inward investment projects since records began in the 1980s – with energy and infrastructure contributing around 310 (17.5%), second only to advanced manufacturing with 418, according to a new report from UKTI.
In a new report on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), the annual investment figures from UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) for 2013 to 2014 show that the UK attracted 14% more projects than last year (2012 to 2013).
This is supported by external independent sources, such as Ernst & Young, who have confirmed that the UK remains the number 1 destination in Europe for foreign direct investment projects.
In total 1,773 investment projects were set up by foreign businesses in the UK during the 2013 to 2014 financial year. In Scotland, there were 122 projects creating 5,374 new jobs. The report shows that the benefits are spread throughout the UK with England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and London all recording increases in the number of investment projects landing and new jobs created.
The top 10 countries investing into the UK by number of projects were:
- United States 501
- Japan 116
- France 110
- Germany 102
- Canada 89
- China 88
- India 74
- Italy 70
- Australia 69
- Ireland 55
Northern Ireland in particular recorded a significant increase in investment projects compared to 2012 to 2013 – 32% – while Wales registered an 18% increase in the number of investments and Scotland received a 10% boost.
The number of investment projects landing in England (excluding London) also increased by 11%, reaching 840 projects.
The USA led the way as the largest source of FDI projects for the UK, generating 501 projects, up 27%. The top Commonwealth country for FDI is Canada. Canadian investment reached new heights in 2013 to 2014, with 89 projects, up an encouraging 41%.
European companies also demonstrated increased interest in the UK. The 2 largest European contributors were France and Germany, both delivering over 100 projects, representing rises of 18% and 31% respectively.
Japan was the key investment partner in the Asia Pacific region, delivering 116 projects across a variety of sectors, while China delivered 88 projects.
Northern Ireland in particular recorded a significant increase in investment projects compared to 2012 to 2013 – 32% – while Wales registered an 18% increase in the number of investments and Scotland received a 10% boost.
The number of investment projects landing in England (excluding London) also increased by 11%, reaching 840 projects.
The USA led the way as the largest source of FDI projects for the UK, generating 501 projects, up 27%. The top Commonwealth country for FDI is Canada. Canadian investment reached new heights in 2013 to 2014, with 89 projects, up an encouraging 41%.
European companies also demonstrated increased interest in the UK. The 2 largest European contributors were France and Germany, both delivering over 100 projects, representing rises of 18% and 31% respectively.
Japan was the key investment partner in the Asia Pacific region, delivering 116 projects across a variety of sectors, while China delivered 88 projects.
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