Figures from the Department for International Trade
published today (10 July), show the UK attracted 1,852 new
inward investment projects in 2019/2020 financial year,
representing a 4% increase on the previous year.
Today’s figures show the US continues to be the number one
source of foreign direct investment in the UK, delivering
462 projects and 20,131 jobs, while India is now the UK’s
second largest source of investment followed by Germany,
France and China and Hong Kong. Australia and New Zealand
were responsible for 72 projects and the Nordic and Baltic
region 134, an increase for both regions.
England, Wales and Northern Ireland, all saw an increase in
the number of projects each nation attracted, whilst
Scotland saw a decline on the number of projects from the
previous year.
While the number of new jobs as a direct result of foreign
investment has declined – a global trend as seen in other
FDI reports this year – the number of UK jobs safeguarded
by FDI increased by 29%. DIT worked closely with existing
investors to safeguard 26% more jobs compared to 2018 to
2019, demonstrating the broad range of support DIT delivers
for the UK economy by promoting investment.
International Trade Secretary, said:
These figures further demonstrate the resilience of the
UK economy and the work of the Government to continue to
build and attract inward investment into the UK. Future
trade agreements will deepen our economic relationship
with key sources of investment such as the US, Japan,
Australia and New Zealand.
There is still work to be done in our levelling up
agenda, to ensure all regions of the United Kingdom reap
the benefits of inward investment, increasing jobs and
prosperity across the nations, and these free trade
agreements will contribute to this.
Developing key sectors such as advanced manufacturing,
life sciences and renewable energy will help us to
rebound post-pandemic and build on our attractive
business environment across the UK for investors around
the globe.
This year, DIT’s statistics also include the Cambridge and
Oxford Arc, a priority area for government, while the GREAT
Investors Program data has also been included showcasing
the strengthening of growth capital investment in the UK.
Background
See Inward
Investment Results for 2019 to 2020.
The Financial Times FDI Report 2020
- The Financial Times FDI Report 2020 highlights that the
UK remains top in Europe on attracting FDI projects and on
greenfield capital expenditure.
EY Attractiveness Survey 2020
- The latest attractiveness report by EY shows that the
UK lost its top spot to France as most attractive
destination in Europe for foreign direct investment,
however remains one of the most attractive destinations for
investment in Europe with over 1,100 inbound investment
projects in 2019, more than Germany and Italy combined; an
increase of 5% despite a challenging global climate.
UNCTAD World Investment Report 2019
- The latest data by UNCTAD showed that by the end of
2019, the total value of the UK’s inwards investment stock
was $2.1tn, the highest in Europe and second highest in the
world. The value of the UK’s inwards stock was also worth
more than Germany and France combined.
ONS
- ONS’s latest National Statistics (to the end of 2018)
show the inward FDI stock is at the highest level recorded
(£1.521 trillion).
Forbes ‘best countries for business’ 2019
- The UK was found to be the top country for doing
business in Forbes’ 2019 report, a measure which ranks
countries according to how business friendly they are based
on 15 different factors from property rights to investor
protection.
