The figures show that investors have maintained
confidence in the UK as an investment destination, with
the value of the UK’s FDI stocks as a
whole increasing by £12.6% to £1,337 billion in 2017
when compared with the previous year. The UK’s
world-leading financial services sector attracted
more FDI than any
other industry, accounting for 28.8% of total inward
investment, accumulating over £385 billion by the end
of 2017.
And the UK’s largest investor, the US, also showed a
significant increase in FDI stocks,
increasing by 19.5% to £351 billion.
International Trade Secretary and President of
the Board of Trade, MP, said:
As we prepare to leave the European Union, foreign
investors from around the globe are as confident as
ever investing in the UK. The significant rise in the
amount of investment from Asia is evidence that the
growing economies are important partners for the UK,
relationships which I am committed to developing and
deepening.
Foreign Direct Investment has an overwhelmingly
positive and transformative effect on the UK economy,
bringing jobs, prosperity and growth. My
international economic department is focused on
ensuring that the effects are felt in every part of
the country.
Today’s figures also show that the UK’s world-leading
financial services sector attracted
more FDI than any
other industry, accounting for 28.8% of total inward
investment, accumulating over £385 billion by the end
of 2017.
Supported by the Department for International Trade’s
network of overseas staff, popular restaurant chain Din
Tai Fung is one Asian company that has looked to the UK
for its investment potential, opening the doors to its
first European restaurant in London this week
(Wednesday 5 December).
The business plans to create hundreds of jobs over the
next year, with further expansion planned in the years
to come as it opens further branches. Plans are already
in place to open a second branch in Centre Point Tower,
London, next year.
Further information
- Figures regarding fastest growing countries only
include countries with inwards FDI investment
over £10 million.
- Read the full Foreign direct
investment involving UK companies: 2017
- The invest.great.gov.uk site
already provides a range of information to help
international businesses invest in the UK. This
includes details on:
- how DIT can helps companies to build
connections with businesses across their sectors in
the UK
- advice on hiring staff from recruitment through
to salary benchmarking
- unique insights into specific markets in the UK
based on companies’ needs
- information on grants and incentives to help
businesses grow in the UK
- assistance with visa applications and other
immigration issues
