The UK offers a robust, business-friendly environment to reliably expand, trade and invest. The UK has a mature, high-spending consumer market and an open, liberal economy, world-class talent and a business-friendly regulatory environment. Their language, legal system, funding environment, time zone and lack of red tape helps make the UK one of the easiest markets to set-up, scale and grow a business.
The UK’s business-friendly environment
Investors can access a market of more than 60 million people, diverse suppliers and partners, and benefit from a range of programmes to help businesses of all shapes and sizes grow, including a £100 billion infrastructure spending commitment.
Tax and incentives :Â The UK has one of the lowest corporation tax rates in the G20 and is highly competitive within Europe. We’re business-friendly and offer a range of tax reliefs to give flexibility to domestic and international companies.
Talent and labour : The UK is the top-rated major European economy for attracting global talent and has one of the largest labour forces in Europe, with lower labour costs than Italy, France or Germany.
Innovation: The UK offers global businesses one of the best and most ambitious ecosystems in the world to grow innovative companies.
Infrastructure: The UK has the largest air transport system in Europe. We operate a robust energy grid supported by the world’s largest offshore windfarm and benefit from advanced road and rail systems and 100 sea ports.
Clean growth: The UK is leading the race to a net zero carbon economy, with cutting-edge technology and revolutionary research. Freeports: Freeports will unlock new investment opportunities, drive growth, and support trade, innovation, and commerce across the UK
UK is exploring opportunities in Agribusiness and food, Infrastructure, Energy and the circular economy, Critical minerals, Health and life sciences, Advanced technologies and Fintech.Â
UK regions and specialised industry
Scotland : Scotland is one of the UK’s top investment destinations, attracting more foreign investment than anywhere in the country outside of London.
Northern Ireland : Northern Ireland is the world’s top destination for fintech development inward investment. The region also benefits from low-cost customer support services.
North of England : North England is home to world-leading design and manufacturing. It also produces 50% of UK nuclear projects and 30% of all renewable energy projects.
Wales : Welsh industry is diverse, including world-leading innovation in compound semiconductor technology, life sciences, energy and the environment.
Midlands : The Midlands is a centre for manufacturing, including especially the automotive sector. It is a magnet for overseas investment, with discounts for research.
South of England: South England is the UK’s top destination for overseas expansion, focusing on financial services, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, aerospace and data.
Business culture: tips for new exporters
Business culture across the UK is more conservative, with executives preferring a more formal approach.
- Most business people wear suits. ‘Smart-casual’ is becoming more widespread in some industry sectors, though the description of ‘lounge suit’ on invitations typically means business attire.
- Many UK companies are entrepreneurial and interested in new ideas, but rarely agree to a ‘cold’ meeting. Expect to introduce your company and proposition at least three to four weeks before the planned meeting date.
- Make an introductory telephone call and follow-up with information by email. The British are punctual and value time-keeping for business arrangements.
- Gift giving is not a usual part of British business etiquette – and will in most instances generate a negative reaction. Some organisations are encouraged not to accept any form of gift. Some are prevented from doing so on legal grounds.
It is important to highlight that UK companies value long-term relationships with suppliers or business partners. It may therefore take longer to reach a deal in UK as compared to other countries.
