The UK Economy

The UK is Europe’s leading investment destination for companies relocating and developing their global business.

Here are some of the reasons why investors are attracted to the UK economy

1. The easiest place to set up and run a business in Europe: The World Bank found that it takes 13 days to set up a business in UK, compared to the European average of 32 days. It ranks the UK first in Europe and sixth in the world to operate a business. Source: World Bank.

2. An Internationally Competitive tax environment for foreign investors: The top corporate rate is 28 per cent, the lowest in the G7 and below most of the UK’s core competitors. The UK’s highest personal tax band, at 40 per cent, is one of the lowest in the EU. Source: Deloitte

3. Least barriers to entrepreneurship in the world: The OECD noted that the UK is second in the world for Product Market Regulation behind Australia, has the least barriers to entrepreneurship in the world and has the third least barriers to trade and investment in the world. Source: OECD.

4. One of the most stable political environments to do business: According to Transparency International, the UK is one of the most transparent (least corrupt) countries in the world.

5. Stable regulatory environment: The UK has a consultative approach to the formulation of regulation, so there are no surprises for business.

6. Progressive communications network: The UK has the most extensive broadband market among the G7 countries and one of the strongest ICT infrastructures in the world.

7. Home to Europe’s number one city for business: London is the world's leading financial services centre on a number of key performance indicators and was voted top European city for business for the 19th year running in 2008 by the European Cities Monitor.

8. Number one location for European headquarters: More overseas companies set up their European headquarters in the UK than anywhere else.

9. Olympic opportunities: London will host the Olympic Games in 2012. Procurement started in 2007. Contracts will be available for firms of all sizes and the total budget will run into billions.

10. Outstanding transport links: The UK offers world class transport links. Heathrow's new Terminal 5 is now open and working efficiently. Additional expansion is planned for international air ports at Stansted and London City; for sea container terminals at London Gateway and Felixstowe; and for the rail network with investment in London Cross Rail and rail freight infrastructure.

11. High quality of living: UK residents enjoy a high standard of living, education and recreation. Personal taxes are low, publicly-funded health is free to all and there is a rich cultural heritage and abundance of leisure facilities.

12. Magnet for foreign investment: In 2007, the UK attracted and retained over one trillion US dollars of investment: the highest in Europe and the second largest in the world.

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