According to the latest World Investment Report 2023 published by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the United Kingdom has secured the top spot in Europe and is ranked third worldwide for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI).

Recent government statistics reveal that more than 1,600 FDI projects are expected to create nearly 80,000 jobs in the UK. Many of these new jobs are being created in Scotland, Wales, Northern England, the Midlands, and the South West.

The UK's automotive, aerospace, life sciences, and technology sectors are among the largest recipients of foreign investment. The automotive sector, for instance, has experienced a significant boost, with 76 new FDI projects resulting in 3,807 jobs. The government's focus on positioning the UK as a tech and science superpower by 2030 is paying off, with the life sciences sector alone expected to generate 3,546 new jobs from recent FDI projects.

These positive trends in FDI highlight the UK's attractiveness as an investment destination and support the government's objectives of economic growth and regional development. With upcoming investment summits on the horizon, such as the Northern Ireland Investment Summit and the Global Investment Summit, the UK aims to further build on this momentum and continue attracting major international investors to its thriving sectors.

Interested in the latest insights from the Department for Business and Trade on inward investment results and why the UK is such an attractive place to invest? Find out more here.