FDI in figures

Investing procedures

Legal framework

Once established in the UK, foreignowned companies are treated no differently from UK firms. Within the EU, the British Government is a strong defender of the rights of any British registered company, irrespective of its nationality of ownership.

Acquisition of holdings

In the United Kingdom, a majority holding interest in the capital of a local company is legal.

Obligation to declare

Local business incentives

The Invest in Britain Department of the Ministry of Industry and Trade provides its services in order to inform foreign companies on aids to set up in Great Britain. Companies zones have been created to encourage industrial and commercial development. These zones allow companies to benefit from tax exemptions. Companies can contact the Department of Trade and Industry to obtain further details relating to the different regions. The main form of support is the Selective Finance for Investment scheme in England, which aims to encourage significant investment in projects that lead to long-term improvements in productivity, skills and employment. It is a discretionary grant that may be offered to overseas companies (and UK owned companies) opening a new operation, or expanding/ modernising an existing operation in an Assisted Area. It is available to both manufacturing and service projects meeting certain criteria.
See www.dti.gov.uk.

Investment aid agency