Department for International Trade inward investment results 2017 to 2018
Published 26 June 2018
© Crown copyright 2018
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/department-for-international-trade-inward-investment-results-2017-to-2018/department-for-international-trade-inward-investment-results-2017-to-2018
Foreign direct investment (FDI) 2017 to 2018 highlights
FDI: United Kingdom
| Projects and jobs | 2016-17 | 2017-18 | % change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total projects | 2,265 | 2,072 | -9% |
| - Involved projects | 1,859 | 1,682 | -10% |
| New jobs | 75,226 | 75,968 | 1% |
| Safeguarded jobs | 32,672 | 15,063 | -54% |
FDI projects in the UK: 2013-14 to 2017-18
Source: Department for International Trade
New jobs created in the UK 2013-14 to 2017-18
Types of FDI: United Kingdom
| Types of investment projects | 2013-14 | 2014-15 | 2015-16 | 2016-17 | 2017-18 | % change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New investments | 820 | 1,058 | 1,130 | 1,237 | 1,179 | -5% |
| Expansions (including Retentions) | 677 | 740 | 821 | 822 | 714 | -13% |
| Mergers and acquisitions (including Joint Ventures) | 276 | 190 | 262 | 206 | 179 | -13% |
| Total projects | 1,773 | 1,988 | 2,213 | 2,265 | 2,072 | -9% |
New projects and jobs from FDI into the UK
| Regions | FDI projects | New jobs |
|---|---|---|
| North East | 69 | 2,379 |
| North West | 139 | 3,689 |
| Yorkshire and The Humber | 107 | 4,623 |
| East Midlands | 72 | 3,714 |
| West Midlands | 171 | 9,424 |
| East of England | 94 | 2,235 |
| London | 740 | 17,478 |
| South East | 294 | 5,238 |
| South West | 99 | 3,653 |
| Scotland | 141 | 4,148 |
| Wales | 57 | 3,107 |
| Northern Ireland | 28 | 1,251 |
Source: Department for International Trade
Note: 61 multiple location projects associated with 15,029 new jobs are not included.
Top source markets for FDI projects into the UK
| Market | FDI projects | New jobs | Safeguarded jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 514 | 26,570 | 3,572 |
| Germany | 127 | 9,357 | 704 |
| China and Hong Kong | 125 | 2,063 | 815 |
| India | 120 | 5,659 | 532 |
| Japan | 116 | 2,878 | 1,133 |
| Australia and New Zealand | 95 | 2,474 | c |
| Italy | 95 | 1,343 | 2,698 |
| France | 94 | 5,054 | 890 |
| Canada | 85 | 2,114 | 1,156 |
| Netherlands | 56 | 2,204 | 65 |
| Spain | 54 | 2,229 | 949 |
| Switzerland | 51 | 1,458 | c |
| Ireland | 48 | 1,577 | 551 |
| Nordic and Baltic | 138 | 2,537 | 1,670 |
| Rest of Europe, Middle East and Africa | 238 | 5,627 | 150 |
| Rest of Americas | 54 | 1,459 | 0 |
| Rest of Asia Pacific | 62 | 1,365 | c |
Source: Department for International Trade
c: Indicates data for safeguarded jobs are disclosive
Sector results 2017 to 2018
| FDI projects | New jobs | Safeguarded jobs | Total jobs | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced engineering and supply chain | 147 | 2,920 | 1,159 | 4,079 |
| Aerospace | 48 | 1,511 | 1,892 | 3,403 |
| Automotive | 108 | 4,133 | 2,925 | 7,058 |
| Biotechnology and pharmaceuticals | 74 | 2,025 | c | c |
| Business and consumer services | 160 | 7,467 | 257 | 7,724 |
| Chemicals and agriculture | 48 | 820 | 1,087 | 1,907 |
| Creative and media | 121 | 2,201 | 153 | 2,354 |
| Electronics and communications | 112 | 6,948 | 1,054 | 8,002 |
| Environment, infrastructure and transportation | 171 | 10,765 | 1,084 | 11,849 |
| Extraction industries | 39 | 641 | 892 | 1,533 |
| Financial services | 172 | 6,796 | 802 | 7,598 |
| Food and drink | 146 | 7,437 | 2,537 | 9,974 |
| Life sciences | 110 | 1,964 | 384 | 2,348 |
| Renewable energy | 68 | 1,620 | c | c |
| Software and computer services | 381 | 8,336 | 707 | 9,043 |
| Wholesale | 167 | 10,384 | c | c |
Source: Department for International Trade
Sectors are built up from categories defined in DIT’s internal database (XLSX, 104KB).
c: Indicates data for safeguarded jobs are disclosive and therefore total jobs have not been provided.
How Department for International Trade can help you
Whether you are a start-up, a medium-sized or family business, a corporate or an institutional investor, Department for International Trade (DIT) supports the realisation of your international business ambitions.
DIT offers flexible support packages for every aspect of your investment.
Our service doesn’t stop once you are based in the UK — it continues as your business expands internationally. We have helped thousands of businesses locate and expand in the UK. We listen to their feedback to help strengthen and improve our services.
Not sure which country is best for your business
Comparing the benefits of locating in different countries is complicated. It is our job to explain the business environment in competitor countries. We provide the detailed factual information and market insights that let you draw meaningful conclusions about the UK’s competitiveness.
Already established here, but looking to expand your business
We can help you develop the relationships that enable expansion in the UK and exports to European and global markets. This could include:
- connecting you with innovation support for new products and services
- using our overseas network to increase your exports
- helping you access finance
Already decided to bring your business to the UK
We help you set up business quickly and efficiently, saving valuable time and money by guiding you through essential steps such as choosing the right location, finding premises, recruiting staff and connecting with the value chain. We have specialists covering all the industry sectors, as well as key issues such as visas, taxation, skills, planning permission and financial analysis.
Contact DIT
DIT’s services to international investors in the UK are free of charge and commercial-in-confidence.
Contact DIT’s Investment Services Team, or by email enquiries@invest-trade.uk or by telephone +44(0) 207 000 9012.
Investment staff at a British embassy, high commission or trade office can also put investors in touch with the Investment Services Team.
Department for International Trade
The UK’s Department for International Trade (DIT) has overall responsibility for promoting UK trade across the world and attracting foreign investment to our economy. We are a specialised government body with responsibility for negotiating international trade policy, supporting business, as well as delivering an outward-looking trade diplomacy strategy.
Disclaimer
Whereas every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this document is accurate, the Department for International Trade does not accept liability for any errors, omissions or misleading statements, and no warranty is given or responsibility accepted as to the standing of any individual, firm, company or other organisation mentioned.
© Crown Copyright 2018
You may re-use this information free of charge in any format or medium, strictly in accordance with the terms of the Open Government Licence.
To view this licence, visit: www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information in the material that you wish to use, you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holder(s) concerned.
Published June 2018 by Department for International Trade