Department for International Trade inward investment results 2020 to 2021 (HTML version)
Published 22 June 2021
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Foreign direct investment (FDI) 2020 to 2021 highlights
Foreign direct investment (FDI)
| 2019-20 | 2020-21 | % change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total projects | 1,852 | 1,538 | -17% |
| - Involved projects (DIT supported) | 1,449 | 1,131 | -22% |
| - Estimated economic impact of involved projects (£m) | 3,091 | 3,875 | 25% |
| New jobs | 56,117 | 55,319 | -1% |
| Safeguarded jobs | 9,021 | 18,187 | 102% |
See technical annex for details on definitions and methodology.
FDI projects in the UK 2016 to 2017 to 2020 to 2021
The graph shows the number of FDI projects that have landed in the UK between 2016 to 2017 and 2020 to 2021.
There were 2,265 in 2016 to 2017, 2,072 in 2017 to 2018, 1,782 in 2018 to 2019, 1,852 in 2019 to 2020 and 1,538 in 2020 to 2021. Of the 1,538 FDI projects that landed in 2020 to 2021, 1,131 were supported by DIT.
Out of the 1,538 FDI projects that landed in 2020 to 2021, 596 (39%) were made by new investors to the UK, and 942 (61%) were made by existing investors in the UK.
Types of FDI
| Types of investment projects | 2016-17 | 2017-18 | 2018-19 | 2019-20 | 2020-21 | % change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New investment | 1,237 | 1,179 | 1,035 | 1,153 | 888 | -23% |
| Expansions (including retentions) | 822 | 714 | 554 | 504 | 477 | -5% |
| Mergers and acquisitions (including joint ventures) | 206 | 179 | 193 | 195 | 173 | -11% |
| Total | 2,265 | 2,072 | 1,782 | 1,852 | 1,538 | -17% |
New jobs created in the UK 2016 to 2017 to 2020 to 2021
The graph shows the number of jobs created by FDI projects that have landed in the UK between 2016 to 2017 and 2020 to 2021.
There were 75,226 new jobs created in 2016 to 2017, 75,968 in 2017 to 2018, 57,625 in 2018 to 2019, 56,117 in 2019 to 2020 and 55,319 in 2020 to 2021.
Source: Department for International Trade.
New projects and jobs from FDI into the UK
| Regions | FDI projects | New jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Scotland | 92 | 3,245 |
| Wales | 72 | 1,529 |
| Northern Ireland | 29 | 1,326 |
| England (excluding London) | 804 | 20,532 |
| London | 492 | 13,832 |
| English regions (excluding London) | FDI projects | New jobs |
|---|---|---|
| North East | 51 | 1,373 |
| North West | 139 | 4,309 |
| Yorkshire and The Humber | 86 | 1,412 |
| East Midlands | 72 | 2,149 |
| West Midlands | 145 | 4,443 |
| East of England | 72 | 2,066 |
| South East | 163 | 2,538 |
| South West | 76 | 2,242 |
Source: Department for International Trade.
Note: 49 multiple location projects associated with 14,855 new jobs are not included.
Top source markets for FDI projects into the UK
| Country | FDI projects | New jobs | Safeguarded jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 389 | 19,301 | 3,942 |
| India | 99 | 4,830 | c |
| Germany | 93 | 6,405 | 1,879 |
| France | 88 | 5,278 | 93 |
| Netherlands | 72 | 2,674 | 1,119 |
| Italy | 66 | 1,215 | 1,908 |
| Canada | 58 | 1,052 | 540 |
| Japan | 51 | 1,463 | 1,547 |
| Sweden | 49 | 1,024 | 258 |
| China | 46 | 1,209 | c |
| Ireland | 42 | 1,097 | c |
| Spain | 41 | 714 | 1,333 |
| Australia | 40 | 659 | 273 |
| Israel | 33 | 677 | c |
| Switzerland | 29 | 515 | c |
Source: Department for International Trade.
c: Indicates data for safeguarded jobs is disclosive.
Note: 342 projects associated with 7,206 new jobs and 3,967 safeguarded jobs relate to countries not shown. See accompanying technical annex for a further breakdown.
Sector results 2020 to 2021
| Sector | Projects | New jobs | Safeguarded jobs | Total jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced engineering and supply chain | 127 | 2,087 | 3,404 | 5,491 |
| Aerospace | 41 | 1,277 | 332 | 1,609 |
| Automotive | 71 | 1,786 | 4,376 | 6,162 |
| Biotechnology and pharmaceuticals | 74 | 2,093 | 1,608 | 3,701 |
| Business and consumer services | 122 | 4,069 | 2,190 | 6,259 |
| Chemicals and agriculture | 54 | 644 | 423 | 1,067 |
| Creative and media | 91 | 3,266 | 735 | 4,001 |
| Electronics and communications | 78 | 4,250 | 733 | 4,983 |
| Environment, infrastructure and transportation | 117 | 6,137 | 1,300 | 7,437 |
| Extraction industries | 12 | 387 | c | c |
| Financial services | 140 | 3,234 | c | c |
| Food and drink | 117 | 5,042 | 1,716 | 6,758 |
| Life sciences | 100 | 2,409 | 431 | 2,840 |
| Renewable energy | 25 | 575 | c | c |
| Software and computer services | 264 | 11,384 | 201 | 11,585 |
| Wholesale | 105 | 6,679 | 415 | 7,094 |
Source: Department for International Trade.
Sectors are built up from categories defined in DIT’s internal database.
c: Indicates data for safeguarded jobs is disclosive and therefore total jobs have not been provided.
DIT’s Global Entrepreneur Programme and capital investment
Global Entrepreneur Programme
A subset of involved projects is related to DIT’s Global Entrepreneur Programme (GEP).
This programme enables high potential, internationally mobile entrepreneurs and their fast growth innovation-rich companies to scale and internationalise from a UK global headquarters.
| 2019-20 | 2020-21 | % change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Projects | 89 | 69 | -22% |
| New jobs | 1,691 | 1,647 | -3% |
Capital investment
Growth capital involves overseas investment from corporate, venture capital and individual investors into high-value start-ups, growth companies and funds.
Large capital involves overseas institutional investment into large capital projects in real estate, infrastructure and energy.
Whilst capital investment is all foreign investment, most does not meet the criteria of FDI. See technical annex for full details.
Capital investment 2019 to 2020
| Type of investment | Investments (£m) | Commitments to invest (£m) |
|---|---|---|
| Growth capital investments | 1,031 | z |
| Large capital investments | 4,023 | 11,151 |
Capital investment 2020 to 2021
| Type of investment | Investments (£m) | Commitments to invest (£m) |
|---|---|---|
| Growth capital investments | 2,083 | z |
| Large capital investments | 3,821 | 7,503 |
z: Indicates data is not applicable.
Source: Department for International Trade.
How the 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 does not 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.
Great.gov.uk has many resources and teams dedicated to helping overseas businesses, investors and buyers successfully do business in the UK as well as supporting businesses and exporters based in the UK.
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; or 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 Department for International Trade
DIT’s services to international investors in the UK are free of charge and commercial-in-confidence.
Contact DIT’s Investment Services Team
Email: enquiries@invest-trade.uk
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.
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.