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As global confidence grows in Britain, we retained our position as the top destination in Europe for foreign direct investment. The country managed to attract £1.48 trillion of inwards investment stocks in 2018, which is more than Europe’s next biggest economies – Germany and France. This leaves Britain the third-largest investment hub in the world, behind the United States and China.

Berlin managed to only attract £739billion and Paris just £649bn as both capitals struggle to establish themselves. Over the past year the value of inward stock into the UK increased by 21 percent, compared to just one percent in Germany and a six percent fall in France. Between 2010 and 2018, the value of these inward stock investments into the UK have increased by 77 percent. International Trade Secretary Liam Fox lauded Britain’s economy for beating off competition from the “impressive” Germany and France.

UK attracts more inward investment than France and Germany combined

Dr Fox said: “The figures prove the British economy is by far the most attractive place in Europe for foreign direct investment, securing more than the impress economies of Germany and France combined. “The UK’s pro-business environment is what makes it one of the most prosperous countries in the world to invest in. From our booming tech industry to our world-leading financial services sector, investors from all over the world see Britain as their destination of choice for relocation. “Despite global headwinds getting stronger, the British economy continues to demonstrate its resilience to operate in an increasingly uncertain global economic environment.” Global foreign direct investment has, however, fallen to its lowest level since the financial crisis as richer countries lead the world into a retreat from a “a heyday of export-led growth”, according to the UN report.