The UK — number one for European headquarters 2019
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BUSINESS Withdrawn Market opportunity + � Ease of doing business + � Rich and diverse ecosystem = Market Success �
2019
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Withdrawn The UK — a world of advantages 01
Welcome to the UK
Establishing a European base is a natural step for many globally minded companies. Boasting the world’s largest single market and over 500 million consumers,2019 Europe offers a wealth of opportunity.
Deciding on the location of your European Headquarters (EHQ) may be a more challenging proposition, with many European countries appearing toMay offer the same advantages and a similar business environment. The UK has consistently attracted more foreign investments with HQ operations than any other location in Europe; a clear endorsement17 of our business-friendly regulations and thriving environment for innovation and growth. Read on to learn why the UK remains the number one location for EHQs and how your company would benefit from basing its EHQ here.
Top European locations for new inward investment projects with HQ operations, 2012
France Switzerland 5% Netherlands 5% Withdrawn9%
Spain 10% 43% UK
14% Ireland 14%
Germany
Source: Financial Times fDi Markets database, percentages shown of a total 199 new inward investment projects with HQ operations in 2012 02 The UK — a world of advantages
TheUK— a worldof advantages 2019 No other European country can offer the advantages of the UK. Our business friendly environment, highly skilled workers, competitive tax regime, global links, excellent ICT infrastructure and supportive stance for innovation all combine to makeMay the UK the ideal location for your European Headquarters project. 17
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Easy to set up � Legal leader � Best for Settingup your business in the UK Our legal systemis considered takesan average of 13days, and it tobe oneof the best in the world business � takesaslittle as 24hours to register for jurisprudence and settling a company. international and local disputes Politically and economically quickly and effectively. stable, the UK is one of the Pro-business regulation Investor confidence world’s safest and friendliest Our commitment to remove and locations for business and reduce red tape has already saved Weare the top destination in Europe business around£1bn since2011. for inward investment. Demonstrating investment. continuing investor confidence in High standards of corporate theUK, thereweremore than500 governance expansions ofUK investmentsin Wehavesomeofthe mosttransparent 2012/13, proving2019 that the UK isnot standards of corporategovernance in onlyan excellent locationtoestablish the world. Theinterests of managers an international business,but also are alignedwith shareholders rather togrow itin the longerterm. than regulators, and the flexibility inherent in the systemfacilitates effective, entrepreneurial andprudent management. May
We established our 17 European Headquarters in the UK because it is the leading communications hub and gateway to Europe. 20% Mr. Ou Yan Managing Director, China Telecom (Europe) Limited
20% corporation tax from April 2015. The rate is currently 23% and will beWithdrawn 21% from April 2014 04 The UK — a world of advantages
Flexible labour The UK has flexible labour laws that ensure staff can beemployed under fair termsthatwill allow flexibility as your business develops. Permanent employees: Full time: a permanent employee typicallyworksa30 -40hourweek depending ona company’s policy and practice. Part time:a permanent employee typically2019 worksbetween 12 -30 hoursper week dependingon a company’s policy andpractice. Fixed- term contracts: — last foracertainlength of time — areset in advance May— end whena specifictask is completed or a specificevent takes place. Agency staff: 17 As an employer, you can hire Strong labour market UK market � temporary staff through agencies. The UK Government supportsa The UKis a major market in its own Freelancers, consultants, framework of laws that ensures right, with apopulationof over contractors: thelabour market is: 60 million. — areself -employedorarepartof other companies – flexible , encouraging the creationof Britonsembracetechnology with a — often look after their owntax jobsby making it easytoget people passion.Wehave the second highest and NationalInsurance into work andtostayinwork; smartphone ownership in the EU5 Contributions (NICs) (UK, France, Germany, Italy andSpain) – effective , enabling employers to with 64 percent of the totalUKmobile manage their staff productively; and audience using a smartphone as their – fair , with employers competing primary device(2013 Mobile Future on a levelplaying field and workers in Focus). providedwith a strong foundation Each UK household onaverage owns of employmentprotections. Withdrawnthree differentinternet-enabled Wehave the second-largestlabour devices, and 96 per cent of our force in the European Union (EU), homeshave digitaltelevision (Ofcom at over 30 million. Communications Report 2012). The UKis anexcellent “test bed” forinnovators across every sector. We are ranked as the eighth most competitive country in the world (WorldEconomic Forum’s Global CompetitivenessReport 2012-2013). The UK — a world of advantages 05
Financial capital Weare a globalhub forfinancial services, contending only withthe USA forthenumberone global position. Financially autonomous, the Bank of EnglandmanagesUK monetarypolicy. The UK is the largest financialcentre in Europe. Thestrongpresence of EU firmsin the UK,theamount of insurance activitycarriedout in Londonon behalfof EU institutions and the size of EU financialassets managed in the UK makethe 2019 country’s financial centre an essential partof the EU economy. Professional services Ourstronginteraction with Europe As well as our strengthsin financial translates into large volumes of services, we are aworld leader in Euro-denominatedtransactions knowledge-based,businessand being traded in London. Ofall euro- professionalservices.In2012,business May UK denominated foreignexchange servicesaccounted for 8 percent of trading worldwide 40percent of UK output (Gross Domestic Product). transactions take place in London, World-class firms specialisein with the proportion being 62 per cent accountancy, audit,17 legal services, for over-the-counter interest rate informationtechnology,property The UK is the largest swaps (TheCityUK). management,architecture, financial centre in The UK also enjoysthebenefits of advertising,managementconsultancy Europe the MarketsinFinancial Instruments and engineering, to namebuta few. Directive, which allows a foreign UK professional services firmsare institution to set up an office in the honing theirskillsin increasingly UK in order to be allowed to sell its competitive world marketsand can services throughout the rest of the play avitalrolesupporting new European Union. investors’ businesses.
We lookedWithdrawn at all the major European countries when considering where to locate our European Strategic HQ and after careful consideration decided on the UK. From a business point of view, many factors gave it the edge: the flexible labour market, work ethic and general level of education of available staff, along with the proximity to the financial markets in the City, would be among the major ones. James Leipnik Chief of Communicationand Corporate Relations, Canon Europe 06 The UK — a world of advantages
S ocial investment and innovation Social investment uses private capital to generate social as well as financial returns. Investors, governments and enterprise are all interested in this groundbreaking asset class. It provides sustainable ways to tackle societies’ most intractable social and environmental challenges by linking the power of markets to2019 social innovation. The UK is the world’s leading social investment market. Latest research shows that the UK market will grow by 38 per cent every year for the next three years, with demand reaching £750m by 2015. MayGlobally, it could reach £600bn over the next decade. This is an exciting opportunity to align financial return with building 17 a responsible and sustainable society. We hope you will join the UK in developing this market. The social investment market provides opportunities for: — investors wanting to diversify their portfolio and make a financial and social return; — philanthropists looking to recycle their funds to achieve more social good; — s ocial ventures wanting to expand and grow; and Withdrawn — professional services to develop, manage and distribute products and services. The UK — a world of advantages 07
The Green Investment Bank � The UK has launchedtheworld’s first investment bank solely dedicated to greeningthe economy. The initiativesupports the Government’s commitmenttodeliver long-term,sustainablegrowth. This transition presents significant growthopportunities for UK-based businesses,both at home andabroad. The Green Investment Bank is one of a number ofkey policies designed tohelpmeet environmental objectives and promote economic growth. Other 2019 initiativesinclude the creationof a National Infrastructure Plan,reforms Overseas businesses investing in tothe electricity market,changes € tothe climate change levy, the the UK can register their company, introduction ofa renewable heat set up banking facilities and start incentive, the review of waste policy trading very quickly and the reviews of the electricity May regulator (Ofgem) and water regulator (Ofwat). 17 RMB business hub �
Theuse oftheRenminbi (RMB) by businessesoutside mainland China Using London-based RMBproducts is growing. Thepotential benefitsfor and services, forexampleterm internationalcompanies adopting deposits, FX services, payment the RMB in cross-border settlement and cash management,and trade with China are driving this trend. services, can potentially create cost These include reduced foreign savings andoperating efficiencies. exchangeexposure,improved London has the expertiseand the supplier access, lower financing establishedRMB business, andis andtransaction costs through actively developingthemarket greater priceand costtransparency for the future.The City of London in thesupplychain, and greater initiative on London asacentre for purchasing power. Withdrawn RMB business was launched Europe isbecominga significant in2012 by internationalbankswith growth area for RMB business and a strong presence in London and the Cityof London’s position as an Hong Kong. Theinitiative considers internationalfinancial centre makes thepractical measures needed to itverywell-placedto support the developLondon as a successful developmentof the offshore centre for thisbusiness, advising RMBmarket.London already has HM Treasury and UKauthorities on extensiveRMB corporate banking therelevant technical,infrastructure services and recently became the and regulatory issues,aswellas second-largest centre foroffshore maintaining aprivate-sector RMBpayments after Hong Kong. dialogue withregulatorsin China. 08 The UK — a world of advantages
R&D tax credits � Innovation nation Weare actively promotinginnovation throughgenerous R&D tax credits. Innovation and entrepreneurship are prized There aredifferent regimes tailored in the UK – which has been named Europe’s tolarge companiesand small-and strongest environment for research and medium-sized enterprises(SMEs). For largecompanies, the existing development (R&D) (Elsevier, 2011). We have a “super-deduction” regimeprovides long and proud history of invention, epitomised an overall 130 per centtaxdeduction by such pioneers as Isambard Kingdom Brunel. for qualifying R&D expenditure. This regime has been further enhanced by the introduction, from 2013, ofthe “abovetheline” (ATL) creditfor large companies. This allows companies to offset the benefit2019 of the credit against theR&Dcostsin the accounts – creatingan immediate costreduction. The ATL credit is 10per cent of qualifying R&D spend and payable tocompanieswith no tax liability. MayTheSMEschemeallowseligible companiestoclaimanoverall reductionof225percentonqualifying R&Dexpenditure.Loss-making 17 companiescanexchangetaxlosses attributabletoR&Dreliefforapayable cashcreditatarateof11percent. Typically, the R&D tax credit schemes allow a large company to reduce qualifying R&D costs by approximately 8per cent and anSME by approximately25per cent.
Patented innovations AspartoftheGovernment’saim toencourageinnovationandthe commercialisationofintellectual property(IP)intheUK,wehave introducedthePatentBox(see Withdrawn opposite).UK-basedcompanies benefitfromareduced10percent corporationtaxrateonpatented inventions:oneofthestrongestoffers ofitskindinEurope.Theregimeis flexibleandgenerousandmakesthe UKagreatplacetoinvestininnovation.
Symposia® Digital Theatre.BrandonMedical Co Ltd, Leeds,UK The UK — a world of advantages 09
Business-university Entrepreneurial environment collaboration Wehave the fewest barriers to The economic andsocial prosperity entrepreneurshipin the world, ofthe UK depends upon a healthy according to the OECD. Government- knowledge-based economy. Weare led campaigns and initiatives, committedtomaking the UK the includingtheGlobal Entrepreneur best place in the worldfor business- Programme,and a new scheme universitycollaboration. Plans include: tohelp international graduate entrepreneurs start theirbusiness — Supporting the Council for Industry ventures from a UK base,are playing andHigherEducation(CIHE) akey role inhelping to attract the No.1 Science Park to create a NationalCentre for brightest andthebestentrepreneurial Nottingham Universities and Business. The talent to the UK. centre will focus on strengthening the strategicpartnershipbetween 2019 universities andbusiness with a view to drivingeconomic growth www andrecovery. — ExtendingtheGraduate Talent Pool service for a furtherthreeyears. This isahigh-quality online resourceMay that brings together graduates and businesses,andadvertisesinternship The world wide web vacancies,whichnowincludesa was invented by British strictqualityassuranceprocess. 17 computer scientist — Working with graduateemployers Sir Tim Berners-Lee to promote fair recruitment andthe use of new, more detailed, records of student achievement.
Patent Box ThePatentBoxencouragesinnovationintheUKbyreducingthecosts associatedwiththecommercialexploitationofIP. Key elements: – UK-basedcompaniescan benefit from a reduced 10percent corporation tax rate on their PatentBox profits. – The reliefappliestoworldwide profits from inventions patented by the UK WithdrawnIntellectual Property Office, the European PatentOffice and certainother The introduction of the patent offices. Patent Box is a bold and – It isnot only royalties and income from the saleof patents that qualifyfor forward-thinking measure this regime; profits from the saleof products that incorporate a patented which builds on the UK’s innovation arealsoeligible. strength as a global centre – A companyqualifiesif it owns(or licenses on exclusive terms) qualifying of excellence for science patentsand has either createdor developed the patentedinnovationor and R&D. a productincorporating it. Andrew Witty – A companycan benefit from the regimeevenwhere it didnot create the CEO, GlaxoSmithKline original IP. 2019
A May GREAT17 placeWithdrawn to live 15 The UK — a world of advantages
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The UK is more than just a great place for business. Culturally diverse, it has a rich heritage and an abundance of leisure opportunities. The UK has something for everyone. Four great nations The UK – a blend of cultures and traditions.
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Edinburgh Scotland An ancient city with an amazing Outstanding mountain ranges history, bustling Edinburgh – Glencoe boasts famous sights such as the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace 2 and Edinburgh2019 Castle. Belfast Northern Ireland A small city, big on excitement. Shopping, tours, world-class 1 dining, music – you name it, Belfast’s got it. 2 MayHistoric country houses – Castle Howard 17
National parks – Great shopping – Giant’s Causeway Selfridges Birmingham 3 4
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Cardiff Wales London England Europe’s youngest capital and 4 one of the fastest-growing cities A 40-minute walk along the in the UK. Cardiff’s recent South Bank will take you past redevelopment has resulted iconic sights such as Big Ben in world-class sporting and and the Houses of Parliament, entertainmentWithdrawn venues. the London Eye, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, St. Paul’s Cathedral and Tower Bridge.
A stunning coastline – Tenby World Heritage Cities – Bath Neolithic monuments – Stonehenge From amazing events... �
Shakespeare Fireworks and bonfires Shakespeare remains one of Britain’s most celebrated for all to enjoy… playwrights, and his plays continue to bring in the crowds Quirky, historical traditions like on the banks of the Thames at the Globe Theatre, as well Guy Fawkes Night – celebrated as in his birth town, Stratford-upon-Avon. on 5 November in every town and village in the country – are Britain’s heritage, alive and kicking, for everyone to enjoy.
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Music festivals From GlastonburyMay to the Proms, the Royal Albert Hall to the Brixton Academy, Britain’s wide variety of music festivals and venues means there’s something 17for everyone. Exciting sport � Over 550 � The UK’s countryside is the setting for magnificent golf courses, with 550 in Scotland alone. Withdrawn Formula 1 plays a prominent role in Britain, home to McLaren and seven further Formula 1 teams. Come and watch a Grand Prix at Silverstone, or take to the track yourself for a fun day out!
Tennis The Wimbledon Championships, watched the world over, are synonymous with the British summer and attracts fans and anyone looking for a taste of the social “season”. ...to the greatest show on Earth �
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London 2012 In 2012, London became the sporting centre of the world May when it hosted the Olympic and Paralympic Games. A spectacular success, the event looks set to deliver sporting and economic benefits for generations to come. 17 Iconic heritage 77 Britain is a world-leading nation of innovators. From DNA to MRI scans to IVF, the UK has won 77 Nobel Prizes in natural Withdrawn and physical sciences. Blue plaques on houses mark where previous famous inhabitants – from Jimi Hendrix to Johann Sebastian Bach – lived and worked in Britain. In Liverpool, Beatles fans can explore Royal heritage the band’s birthplace In Britain, we know how to celebrate our monarchy. for themselves. Royal weddings and Jubilees are celebrated across the country, with street parties and spectaculars for all. Great lifestyle �
Healthcare Founded in 1948 by Aneurin Bevan, the National Health Service (NHS) is the world’s largest publicly funded health service and offers free medical treatment to all residents of the UK. Commuting With major cities located throughout the UK, executives have the choice of living in or around major population centres, or to live2019 in smaller towns or villages within easy reach of larger settlements. Travel Leading the way in fashion The UK’s extensive airline network also allows residents The UK is at the leading edge of international fashion. Major names Mayto take advantage of European include Ozwald Boateng, Julien Macdonald, Stella McCartney attractions, with nowhere in and Paul Smith. The London Fashion Week, one of the “big four” Europe more than a four-hour international fashion weeks, occurs twice yearly. flight away. East London 17 Education Britain’s deep history is matched Schools: Britain has some of by its modern dynamic. East London the best independent schools has transformed into London’s in the world, an excellent range most fashionable quarter, housing of state-run schools and several Spitalfields Market, Brick Lane, international schools that cater multiple art galleries, Tech City and, for specific nationalities. There of course, the Olympic Park. has been huge investment in educational technology in British schools, and the development of curricula that truly reflect Enjoy the best of British… a Devon cream tea, a country pub lunch, the demands of a fast-changing a pint of ale, Cheddar cheese, Jersey Royal economy. potatoes, Cornish pasties, Melton Mowbray pork pies, Welsh cakes, haggis, Universities: Britain is home whisky, English wine – these are just some to four of the world’s top ten Withdrawnof the many delicacies you can find here. universities: Oxford, Cambridge, UCL and Imperial College London. The country has a total of 115 universities, all set up to offer students the experience of their life. Add this to the fact that the UK has the highest number of leading MBA courses in Europe, it’s no surprise that 10 per cent of the world’s international students come to study here. 10 The UK — a world of advantages
Competitive taxes � The UK as a holding company location Our internationally competitive corporate — The tax changes in the UKover tax system has always been and remains the last few years mean that the an increasingly valuable asset in attracting countryis nowahighlyattractive locationfor a headquarters or overseas EHQ investment. holding company. — It offersan attractive corporationtaxrate, combined withdividendand capital gains Tax reforms � Low tax burden � exemptions. Since 2010wehave undertaken a TheUKhasgeneroustaxallowances — The UK is unusual in nothaving comprehensive reviewof the UK tax suchasthePatentBox(seepage9) an outbounddividend2019 system, consulting with business andthemostextensivenetworkof withholding tax and, under the on thedirection and design of our doubletaxationtreatiesintheworld. country’swidetreaty network, reforms. Any changesare based on Ouroveralltaxburdeniswellbelow withholding taxeson interest aset of clear principles which provide countriessuchasGermany,France, and royalties are often reduced the certainty needed forlong-term theNetherlands,Belgium,Sweden, to zero. financial planning andinvestment DenmarkandItaly,aswellasbelow May— HM Revenue &Customs (HMRC) in the UK.We havemadetax policy theaveragefortheEUasawhole can supporttaxpayersin simpler andmore transparent and (Eurostat,2011).Employerspayless agreeing Advance Pricing therefore better suited to a globalised socialsecuritycontributionsintheUK Agreements (APAs) with other trading world.We are committed thaninmostotherEuropeancountries. fiscal authorities for complex tocreating the most competitive 17 transfer pricing issues, or in taxregime in the G20. TheUK’s agreeing themunilaterally corporationtaxrate will be 20 percent withHMRC. in 2015 – the lowest in the G7 and joint lowest in the G20. — In 2002, the UK introducedan exemptionfrom taxon capital gains realisedon the disposal of a 10 percent orgreater shareholding in a trading company.Theselling company must bea member of the trading group and the shareholdingheld for at least a year. There are also anumberof reorganisation reliefs, which permit groupsto Withdrawn be demerged tax-free. The UK — a world of advantages 11
Entrepreneurial hub EHQ investors in the UK will find a highly skilled labour force, as well as an ever-increasing pool of industry talent, to draw upon.
Educational excellence The UK is home to the top four universities in Europe and four of 2019 the top ten globally (QS 2012) and has a world-class skills base that will remain securefor the future, withthe Britain is home to highestgraduateoutput in Europe four of the world’s (OECD,2012). top ten universities: Witha rich history of innovation and May Cambridge, UCL, a dynamicbusiness environment, Oxford and we value entrepreneurs intheUK – Imperial College and we’re pullingout all the stops to make things work forbusiness. 17 London Globaltalent thrives in the UK, with accelerator schemes anda new graduate entrepreneurs competition to assist high-potential start-upsto set up here. Business incubators are available across the country, offering Corpus Christi Chapel, University of Cambridge work space and business support servicesatmarket rates for those in need ofearly-stageassistance.
Tech City
Tech Cityis fast developing into The multicultural environment one oftheworld’s great technology creates a buzzthatgenerates Withdrawncentres. Basedin EastLondon, new ideas andinnovationwhile Tech Cityis the digital capital of attracting the besttalent. Within Europe, a centre of innovation and closeproximity of four oftheworld’s the chosenhome of over 700tech leading technology universities – anddigital companies. Cambridge, UCL, Oxford and Imperial – andserved by transport Tech Cityliesin aprime location, hubs providing fast access tocentral at the convergence of London’s and outer London, linking the capital investmentcommunityand the to Cambridge, Stansted Airport advertising, music andbroadcast and beyond, Tech City is a leading mediaclusters. technology clusterin which to positiona European base. 12 The UK — a world of advantages
Union JackDress, House ofHannigan
The Jaguar XJ, one of a new generation of vehicles using innovative technologies to minimise environmental impact 2019
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17 Communications � Sector expertise Our telecommunications market The UK has internationally recognised capabilities is valuedat£45bn andour communicationssector employs in a wide range of sectors. approximately250,000people across 8,000 companies. Ofcom provides light-touch regulationbased on Advanced Materials Automotive � competition,transparency andease of transfer betweencompetitors. Wehave a long-established reputation Worth over£10bn annually, our for academic excellence in materials automotive sector is diverse, vibrant Creative and Media science, research and development. andworld class.Home to some of the Ranked fourth in the world, wehost mostproductivevehicle plants in the Wehave one of the largest andmost five of the top 100 institutionsand world,it producesmore thanone diverse creative industrysectors in have universities which attract at million cars andcommercialvehicles theworld, accountingfor 6 per cent least £95m each year of materials andovertwo million enginesayear. of GDP andemploying 2.3 million researchfunding. people. The UK is home to world- WithdrawnBusiness Services renowned businesses in advertising, fashion,TV,film, design, architecture Aerospace Our uniqueEuropean location,leading and the experienceeconomy and pulls Morethan 3,000aerospace financialcapabilities, openbusiness on the well-knowninnovative talents companies operatein the UK, community andhighly skilled and found nationwide. including undisputed globalleaders. educated workforce are pivotal to the Inaddition, the UKaerospace sector prosperity of the business services hasthe largest small-and medium- sector. It is the connectivity of financial sized enterprise (SME)base in Europe, andprofessionalservices (mainly with SMEs accounting for 55 per cent legal, accounting andconsultancy) of civil aerospace sales in 2010. that has propelled the UK business sector into the global arena. The UK — a world of advantages 13
ModernBritish cookingbyAlison Price
Graphene–TheNobel PrizeinPhysics for 2010was awardedtoAndreGeim andKonstantinNovoselov atthe University of Manchester “for groundbreaking experiments regardingthetwo-dimensional material graphene”
2019
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Electronics and IT Hardware � Financial Services17 � Information and Today,world-leadingbusinessesin The UKis a leading global financial Communications Technology processorcoretechnology,mixedsignal services centre and the single most The UK offerscompanies one of the devices,sensorsandlightingoperatein internationally focused financial largest ICT markets in Europewith theUK,benefitingfromitssupportive marketplace in the world. It has an thelargest consumer expenditure businessenvironment,R&D-relatedtax unrivalled concentration ofcapital per head and anoverall spendof andfinancialbenefitsandthehighly andcapabilities, as well asaregulatory £140bnper annum,of which the UK developedcreativeanddesigntalents. systemthatis effective,fairand public sector contributes £18bn. Ninety-fiveuniversitiesintheUKoffer principled. As a resultmore overseas degree-levelcoursesinelectronics, financialinstitutions andinvestors Life Sciences ensuringasteadystreamofskilledstaff choose to do business in, and with, The UK life scienceindustry includes areavailablewithup-to-dateskills. the UK thanany other country. pharmaceutical, medical technology andmedicalbiotechnologycompanies. Energy Food and Drink Itis the third-largest contributor to TheUKistheEU’sleadproducerof Every year the UK foodand drink economicgrowth intheUK, with more energy.Theenergyindustrycontributes industry introducesaround 10,000 than 4,000 companies accounting 4.4 per cent ofWithdrawn national GDP and newproducts. TheUKis particularly for 165,000 UK jobs andgenerating a directlyemployssome171,000people. competitive inadded-value, branded total annual turnover of over £50bn. GiventheUK’slegalcommitments andskill-intensive products. Food todecarbonisingitsenergysector, anddrink manufacturing is thesingle Oil and Gas cleancoal,gas,nuclearandwindwill largest manufacturing sector in the The UK oil andgas market is typified constitutetheprincipalsourcesof UK andis growing at a fasterrate by the presence of large diversified powerinthefuture.Indeed,thecountry than most other sectors. companies with highly vertically isalreadymakinggreatstridesinthis integrated operations throughout area,withinstalledoffshorewind oil exploration,production,refining, energycapacityof2GW–thelargestin transportationand marketing. Europe.OtherkeyUKstrengthsinclude solar,tidal,waveandbiomass. 14 The UK — a world of advantages
Crystal CG � BlackBerry � Success Chinese digital media firm Crystal CG Canadian wireless and mobile openeditsUK-based operation in telecommunications company stories � London in 2007, expanding itin 2009 BlackBerry has an extensivetrack to become the company’s European record of investment successin The UK is the ideal location headquarters. theUK. � for global businesses to “UK Trade & Investment was a constant With its Europe,MiddleEast andAfrica achieve growth and success. support whenwe were looking for an headquarterslocated just outside Business leaders share operational base in the Europe, Middle of London in Slough, BlackBerry East and Africa region. Theirteam currentlyoperatesbusiness units why they think the UK reallyhelped in making the decision fromfive locations across the UK. is number one for to locate inLondon.” The company benefits particularly European headquarters. — Gilles Albaredes,Managing Director, fromthe UK’s strong ICTand creative Crystal CG International environment2019 by working closely with several locallybased world-class Mitsubishi Power Systems applicationsdevelopers. Europe � Inadditiontobeing a keyoperational Advanced energy technology base forBlackBerry, the UK is also one company Mitsubishi PowerSystems of the firm’s mostimportant global Europe (MPSE) is a subsidiaryof May markets, witha very strong client base Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the in both the public and private sectors, world-renowned Japanese and over 8.5 million subscribers to the engineering business. � iconicBlackBerry smartphone and Headquartered in London,17 MPSE PlayBook tablet. provideslow-carbon energy “Fromabusiness perspective, the generation and storage technologies UK is a great placetoinvest in.We that rangefrom advanced thermal particularly valuethe UK’s ‘innovative powersystems (suchasone ofthe ecosystem’ – specifically, the rangeof world’s largest andmost efficientgas dynamicand innovativecompaniesfor turbines)throughtowind turbine us to work with, combinedwith a large generators, batteries andfuelcells. and knowledgeable market that truly “Being in the UKhelps Mitsubishi enjoys newand innovativeproducts.” Power Systems Europe get closer to —Elizabeth Kanter, Director of our UK and European customers.The Government Relations,BlackBerry UK is committed to havingan open andcompetitive economy, and asan inward investor we were and are made to feelwelcomeand valued.There continues tobe examplesthat the WithdrawnUK is keentomaintain and enhance its competitive position asalocation forforeign direct investment(FDI), such as the commitment to reduce corporation tax, taxationon foreign branch offices, and the socalled Patent Box.” — Akio Fukui,Chairman, Mitsubishi Power Systems Europe � The UK — a world of advantages 15
The UK represents a big market opportunity and access to the broader European market made it an easy choice to use the UK as a launchpad for our European business. The UK has the skills, talent and ecosystem to ensure we can execute our aggressive growth plans. Matt Price Vice President and GeneralManager, EMEA, Zendesk 2019
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World-class infrastructure The UK has advanced transport and technology infrastructure – a critical factor for attracting EHQ investment.
National Infrastructure Plan Information and Delivering 4G servicesis a key part of the Government’scommitment For the economy to flourish, people, Communications Technology toprovidingtheUKwith the digital goodsandinformationmustmove We are independentlyranked as the 2019 infrastructure businesses need to freely.Businessesacrossallregions leadingmajorEuropean location succeed and grow. TheGovernment andindustriesneedtherightconditions forICT. is investing£830m to provide the UK togrow.Reliableinfrastructureis — TheUKis the 7th in the worldin the with the best superfast broadband essentialtoachievingthis. Ensuring World Economic Forum Networked network in Europe by 2015,as well as networksare integrated and resilient Readiness Index2013,higher than extendingmobilecoverage.The is vital, and the UK Government’s anyof the major European Mayrolloutwill deliver superfast 4G mobile National Infrastructure Plan contains economies. services to people in cities,towns and majorcommitmentstoimprove the villages across the UK andwill almost UK’s transport and broadband — ICT costsintheUK arehighly double theamount of airwaves networks, as well as steps to attract competitive; companies canselect currentlyavailable tosmartphones majornew private sectorinvestment. 17 from a range of providers and and tabletsthatuse 3G networks. tariffs that suit theirindividual Transport upgrades ICT requirements. Decades ofinvestment in transport — Broadband costs areextremely infrastructure have made the UK both competitiveand among the lowest easy to enter,and straightforward to in the European Union (World travel around. Withover 70 airports, EconomicForum Global Information 40majorports, excellent rail links Technology Report 2013). and toll-freemotorways, getting to, from and aroundthe country is both We have one ofthestrongest accessible and affordable.Thankstoa technology and telecommunications £6.5bn upgrade ofLondon’s transport infrastructures globally, withthe network in timefor its hosting of the EconomistIntelligenceUnit ranking 2012 Olympicand ParalympicGames, the UK one of theworld’s leading and the arrival ofCrossrail – the new digitalenvironments. We are high frequency,convenient and committedtotherapid roll-out of accessible railwayWithdrawn forLondon andthe infrastructuretoprovidethebest South East – in 2018,theUKcapital superfast broadband network in is setbe the best-connectedcity for Europe by 2015. businessintheworld. The UK — a world of advantages 17
Commercial gateway Establishing your EHQ in the UK gives you access to the world. Our GMT time zone facilitates a 24/7 business environment.
Global links Migration to the UK Getting around The UK, home of the English language, More and more skilled people are With an integrated system of airports, is an open and internationally focused coming to the UK each year. In 2012, seaports, railways2019 and roads, economy and a proven gateway to we processed nearly 2.6 million businesses located in the UK can the EU single market of over 500 overseas visa applications globally, select the optimal method of moving million consumers, as well as the with 94 per cent of all non-settlement people and freight between major wider global market. Globally minded, visa applications processed within cities and locations, both within the diverse and multicultural, the UK is three weeks and 99 per cent in UK and internationally. firmly established as an international six weeks. MayThe UK has the largest air transport trading nation, with historic links to We have reformed our entrepreneur system in Europe, accounting for communities all over the world. It is and investor routes and our intra approximately 217 million passengers therefore a perfect springboard for company transfer scheme has been each year (CAA, 2013). exporting your products and services, described by businesses as the as well as an ideal location to base 17 “most user friendly” in the world. We a business that is dependent on are continuously working to improve international links. Small wonder, the service we provide to all our visa then, that we attract more inward customers and this means introducing investment than any other country faster processing for priority in Europe. customers and improved services to Diverse marketplace our visa application processes across the world. The UK is an extremely diverse, tolerant and welcoming country, For those coming to the UK for a home to a stimulating mix of religions, shorter business trip, we offer a ethnicities and languages. number of additional services that provide extra speed and convenience, The UK is the number including a range of in-country specific priority visa services which can one gateway to Europe, process a visa in anything from one giving easy access to Withdrawnto five days. UK visas provide greater the 27 member states flexibility than many others, allowing of the European Union, visit-visa holders the opportunity to the world’s largest enter and leave the UK multiple times. single market 18 The UK — a world of advantages
The UK – the number one gateway to Europe
Edinburgh
Belfast Manchester 2019 Birmingham Amsterdam Berlin Cardiff London Brussels
Paris May Zurich 17
Rome
Madrid
Typical journey times by air from Fastest journey times by rail the UK to European destinations from London to key destinations
London to Approximate journey time London to Duration by rail Amsterdam 1 hour30minutes Birmingham 1 hour 22minutes Berlin 2hours Manchester 2hours7minutes Zurich 2hours Edinburgh 4hours 21minutes Rome Withdrawn3hours Brussels 2hours1minute Madrid 2hours Paris 2hours 16minutes
Manchester to Approximate journey time TheUKhasa privatised rail network linking all Amsterdam 1 hour 30 minutes locations across the countryand, throughthe Berlin 3hours Eurostar connection and the Channel Tunnel, Zurich 2 hours key locations in Europe. Rome 4 hours Madrid 3hours
Source:360Travelguide Source:Eurostar/Qjump,2013 The UK offers a world of opportunities for global businesses looking to establish headquarters in Europe.
UKTI teams in over 30 countries provide expert help to companies wishing to set up their European Headquarters in the UK. Get in touch with your local office to find out how your business can benefit from these outstanding 2019 commercial advantages at www.ukti.gov.uk/invest �
Alternatively, telephone UKTI’s Investment Services Team: from outside the UK +44 (0)20 7333 5442, from inside the UK +44 (0)845 539 0419. � May 17
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Image credits Front cover Visualisation: ITO World, inside front cover Getty/Stocktrek Images, p6 Jason Hawkes, p7 Getty/Stewart Hardy, throw out iStockphoto, Shakespeare’ s Globe/Manuel Harlan, Sportsphoto Ltd, British Fashion Council, VisitBritain, p12 Jaguar Land Rover, p13 Alison Price & Company, iStockphoto, p17 © Getty, inside back cover VisitBritain. 2019
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