London is the world’s leading city for foreign direct investment, according to a new global study of international investment. In 2014, London brought in more foreign investment and created more jobs than any other city in the world according to IBM’s annual Global Location Trends report[i].
For the seventh year in a row, London topped the IBM rankings attracting 235 foreign investment projects from companies relocating and expanding overseas. Paris was the next most attractive city for investment attracting 144 FDI projects. London outperformed major global cities across all continents with significantly more investment projects compared with other destinations such as New York (31), Singapore (79) and Dublin (51).
The report also reveals that foreign investment into London generated 11,300 jobs for the city in 2014, more than the number of jobs for Paris, Amsterdam and Barcelona combined.
On a national level, the report found that the UK is the leading country in Europe for the number of jobs created from foreign direct investment (FDI) projects. FDI has provided a boost for the national economy with 49,500 jobs – almost double the amount of the next highest ranking country, Germany (23,100).
London & Partners, the Mayor of London’s inward investment company, helped 270 international companies establish their businesses in London in the financial year 2014/15, with the USA, India and China accounting for almost half of all investment. The capital’s thriving tech sector saw the most number of investments, representing 40 per cent of all companies investing the capital.
These figures support the findings of research launched at this year’s London Technology Week, demonstrating London’s attractiveness as a tech hub. According to professional services firm EY more than 1,000 international tech investment projects were located in London between 2005–2014, significantly more than the next most attractive city, Paris (381).
Mayor of London, Boris Johnson MP said: “For centuries London has been one of the world’s most successful international trading cities and it is terrific that we continue to attract record levels of business from overseas. London’s position at the centre of the world makes it an ideal destination for investors and international companies looking to do business with markets across the globe. Foreign investment is a key driver of jobs and growth for the London economy.”
David Slater, Director of International Trade and Investment at London & Partners said: With unrivalled access to international markets, creative talent and capital, London offers the world’s most competitive business environment for international companies looking to grow and expand. From technology to life sciences, London’s high concentration of global decision makers and experts makes it an ideal destination for businesses looking to establish an international headquarters. This fact is supported by IBM’s report which reveals that over last year we have seen more companies expand and relocate in London than New York, Singapore and Dublin combined. In 2015/2016, we expect to help even more international companies move and grow their businesses in London.
OpenTable, the world’s leading provider of online restaurant reservations, is an example of a fast growing US business that has a London base. OpenTable works with approximately 4,500 restaurants in the UK and has seated more than 58 million diners since entering the market in 2004 (acquiring the toptable brand in 2010).
Michael Xenakis, Managing Director EMEA, OpenTable said: “London sits firmly at the forefront of the global restaurant scene, making it an obvious choice for OpenTable’s European base. It offers excellent travel links to the US and Europe, and enables us to tap into an abundance of talent in relevant sectors for our business, from engineering to marketing and everything in between.”
David Stokes, Chief Executive, IBM UK and Ireland said “Our report proves that foreign owned businesses continue to see London as an attractive place to invest and a key place to do business. This illustrates London’s position as a strong competitor in the global marketplace and the momentum the city possesses in recruiting new foreign investment.”
Total global foreign investment increased by 6% in 2014 while the associated jobs created also saw a 6% increase in the same period. The report outlines the latest trends in corporate location selection, showing where companies are locating and expanding their businesses and creating jobs around the world.
Key Findings:
Total investment projects: Top destination cities by no of jobs created:
London (235) London (11,300)
Paris (144) Amsterdam (4,400)
Singapore (79) Budapest (3,800)
Amsterdam (79) Dublin (3,700)
Shanghai (77) Istanbul (3,700)
Chicago (74) Paris (3,500)
Dubai (67) Koln (3,400)
Bangkok (61) Prague (2,900)
Barcelona (58) Belfast (2,900)
Istanbul (57) Barcelona (2,700)
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors
