UK's Investment Symphony: London and Northern Ireland Take Centre Stage

Unveiling the Inward Investment Regional Competitiveness Index, the spotlight gracefully falls upon London and Northern Ireland as the undisputed maestros in attracting foreign investments to various corners of the UK. Particularly noteworthy is Northern Ireland, flaunting an uncanny knack for pulling in foreign investment.

Source: GlobalData based on GlobalData's FDI Projects Database and UK Office for National Statistics

London asserts its dominance as the unrivalled champion among UK regions for investment allure, boasting a dazzling score of 1.69. In hot pursuit is Northern Ireland, securing a commendable 1.64.

The essence of London's score lies in its ability to attract investments at a rate 1.69 times higher than its anticipated share of national greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) projects, considering its economic stature.

Delving into the treasure trove of data from GlobalData's FDI Projects Database and the UK Office for National Statistics, London, contributing a robust 23.3% to the UK's GDP seizes a substantial 39.4% of the country's inward greenfield FDI.

The global business hub proudly hosted 411 international company expansions in 2022, carving out its place as the third-largest FDI recipient worldwide, with only Dubai and Singapore casting shadows.

Adding a touch of innovation to the investment landscape, the collaboration between Kadans Science Partner and Canary Wharf Group unfurls plans for an avant-garde $552 million GIA life science-focused building at Canary Wharf.

Scores alteration over time

While the dance of the national GDP proportions remains harmonious across UK regions from 2019 to 2022, the real spectacle lies in the dynamic choreography of inward investment projects. 

Source: GlobalData based on GlobalData's FDI Projects Database and UK Office for National Statistics

Notably, the duet of Greater London and Northern Ireland consistently maintains an inward investment regional competitiveness index score above one over the past four years, with Scotland joining the crescendo in three of the past four years.