Your European Launchpad

The UK is the number one location for companies setting up their first European office and creating a European Headquarters. The reasons are clear; The UK is business friendly, internationally minded and a firmly established as a trading nation.

UKTI can advise you on the best location for your first European location, our professional service is confidential and free of charge. Please contact us through through our online enquiry form here.

International mindset

The UK has long term historical links with all corners of the globe extending to strong cultural bonds that are deeply rooted in UK culture. As a result the UK is an ideal location to set up and build a business that’s dependent on international links. Whether you need a network of connections, language skills or a familiar community for staff on expat assignments – the UK will can provide the solution.

Easy to set up, easy to operate, competitive cost base

You can register your company in just 24 hours in the UK. All high street banks can offer business banking services with online comparison tools available to compare costs. Financial transitions and government services are easy to manage on-line.

Come to a trading nation

The UK has a long history as a trading nation and today embraces the modern international trading principles of fair and open trade on a level and equal basis. As a result overseas business investing in the UK can register their company, set up banking facilities and start trading very quickly and receive the same support from the UK government as any native business.

Springboard from the UK

The UK is the number one gateway to Europe, giving easy access to the 27 member states of the European Union, the world’s largest single market. It offers world-class transport links - with Heathrow's new Terminal 5, and more expansion planned for international airports, sea containers and the rail network.

The overall quality and reliability of the ICT infrastructure is a critical factor for businesses across all sectors. The UK has one of the strongest ICT infrastructures in the world. Privatization of major ICT service providers has led to greater competition and lower prices with the result that ICT costs in the UK are highly competitive and companies able to select from a range of providers and tariffs to suit their specific requirements.

Financially beneficial

Your business will benefit from our highly competitive environment boasting one of the lowest main corporate tax rates in the EU, generous tax allowances and the most extensive network of double taxation treaties in the world.

The UK has a lightly taxed economy with the overall tax burden well below countries such as Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark and Italy as well as below the average for the European Union as a whole.

The current corporation tax rate of 24 per cent is being reduced to 21 per cent by 2014 and then to 20% by 2015.

Businesses based in the UK have access to the one of the biggest financial services sectors in Europe. Options range from simple, low cost and accessible business banking services in every town through to specialist corporate funding products or full listing on the London Stock Exchange. In addition businesses can access a wide range of grants, incentives and tax allowances, providing financial support and assistance for R&D, investment in business and Networking.

Organization with larger capital needs will benefit from closely locating with the City of London - one of the world’s leading financial centers and Europe’s largest venture capital market.

Open and supportive legal systems

The UK ‘s legal system is one of the world’s most supportive for businesses,. A recent assessment of 183 countries by the World Bank ranked the UK fourth for ‘ease of doing business’ – with key factors including a regulatory environment conducive to starting a businesses, the ability to enforce contracts, general legal protection for business and a pragmatic and transparent approach to upholding intellectual property rights.

Visas for entrepreneurs and investors - fast and flexible

The UK Government's new rules fast track settlement for high-value investors and entrepreneurs who come to the country and invest large sums of money. Major investors will also enjoy more residency flexibility before they lose their right to settlement. More information is available on the UK Border Agencies web site.

Our investment location services are independent, highly professional and free of charge. For specific help setting up in the UK or for help mapping your business ambitions to the UK please contact the UKTI Investment Services Team through our online enquiry form here.