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More Sectors

The UK has a varied and diverse economy and the specific business activities and sectors described on this website highlight areas that are prominent in our investment landscape. This is not the complete story. As Europe’s leading investment location, the UK has something to offer any company looking to develop its international presence.

On this page you can find more information about the UK low carbon and environmental landscape, the retail sector, Leisure and tourism, education and training and the general attractiveness of the UK as a business location

Low carbon and the Environment

In the UK low-carbon and environmental actions are evident in all sectors of the economy either by directly impacting our low carbon plans or playing a part in a core part of the carbon strategy. The goods and services market is worth £112 billion today with a workforce that will rise to 1.2 million by 2015. By 2020 the Renewable Energy Market in the UK is forecast to be worth £1 billion

London 2012 will be the world’s first truly sustainable Olympics and Paralympics, featuring iconic sports venues that have set new standards in sustainable engineering, construction and design.

The UK leads the world in assessing carbon footprints and giving strategic advice on removing carbon from an entire supply chain.

Retail

The UK has a rich and diverse retail environment that includes many iconic international brands such as Harrods, Selfridges, Fortnum & Mason and Harvey Nichols. Well known retail areas offer international footfall with substantial associated spending power. New retail location in town centres, on retail parks and new locations such as the Olympic park in London continue to offer new opportunities for retail businesses. The UKs sophisticated logistics and distribution infrastructure provide world class support and the wider eco system of events such as London Fashion Week, one of the world’s premier fashion events; ensure the UK continues to be a world leading retail location

Leisure and Tourism

The UKs leisure and tourism industries offer a suppressing range of business opportunities. Some of the aspects of the UK that attract attentions are;

• Three of the world top five museums and galleries

• Eight Heritage cities and 14 Roman walled cities.

• Edinburgh City centre is a UNESCO heritage site and home to the Edinburgh Festival.

• Some of the world’s greatest sporting events and venues including Wembley for Football, Wimbledon for Tennis, Twickenham for Rugby, Lord’s for Cricket, Silverstone for Motor Racing, Newmarket for horse racing and St Andrews for Golf .

• A decade of great sport including the Olympics in 2012, the Rugby World Cup in 2015, and the Commonwealth Games in 2017.

Education and Training

The UK is home to 4 of the world’s top 10 universities including the University of Cambridge, recently ranked the number one university in the world. The UK also has the highest number of leading MBA courses in Europe. The UK government has protected our investments in science and research, developing Technology and Innovation Centres to encourage links between our universities and enterprise, helping to turn great research into commercial opportunities.

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.

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.

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.

The Government intends that the Renewables Obligation supports early commercial wave and tidal energy projects. This is why they are proposing to more than double the support to marine energy projects up to 30MW (no cap applied in Scotland waters). This should help companies secure financing for projects and accelerate the growth of the sector.

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 us by email enquiries@ukti-invest.com.