Welcome to the report
Welcome to the report
In 2025, the global trading order faces unprecedented challenges. Rising protectionism, growing geopolitical tensions, and uncertainty around future US trade policy have created a more fractured and complex environment for foreign direct investment (FDI).
Against this backdrop, the UK stands at a unique crossroads: no longer bound by EU rules, yet still deeply integrated with the European economy and maintaining strong ties to the US, India, and other global markets. This autonomy gives the UK significant flexibility in shaping its trade policy and defining its role within global supply chains.
Despite the headwinds and challenges being experienced globally, the UK continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and enduring strengths. Notably, 46 out of 48 cities have improved their scores compared to 2024's UK Attractiveness Index, with London maintaining its lead and cities such as Edinburgh, Oxford, and Birmingham showing impressive momentum and adaptability.
Recent trade agreements have further reinforced the UK’s position as a preferred destination for international investment. The Economic Prosperity Deal with the United States, the landmark trade agreement with India, and the UK-Germany Treaty – the first bilateral treaty between the two nations since the 1800s – have all helped to secure the UK’s attractiveness for inward investment, particularly by reducing tariffs and deepening supply chain integration. These developments, alongside the Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy and the creation of Industrial Strategy Zones, are laying the foundations for future growth and regional rebalancing.
Our latest Investment Attractiveness Index report, produced in partnership with Cebr, offers a timely and in-depth perspective on the UK’s inward investment landscape during this moment of profound global change.
Throughout the report, the UK’s enduring competitive advantages shine through – a highly skilled workforce, world-class education, universities and research institutions, and thriving knowledge-intensive clusters. By continuing to deepen workforce skills, strengthen research collaboration, and expand training pipelines, the UK is well positioned to attract cutting-edge investment and create high-quality jobs across the country. With a continued focus on delivery, policy stability, and effective local governance, coupled with the deep corporate funding liquidity of the City of London, I am confident that the UK will remain at the forefront of global investment destinations for years to come.
I’d like to thank the various contributors to the report for sharing their insight and expertise. Covering Scotland, Fraser Gillies, Managing Partner of Wright, Johnson & Mackenzie (part of the Irwin Mitchell group), delves into the reasons behind a sharp jump up the rankings for the Scottish capital when it comes to investment readiness.
I hope you find this report both insightful and thought-provoking as you consider the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
Bryan Bletso
Head of International +44 (0)7770 795 703 bryan.bletso@irwinmitchell.com
Global reach, national coverage, local knowledge and industry expertise
At Irwin Mitchell, we see first-hand the opportunities and potential that exist for international investors in the UK.
Fully supportive and aligned with the UK government’s FDI strategy through our close relationship with the Department for Business and Trade, we have the legal expertise, cultural understanding and global connections to help businesses invest, grow and succeed in the UK.
Operating from 24 locations across the UK, and supported by an international network that allows us to work with organisations in over 100 countries, we’re one of the UK’s largest full-service law firms. Our sector expertise – aligned with the UK government’s priority areas discussed in this report – and feet-on-the-ground understanding of the UK’s cities through our offices means that we’re perfectly positioned to advise on any investment into the UK. We have established international desk heads covering all of the UK’s key trading relationships. These international leads are jurisdictional experts, who understand the culture and legislation of the country your business operates in, and will use this to ensure a seamless transaction with the UK.
Our international desks include:
- US and North America
- France
- Germany
- Spain and Latin America
- Central and Eastern Europe
- Israel
- Middle East
- India
- Asia Pacific and Greater China
- International Private Client
- International Family.
Our global network, thoughtfully built over several decades, includes law firms, accountants, corporate financiers, banks, insurers, wealth managers, fiduciaries, trust corporations, chambers of commerce, governing bodies, embassies, trade ministers and expert counsel. When you work with us, you get access to that whole network too. Whatever advice you need or challenge you have, we’re here to help regardless of where you are in the world.
We believe in building strong client partnerships. We provide pragmatic advice on a commercial basis. Whether you’re looking to grow, finance or sell your business, or need advice on succession planning, protecting wealth, providing for future generations, or even divorce, we’re here to help.
You’ll find us consistently ranked as one of the UK’s top firms by independent legal directories and we win numerous awards for the quality of our work.
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About Irwin Mitchell
Global reach, national coverage, local knowledge and industry expertise
What we do
We have a trusted brand built on more than 100 years of exceptional client service delivery, supported by our outstanding colleagues and inclusive culture.
With 24 UK offices and international reach through a global network of 85 law firms, we are able to serve our clients wherever they are.