Our global offer to business

Innovative ecosystem

Innovative ecosystem combines the fast-moving and high-growth areas of tech and sustainable finance.

The UK is home to the largest tech ecosystem in Europe and the second globally behind the US. The UK’s eagerness to adopt new tech and its strong pipeline of tech-related graduates from some of the world’s top universities are positives for companies based here.

The UK is the world’s leading centre for sustainable finance. Our expertise in financing and insuring green, sustainable and social impact projects is in high demand around the world. Business leaders and the UK government have committed to achieving net zero emissions.

Reach of financial activity

The UK is the world’s leading net exporter of financial services. Net FS Exports grew 12% in 2024 to £127bn.

The UK is the largest GFC for both the amount outstanding and gross issuance of international debt securities. In 2024, the UK’s outstanding international debt securities were more than $1tn higher than the US, and gross issuance increased by 22% to $1.4tn.

Despite the UK being Europe’s leading GFC for private investment, the USA is far ahead. PE & VC invested £57bn in UK companies in 2024, whereas the US saw £271bn in private investment.

Regulatory environment

The UK is one of the most open economies for financial services firms in the world. And one of the least complex markets to do business in.

English law is used in 40% of global business and financial transactions. The UK is the second largest legal market in the world.

Although the UK has the highest number of tax treaties amongst GFCs, the tax regime is one of the most complicated in the world. Corporate and personal tax rates are higher than other GFCs, and personal taxes are levied at lower earnings levels.

Access to talent and skills

London has the most internationally diverse population amongst GFCs with 49% of workers born overseas.

The UK has the narrowest gender gap amongst GFCs and is ranked fourth globally for gender equality.

London has the most comprehensive cultural offering in the world. London leads in the number of theatres, restaurants, hotels, museums, and heritage sites.

However, the UK needs to improve in employee training and boost digital skills.

Resilient business infrastructure

Competition for high quality office space has driven office vacancy rates down across London. Office vacancy rates across Central London are just 8%, the lowest in five years. Grade A office space is in high demand with a 1% vacancy rate in the City and 0.6% in the West End. This has pushed rents up to a five year high.

The UK is a major data centre hub in Europe and ranks third in the world for number of data centres. This supports growth in AI and the digital economy.