Posted: 6 Jul 2022 Resource Type: Research Report Download Back Exports from UK professional services amounted to £39.1bn in 2020 and generated £25.5bn of trade surplus. This marked an increase of £3bn from 2019 – up from £22.5bn – despite the backdrop of a challenging year. Professional services continues to be a key contributor to the UK economy, exporting over 3 times the worth of professional services than it imported, and accounting for nearly one-fifth of the entire UK services trade surplus. Combined with financial services, UK financial and professional services generated a joint surplus of £89.2bn in 2020 – just over two-thirds of the entire UK services surplus. At the end of 2020, foreign direct investment (FDI) stock held in UK professional services was valued at £65.1bn – a 49% increase since 2017. Through sharing and developing our professional services expertise, the UK can continue to build and strengthen trade and investment links across the world. £25.5bn trade surplus in 2020 The UK’s success as an international financial and professional services centre depends on remaining open to trade and investment from around the world. Share: Share to LinkedIn LinkedIn Share to X Share to Facebook Facebook Share to WeChat WeChat Share to WhatsApp WhatsApp Share to Email Email Download Related content Research Report The City of London Corporation’s US Office Apr 2026 - The City of London Corporation’s US Office works to strengthen engagement between the UK and the United States across financial and professional services. The City of London Corporation’s US Office Research Report Seizing the UK’s carbon credit opportunity Apr 2026 - High‑integrity carbon credit markets are critical to closing the global net zero financing gap while supporting environmental and social outcomes. Seizing the UK’s carbon credit opportunity Research Report The City of London Corporation's work in support of financial and professional services: annual review 2025/2026 Apr 2026 - Explore the progress we’ve made in championing the UK’s financial and professional services industry in 2025/2026. The City of London Corporation's work in support of financial and professional services: annual review 2025/2026 Research Report Transition Finance Council: Year-end progress report Mar 2026 - This report offers a snapshot of the Council’s first year: progress made, lessons learned, and the path ahead. Transition Finance Council: Year-end progress report