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: UPDATE brings you a selection of stories on UK-based companies that are trading internationally, as well as the latest initiatives and events from UK Trade & Investment

INWARD INVESTMENT NETS GROWTH

A record number of countries invested in the UK in 2009/10, according to the latest UK Trade & Investment figures, with inward investment generating 94,000 jobs, a 20 per cent rise on the previous year. Prime Minister David Cameron announced the results to more than 100 of the UK’s leading investors, including representatives of Hutchison Whampoa, Tata Group and Pfizer, at the UK Trade & Investment Business Summit in London.

The UK received investments from 54 countries, up from the previous year, with the US remaining the number-one source of investment with a 14 per cent increase in the number of jobs generated (more than 31,500).

Japan has regained its position as the top investor from Asia, with project figures up by 32 per cent to 107, while India is the UK’s fourth-largest investor, with inward investment generating 5,889 jobs over the past year.

China has moved up the ranking also to become the UK’s sixth-largest investor. There were a record 74 projects from China, up 25 per cent, accompanied by a 76 per cent increase in the number of jobs generated.

Emerging economies were strongly represented, with increased investment from Turkey, Taiwan and Mexico. In terms of sectors, life sciences, ICT, financial services and creative industries all fared well. The UK recorded a 23 per cent growth in life science projects, resulting in an 80 per cent increase in associated jobs, while in ICT the number of associated jobs went up by 118 per cent from 4,935 to 10,779. There were also positive signs in the environmental and renewables sector, with the UK attracting 79 projects, up 41 per cent.

The UK’s total stock of FDI is now US$1 trillion, on a par with France and only exceeded by the US, accounting for 40 per cent of total UK economic output. The Prime Minister said: “We are determined to deliver the probusiness environment investors need; getting the deficit down to create certainty and stability, cutting business taxes, delivering flexible employment and cutting red tape and regulation.” Business Secretary Dr Vince Cable added that inward investment is “crucial to the success of the UK’s economy.”

Rendezvous, Paris

UK companies can now hire the British Embassy in Paris to launch or promote themselves within the French capital. For details, contact Ruth Charles on +33 (0)1 44 51 32 85 or email paris.events@fco.gov.uk Read more about export opportunities in France on page 24.