UK plc has become a popular destination for overseas investment, a mixture of overseas companies already based in the UK choosing to expand and reinvest here and overseas nationals choosing the UK in preference to other nations, such as those in the European Union, as a safer haven for their money.
The UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) reported that in 2012 overseas direct investment in the UK rose by 22%. This contrasted sharply with a drop of 18% for the world, 42% for Europe and 85% in Germany.
“The UK is not part of the Eurozone; the situation appears a bit better there as it is seen as a bit of a safe haven.” Said an UNCTAD economist, Hafiz Mirza.
Not only reinvested money but also “greenfield” money from developing countries.
Also overseas buyers pumped £3bn into the London property market in 2012, this was up 25% from 2011.
The UK is a popular place to invest, seen as a safer haven, overseas investors like the mixture of modern and traditional values and outlook in the UK.
So if this has tempted you to make your move in to the UK market where do you go from here? For advice and information, UK Trade and Investment (www.UKTI.gov.uk) is a good starting point for information and guidance, a government department to assist investors from overseas.
A number of legal companies offer assistance specifically geared towards the overseas investor www.lawsociety.org.uk/find-a-solicitor. To ensure that your financial adviser is appropriately authorised and regulated www.fca.org.uk lists all regulated financial advisers.
Taking suitable advice is always appropriate in any market whether at home or overseas. Now it’s time to explore the exciting opportunities that the UK has to offer.
Darrin Woodfield has over 25 years’ experience in financial services. Coming from a banking background he spent 15 years as a mortgage adviser before moving to financial planning.
Tel: 07501 080112
Website: www.darrinwoodfield.co.uk
