The UK is considered by many to be Europe's leading business centre, while the city of London has long been the European Union's financial centre. Political, economic and social stability in the UK has fostered the skills and productivity of the Private sector to ensure continued growth and low inflation since the global recession of 1990 - 1992.

Economic prosperity is greatly assisted by overseas businesses that make the UK their base in Europe. UK wins some 25 per cent of inward investment in Europe and more than 40 per cent from Japan, the USA and Asian countries. There are good reasons for this. Within the EU, the UK has the least restricted business environment; the least regulated marketplace and workforce, the largest international transport system, best communications; most widely spoken language, lowest top rate of personal taxation, one of the lowest rates of corporation tax; and the most cosmopolitan and culturally diverse capital.

While the UK is an attractive, low-cost centre for European business it is also a knowledge centre offering world-class skills, research and development in cutting-edge technologies: telecoms, e-business, software and semiconductor development, biotechnology, industrial design, life and physical sciences. This is the place for international business/academic partnership, expertise and innovation