Companies from across Europe and South East Asia bring their own exceptional energy and incredible business stories that never fail to inspire me – from innovative German engineering firms to dynamic Singapore-based tech companies, and established Dutch enterprises or rapidly growing Malaysian businesses.
What also delights me is watching these brilliant international teams discover what the UK has to offer beyond the business opportunities. Yes, the UK might be known for its unpredictable weather, but when we get days of with endless blue skies stretching over rolling countryside, I see how special nature is. You can be in the heart of Manchester’s business district one minute and find yourself on paths like this within twenty minutes, surrounded by nothing but wildflowers and open moorland.
The abundance of opportunities is extraordinary. Scotland’s renewable energy and life sciences sectors lead globally, while Wales combines advanced manufacturing with emerging fintech clusters. The North has its maritime heritage and offshore expertise, the Southwest blends aerospace innovation with agricultural technology, and everywhere you look there are hidden gems of specialised industry knowledge.
These aren’t the primary reasons international investors choose the UK of course. They come for market access but there’s something wonderful about hearing European and Asian executives tell me how much they enjoyed the Yorkshire Dales, or discovering just how green and peaceful the UK countryside can be.
The business case is compelling, but moments like these? They’re what make the work truly rewarding.