International funding boost for UK with new inward investment council

The government has today (April 27) announced the creation of a new council to support inward investment into the UK.

Minister for Investment Gerry Grimstone has announced the creation of an Investment Council to act as an advisory body to the government on foreign investment.

Made up of private sector senior leaders from around the globe in a range of industries – from technology and energy to infrastructure and financial services, the council will work with the government to identify foreign investment opportunities.

Minister for Investment, Gerry Grimstone, explained: “Investment sits at the heart of our economic recovery. It drives jobs, innovation, and helps to level up the whole of the UK. 

“The Investment Council will deliver the expertise of influential global investors right to the heart of government, offering invaluable private sector insight on how we can make the UK the best place to invest as we build back better, and stronger, from  Covid-19. 

“The Council will help to ensure that the UK remains one of the most attractive investment destinations in the world and that foreign investment continues to support jobs across the country, with FDI alone creating a total of 56,117 jobs in the last financial year. Outputs from the first meeting will be shared across government to inform strategy.”

International Trade Secretary Liz Truss added: “Alongside the Office for Investment, this Investment Council led by Minister Grimston  is a major leap towards ensuring foreign investors are heard and fostering a business environment that is fair and drives innovation and economic growth across the UK. 

“Together with our recently established Trade and Investment Hubs, the Investment Council and the Office for Investment signal to our global partners that the UK is ready and open for business as an independent trading nation.”