Foreign Investment In UK Reaches Record Level

Investment by foreign companies into the UK rose to record levels in the last financial year, Government figures show.

The number of inward investment projects secured in 2015/16 rose by 11% to 2,213.

Liam Fox, the new International Trade Secretary, said it cemented Britain's position as the "number one destination in Europe for investment".

The figures cover a period before June's vote to leave the European Union.

Building new trade relationships is seen as a key part of Britain's future outside the bloc.

Inward investment for 2015/16 meant 116,000 jobs being created or safeguarded, the report said.

The US was the biggest source of investment, followed by China and India.

Adam Marshall, acting director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said keeping Britain attractive to investors was important for future success.

He said: "As Britain approaches a time of economic change, we must continue to welcome investors that are willing to make a sustained, long-term commitment all across the country."