CBI calls for action to get investment into the UK

With public and consumer spending constrained, business investment will play a critical role in driving any recovery. But foreign investment in the UK fell during the global recession, from $186.4bn (£114.5bn) in 2007 to $45.7bn (£28.07bn) in 2009, and the UK’s reputation as a good place to invest is said to be under threat.

In a new report called Making the UK the best place to invest, the CBI identifies the main drivers and blockers for investment, based on research from 400 companies, including interviews with senior business leaders.

The report suggests that much more needs to be done to improve the investment landscape to retain companies based here and attract fresh inward investment.

It follows a CBI and Deloitte survey of 121 senior business leaders last October, which found that between eight and 12 per cent of companies have not yet decided where their primary location will be in five years.

Commenting on the UK’s attractiveness as an investment location, business leaders highlighted a range of issues, including the tax regime, regulation, planning and infrastructure.