Wales is part of the U.K. – the number one destination in Europe for U.S. foreign direct investment and the best major location for ease of doing business, according to the World Bank. Just two hours from London, Wales is home to more than 700 multinational companies, more than a third of which are North American.
WHY INVEST IN WALES?
With a population of just over three million and a geographical area that would make it the fourth smallest U.S. state, Wales is a small but mighty nation. Wales offers all the benefits and incentives you would expect when setting up a business in the U.K. – and much more.
• Space – Accessible business locations and competitively priced property
• Support – Unbeatable levels of funding in the U.K. and ongoing support
• Skills – Skilled labor force, talented students and professionals, academics with commercial focus
• Sectors – Nine major global business sectors promoting growth
• Speed – A devolved nation and a joined-up country with quick decision making
• Self – A great place to live
• Success – Wales is home to thriving global, international, and national companies
A DIVERSE AND THRIVING $72BN ECONOMY
Wales’ diverse and thriving range of business sectors include:
• Advanced Materials and Manufacturing
• Creative Industries
• Energy and Environment
• Food and Drink
• Information and Communications Technology
• Life Sciences
• Financial and Professional Services
• Construction
• Tourism
Wales is proud to be a base for major global players, including General Dynamics, Conduit, Ford, GE, Ispen, Ortho Clinical Diagnostics/Johnson & Johnson, Invacare, 3M, Kellogg’s, IBM, and many more.
WALES IS LINKED UP AND LINKED IN
An excellent location for entering or expanding in both the U.K. and E.U. markets, Wales benefits from superb air, road, rail, and sea links. It also offers superfast broadband so you will always be well-connected.
WALES IS A PLACE FOR WORK AND PLAY
Wales is not just a great place for business. After visiting Wales for the 2014 NATO Summit, President Barack Obama commented: “You have a beautiful country with wonderful people and great hospitality. I’d encourage everybody from the States to come and visit Wales.”
Aside from its city centers and out of town business hubs, Wales has a unique geography which has created some of the most incredible landscapes in the world. You will discover mountains, award-winning coast lines, ancient woodlands, lakes, and rivers. An impressive 20% of Wales is under National Park protection. You will also enjoy world-class sport, music, shopping, and entertainment.
INVESTING IN WALES – 5 KEY FACTS:
1 Wales offers the highest level of financial support and grants in the U.K., with quick decisions and approvals
2 Funding packages will provide up to 50% business set up costs and help with project costs, training and R&D, as well as international trade and development support
3 Advanced Materials and Manufacturing productivity in Wales is over 25% higher than the U.K. average [1]
4 Office space in Cardiff, the Welsh capital city, costs up to 40% less than London and yet is just two hours away
5 More than 250 North American companies already have bases in Wales
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT INVESTING IN WALES
If you are ready to expand, Wales is ready to support you. Your dedicated business development professional will be there for you throughout your journey. They will quickly learn your business’ needs, help you evaluate your options, connect you with decision makers and determine your funding and support options.
This support will continue in the months that follow your move. From helping you develop your workforce to helping you make new business connections.
1. Priority Sector Statistics 2014; Welsh Government
Thriving in Wales case study
GE Aviation
GE Aviation Wales specializes in the overhaul, repair and maintenance of a range of jet engines. Serving more than 90 customers worldwide, its successful Welsh operation involves more than 1.2 million sq ft of workshop space, two state-of-the-art engine test facilities and a highly skilled workforce of more than 1,200 people.
GE Aviation’s facility in south Wales was acquired in 1991 and with support from the Welsh Government it has continued its inward investment and funding. The availability of highly skilled graduates, training support and low overheads have been key to attaining and maintaining GE Aviation’s market leadership and customers.
Managing Director, Mike Patton, says: “As well as the availability of skilled and experienced aircraft engineers, the strength of the mechanical and aerospace engineering departments at the universities across Wales is very important to us.”
Thriving in Wales case study
Tonto Films and Television
Tonto Films and Television is the creator of the Welsh-produced drama series Da Vinci’s Demons with Starz, Adjacent and BBC Worldwide. First premiered in the U.S., the series has been distributed to more than 120 countries. Wales was chosen because of its locations, facilities and skills.
Da Vinci’s Demons was filmed in a former 265,000 sq ft factory in Swansea – a location which is bigger than any studio in Europe. “It gives us the versatility of building so many sets – and bigger sets than we would normally have,” says Gareth Skelding, Location Manager.
Executive Producer, Julie Gardner, adds: “Swansea Bay has… given us so much space to work with that we have based everything at one site – a tremendous advantage for a production of this size.”
Further Information
Find out what Wales can do for your business
Search: JustAsk.Wales.com
Call: +1 212-745-0407
Email: walesusa@wales-uk.com
Twitter: @investwales
