Derby tops table for foreign direct investment strategy

Derby has the best strategy for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) of all small cities in the UK, scoring second in the whole of Europe, according to a recent report.

The Financial Times fDi Magazine’s European Cities and Regions of the Future report says that Marketing Derby’s award-winning strategy is heavily influenced by Derby’s global facing economy as home to giant international corporations such as Rolls-Royce, Bombardier and Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK, and the drive to promote the investment opportunities that lie within the “Heart of the City” masterplan, which includes over £1bn of residential, leisure and commercial opportunities.

The rankings, which are run by fDi Magazine, a division of the Financial Times, are one of the industry’s most prominent benchmarks of FDI competitiveness.

An international awards ceremony will take place at property conference MIPIM next month which Derby will be attending as part of the Midlands UK delegation.

John Forkin, managing director of Marketing Derby, said: “Over the past couple of years we have been stepping up our inward investment campaigns working closely with partners such as Derby City Council and Derbyshire County Council engaging with countries such as China and India in addition to building on existing investments from Japan and North America. We are determined to play a key role in contributing to Midlands Engine activities together with the Department for International Trade.”

Martin Rawson, deputy leader of bondholder Derby City Council, and Marketing Derby board member, added: “This recognition is wonderful and showcases Derby as a truly global business city with industry giants, including Rolls-Royce, Bombardier and Toyota, and their extensive supply chains, based here. With a highly skilled workforce, investment in infrastructure and public-private partnerships, which support new businesses and investors into the city, Derby is an attractive proposition for foreign direct investment.”

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