The latest DBT Inward Investment Results Report reveals that 19 Israeli companies either established or expanded operations in the UK in 2024–2025, elevating Israel from 10th to 8th place.
Israel has climbed into the top eight European countries for foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in the United Kingdom on a per capita basis, according to a new report from the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT).
The latest DBT Inward Investment Results Report reveals that 19 Israeli companies either established or expanded operations in the UK in 2024–2025, elevating Israel from 10th to 8th place in the per capita European rankings. These projects are expected to generate 866 new jobs over the next three years across sectors including urban tech, healthcare, automotive, and fintech.
“Israel’s advancement to eighth place among European countries for business presence in the UK is a clear reflection of the important economic ties between our nations,” said Simon Walters, British Ambassador to Israel. “This progress highlights the strength of our partnership and the UK’s enduring commitment to fostering innovation and growth.”
On a total project basis, Israel ranks 11th among all European countries, regardless of population size. The top per capita investors remain Ireland, Sweden, and Denmark, followed by Switzerland, the Netherlands, Norway, Finland, Israel, Austria, and Belgium.
The rise comes as the UK implements a modernized Industrial Strategy — a ten-year roadmap to strengthen investment, infrastructure, and innovation across eight key sectors: clean energy, advanced manufacturing, defense, creative industries, financial services, business and professional services, digital and technology, and life sciences. These industries align closely with areas where Israeli innovation is globally recognized.
“In a year of regional uncertainty, Israeli companies continue to choose the UK as their European base,” said Liron Attias, Deputy Director for Israel and Head of Foreign Direct Investment at the DBT. “The UK’s forward-looking industrial strategy aligns perfectly with Israel’s strengths, driving long-term economic growth.”
Among the Israeli companies investing in the UK is Lightico, a digital transformation firm that supports major British enterprises such as HSBC, Santander, BT, Three, and VMO2.
“We chose the UK as our European base because it combines a world-leading financial services market with strong regulation and a genuine appetite for innovation,” said Richard Grey, Chief Revenue Officer at Lightico. He added that UK-based investors and government-backed programs such as Grow London and support from the Welsh government played a vital role in accelerating their expansion.
Israeli businesses are expected to benefit further from the UK’s evolving economic landscape, which offers regulatory clarity, access to capital, and deep sectoral expertise.