{"id":5471,"date":"2026-09-28T01:35:43","date_gmt":"2026-09-28T01:35:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vaultinsider.top\/?p=5471"},"modified":"2026-09-28T01:35:43","modified_gmt":"2026-09-28T01:35:43","slug":"edinburgh-beats-manchester-in-fdi-rankings-daily-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vaultinsider.top\/?p=5471","title":{"rendered":"Edinburgh beats Manchester in FDI rankings \u2013 Daily Business"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Edinburgh: long-term confidence (pic: DB Media Services)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Edinburgh has beaten Manchester as the UK\u2019s second most attractive location for foreign direct investment (FDI), according to new research.<\/p>\n

The ranking of 48 UK locations uses measures linked to their appeal to overseas investors.<\/p>\n

Edinburgh retained second place in the latest rankings, behind only London and ahead of Greater Manchester, Birmingham and Oxford. It was also the only location in the top five to improve its overall score<\/p>\n

The findings emerge in the latest Investment Confidence Index<\/em>, produced by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) for Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie and Irwin Mitchell, <\/p>\n

The report found Edinburgh performed strongly across growth potential, local skills and infrastructure, supported by its highly qualified workforce, strong international connectivity and position as one of the UK\u2019s leading financial centres.<\/p>\n

Scotland recorded 94 FDI projects during 2025\/26, while Edinburgh retained its position as the UK\u2019s second most attractive location for investment and was the only city in the top five to improve its overall score.<\/p>\n

Across the UK, Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade figures show that 1,020 FDI projects landed in 2025\/26, down 25.8% from the previous year. During this period, Scotland recorded 94 foreign direct investment projects during 2025\/26.<\/p>\n

Despite this, the report says Edinburgh continues to benefit from its strengths in financial services, innovation, talent and infrastructure, helping maintain its position as one of the country\u2019s leading destinations for international capital. The city profits from a globally recognised university sector, life sciences and data-driven innovation.<\/p>\n

Major developments including the Edinburgh BioQuarter, the continued expansion of the city\u2019s tram network and investment in commercial, residential and visitor infrastructure are also helping strengthen Edinburgh\u2019s long-term investment proposition.<\/p>\n

Fraser Gillies, managing partner at Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie, said: \u201cEdinburgh continues to stand out as one of the UK\u2019s most attractive destinations for international investment because it offers many of the qualities investors value most highly<\/p>\n

\u201cThe city benefits from a stable legal and regulatory environment, a highly skilled workforce and a strong culture of innovation, supported by world-class universities and research institutions.<\/p>\n

\u201cIts strengths in financial services, technology, life sciences and professional services provide a diverse platform for growth, while ongoing investment in infrastructure and regeneration is helping create new opportunities across the economy.<\/p>\n

\u201cEdinburgh also offers something increasingly important to international businesses and investors: long-term confidence. Investors want locations where they can access talent, build partnerships and plan for sustainable growth over many years.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat combination of stability, innovation and quality of life continues to make Edinburgh one of the UK\u2019s leading destinations for overseas investment.\u201d<\/p>\n

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