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SITE SELECTION
EUROPE'S 1998
FACILITIES RACE
• EUROPEAN
CHAMPION:
THE UNITED
KINGDOM
As 1998 wore on, many industry observers wondered if Britain's decision not to participate in European monetary union would dampen investors' enthusiasm. "But overall, it looks like the United Kingdom has not been significantly affected," Bright reports. "Last year's results are a big vote of confidence. The attributes of the United Kingdom have, particularly for first-time investors, offset any exchange risk of being outside the euro."
Readers are encouraged to see the May 1999 Site Selection for a recent report on the United Kingdom. For more information, visit Invest in Britain Bureau's Website at www.dti.gov.uk/ibb/.
In reviewing facilities moves across Europe last year, one thing's crystal clear: The United Kingdom is the No. 1 choice for expanding firms. In fact, as shown in the accompanying charts, the United Kingdom came out on top in each of the country rankings presented in this feature save one (call centers).
"The UK historically has dominated the site selection market in Europe, with something like a quarter of all the investment coming into the EU coming to Britain," says Andrew Fraser, Chief Executive, Invest in Britain Bureau. "The latest numbers suggest that our market share has been increasing."
Above right: Scotland is a growing high-tech center. Pictured is Glasgow University.
Companies making big UK facilities moves last year include Daewoo Corp./LDV Ltd., Honda of the United Kingdom Manufacturing Ltd., Munster Joinery, Newport Wafer-Fab Ltd., Oracle, Siemens Microelectronics (UK) and Vauxhall. Each of those firms announced a new or expanded facility that will create at least 1,000 jobs. But hundreds of companies made significant, though smaller, moves, such as insurance concern Northbrook Technology's decision to establish an information technology center in Belfast, Northern Ireland, that will employ at least 200.
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