UK targets global capital as City of London pushes investment drive

The UK is seeking to strengthen its position as a global investment destination, with City of London Corporation Policy Chairman Chris Hayward calling for greater focus on attracting international capital into the country’s growth sectors.

Speaking on the 50th episode of Ticker’s The Connector, Hayward highlighted the scale of the UK’s investment landscape, which reached £4.1 trillion in 2025, representing 5% growth.

But despite the expansion, Hayward said the UK’s share of international capital has declined, creating a challenge for policymakers seeking to maintain the country’s position in an increasingly competitive global investment market.

The UK continues to benefit from its reputation as a safe haven for capital, with geopolitical uncertainty adding to demand for stable and established financial markets.

Hayward said the challenge now is converting that reputation into greater levels of foreign direct investment and ensuring international capital is directed towards projects across the UK.

Part of that effort is being supported by the Office for Investment and initiatives designed to increase foreign direct investment by 2030.

The launch of the Invest Connect Platform is also aimed at making it easier for investors to identify and access opportunities across the country.

Hayward described the platform as a “dating agency” for capital, connecting investors with potential opportunities including major infrastructure projects.

The initiative is intended to help channel institutional investment into regional projects while supporting broader government objectives around economic growth and development.

Chris Hayward at The Labour Party Conference

For Hayward, creating the right conditions for business remains central to the strategy. He argued that a business-friendly policy environment can encourage companies to expand, generate economic activity and ultimately increase tax revenues available for public services.

Technology, life sciences, creative industries and data centres are among the sectors expected to attract significant investment as the UK looks to build its future growth economy.

Over the next three years, the focus will be on directing more institutional capital into UK projects while reinforcing London’s position as one of the world’s leading financial centres.