Research Reveals Area Performed Strongly In Terms Of Foreign Investment In 2012

By Rob Dixon

New figures which reveal Yorkshire was one of the few regions in England to see its foreign direct investment (FDI) performance improve last year are hugely welcome and must be built on, according to Irwin Mitchell’s Regional Managing Partner for Sheffield.

Research by Ernst & Young, reported by Insider Media, has revealed that Yorkshire secured 21 projects across 2012, with the region attracting not only manufacturers but also investment related to sectors including finance, business services, retail and hospitality.

Inward investment into the area came from countries such as the US, Germany, France and India.

South Yorkshire was found to be a particular hub of activity, securing nine projects in total – consolidating its position as the most attractive part of the region for investors.

The findings have been welcomed by Paul Firth, Regional Managing Partner at Irwin Mitchell’s Sheffield office and chairman of Creative Sheffield, who said that the research demonstrated the growing attraction of the local area for business investment.

He outlined: “These figures are very welcome news and demonstrate how word of the opportunities and potential of the region is spreading, building the area’s international reputation in the process.

“It is hard to argue against the fact that the region’s reputation as a place for inward investment is growing quickly, partly as a result of the experience of companies such as Sky, WANDisco and others who have had a very good experience of investing here.

“We hope that these findings will just be the beginning and further growth will be seen over the coming months.”

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