Irwin Mitchell’s International Team Contributes To ‘Invaluable’ Guide

A new guide which enables businesses to consider the risks of investing in different countries has been produced with the help of law firm Irwin Mitchell.

The ‘Guide for Evaluating Country Risk For Global Investments 2022’ and has been published by First Law International (FLI). The in-depth document provides analysis across 38 jurisdictions with an overview of eight areas of interest.

Lawyers at Irwin Mitchell have written the UK section, providing an overview of the market along with a brief summary of the legal issues faced by investors. The section includes a look at some of the restrictions, tax structuring issues, reforms and incentives including the Patent Box Relief and the benefits of Enterprise Zones.

Expert Opinion

“We are delighted to contribute to this important document. The UK is an attractive place for foreign direct investment due to the speed of doing business, its position as a world leader in the financial services and banking sector and its robust legal framework. Despite challenging economic conditions, there’s been a notable increase in interest amongst businesses looking to invest here in the UK and I am confident this will be an invaluable tool in helping organisations realise their growth ambitions.” Bryan Bletso - Partner

Commenting on the latest edition of the guide, Orlando Casares, CEO at FLI, said: “Following the 35% COVID induced drop in global foreign investment, we are seeing a confident rebound in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) growth globally and a renewed interest in pursuing both greenfield and brownfield investment opportunities from corporate clients.

“As the global elite network of law firms spanning across 100+ countries, it is our responsibility to guide our clients and advise them on potential investment opportunities. It is no longer sufficient for law firms to introduce their clients to a well-known financial investment firm. Indeed, more and more partners in law firms are expected to advise on the location of good investment opportunities and act as the mediator between prospective buyer and seller while looking after the interests of their clients, who are often based offshore.

“At FLI we are confident that this year’s edition of the Guide for Evaluating Country Risk will expand on its predecessor, both in jurisdictional coverage and depth of content. This guide provides the reader with facts, figures and opinions that are not readily available in the marketplace, and which can only be provided by local law firms with the relevant internal know-how.

“This guide seeks to raise questions while providing insight to assist the reader's search for the right investment opportunity, be it for their own company or for a corporate client.

Established in 2001, FLI is based in Brussels and has created a global network of over 85 leading independent national law firms, representing over 18,000 lawyers. 

Irwin Mitchell joined FLI in October 2018 as part of its international growth strategy. Since being appointed, Irwin Mitchell has become a key member of the network - highlighted by its appointment to FLI’s Advisory Board. In addition to playing a key role in supporting FLI’s priorities and growth strategy, Irwin Mitchell has received numerous work referrals in the areas of corporate, commercial, restructuring & insolvency, banking, real estate, data protection, employment, litigation, IP, tax, trust and estates, family, wills, trust and estates disputes and immigration law.