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British Columbia and the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom (U.K.) is home to many global firms, including the headquarters of 15 Fortune Global 500 companies, and maintains a growing and active business environment. The U.K. has a highly educated and multicultural population, supporting its many economic ties around the globe.

Trade & Investment Highlights

The Canada-United Kingdom Trade Continuity Agreement (Canada-U.K. TCA) promotes a stable economic relationship and trade activities between Canada and the United Kingdom.
The 2017 Canada-UK MOU on Science, Technology, and Innovation set the framework that guides bilateral science and technology cooperation. A Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee reviews the MOU in consideration of evolving priorities.
Geographically, both B.C. and the U.K. have complementing locations and time-zones for companies with a global outlook operating in either of the two regions.

U.K. at a Glance

Monetary figures are in USD

Opportunity for Foreign Investors and B.C. Exporters

Aerospace

The UK aerospace sector is among the world’s largest, excelling in the design and production of engines, helicopters, wings, structures, and aircraft systems. It also boasts a robust maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) sector, servicing military and civilian aircraft. With expertise in aerostructures, composite materials, propulsion, and through-life services, the industry is integral to the country’s aviation capabilities. As the UK pursues net-zero aviation by 2050 under the Jet Zero strategy and Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan, opportunities arise for innovation in green technologies. Additionally, the National Space Strategy aims to enhance private investment and strengthen satellite manufacturing. British Columbia companies can collaborate on research and development (R&D), leveraging shared expertise in innovation and addressing common challenges in aerospace and space exploration.

Digital & Interactive Media

The UK is a global leader in creative industries, ranking among the top government priorities for growth. It is poised to become Europe’s largest entertainment and media market by 2026, driven by expanding virtual reality (VR) markets. Although consumer spending slows growth, the sector remains resilient, offering opportunities for partnerships. British Columbia, with complementary strengths, is well-positioned to collaborate with UK companies in film, TV, music, interactive media, and performing arts. B.C.’s strong capabilities in VR, visual effects (VFX), animation, and TV make it an attractive destination for UK investment and a key partner in the global creative sector.

Clean Energy

The UK’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, outlined in the Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener, includes policies for hydrogen production and broader decarbonization. The British Energy Security Strategy targets significant low-carbon hydrogen capacity by 2030, emphasizing the role of clean technology in energy security and sustainability. While the market is mature and competitive, British Columbia’s clean energy expertise aligns with the UK’s needs. Collaborative opportunities in innovation, technology development, and bilateral partnerships position B.C. as a valuable contributor to the UK’s clean energy transition.

ICT

The UK’s tech industry is expanding faster than its overall economy, cementing its position as a global tech leader. With 30 technology clusters and a third of Europe’s unicorns, the UK leads in AI and other advanced technologies. Government support, including the National AI Strategy, has spurred growth in AI, fintech, cybersecurity, and 5G. British Columbia companies can leverage their capabilities in areas like enterprise software, e-commerce, and VR/AR to collaborate with UK firms. Opportunities also exist in verticals such as education, HR, edge computing, and retail technology, where Canadian innovation has gained traction.

Life Sciences

As Europe’s leading hub for life sciences and second globally to the U.S. in investment, the UK offers a collaborative ecosystem supported by industry, academia, and the National Health Service (NHS). With over 5,600 businesses and 250,000 employees, the sector thrives in areas like biopharmaceuticals, precision medicine, and digital health technologies. British Columbia companies can explore partnerships to address the UK’s talent shortages and regulatory challenges. Opportunities include expanding clinical trials, developing medical devices, and leveraging digital health expertise to enhance patient outcomes and streamline market entry.

United Kingdom Top Industries (2019-2023)

Industries for Outward Investment

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Communications

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Coal, Oil & Gas

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Renewable Energy

_{Source: FDI Markets}

Import Industries
(by value)

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Machinery

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Pearls, Precious Stones & Metals

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Mineral Fuels & Oils

_{Source: International Trade Centre}

Fastest Growing Import Opportunities

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Aircraft & Spacecraft Parts

_{Source: International Trade Centre}

BC Export Industries to Market

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Wood Products

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Specialized Instruments

Investment Opportunities in Canada - Electrical Machinery Equipment

_{Source: BC Stats, data sourced from Statistics Canada}

Trade & Investment Resources

For B.C. Businesses

For International Businesses

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How We Help

Assist in commercial location identification and site selection.
Provide information on transportation infrastructure and logistics gateways.
Offer introductions to sector associations, industries and provide cluster insight.
Facilitate understanding and solutions for talent, skilled workforce and labour mobility
Facilitate engagement with professional advisors on legal, compliance and tax matters
Help navigating and offering referrals within government agencies on First Nations, business and regulatory processes.

Identify high potential investment opportunities and offer industry insight.
Introductions to sector associations and local industry contacts.
Introductions to companies seeking investments to expand.
Provide knowledge on local innovation hubs and connections to entrepreneurial opportunities.
Introductions to local venture capital networks.

Assist in navigating government export programs and financial supports.
Advice and coaching in international expansion and exporter development.
Support Team BC missions and trade events.
Match buyers and sellers in local and foreign markets.
Provide insight on trade agreements and barriers.
Introductions to trade representatives in foreign markets.
Market entry assistance in international markets.

Trade & Investment Offices

United Kingdom
- London

London

British Columbia’s Trade and Investment Representative office in London is the centre for our programs throughout Europe.

Europe’s multi-faceted economy continues to present many opportunities for trade and partnership in key sectors. These include resources, biomass and green technologies, information and communication technologies, life sciences, and education.

Rely on our London office to help you network and capitalize on shared business opportunities.

London Office:
10 York Road
London, SE1 7ND
United Kingdom

Contact our Trade and Investment Representatives. Our team welcomes your inquiries

Rupert Potter
Managing Director

Melissa Arsenault
Trade and Investment Specialist

Graham Hilton
Trade and Investment Specialist

Rhoda Campbell
Trade and Investment Specialist

Laetitia Macdougall
Trade and Investment Specialist

Trade & Investment Representative - Ximena Portugal

Ximena Portugal
Operations Manager

Connect With Our International Network

Our Trade and Investment Representatives can help you establish the right connections, participate in events and tradeshows, explore programs and initiatives, and more. Connect with an expert near you.

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