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.
Monetary figures are in USD
Aerospace
The U.K. is one of the world’s largest aerospace sectors and focuses on high value and high technology engineering, manufacturing and services. There are specific opportunities for B.C. companies to support this sector in engines, parts of aircraft and spacecraft and advanced systems such as fuel, mechanical, avionics, and electric power.
Agrifood & Agritech
The United Kingdom is a net importer of agriculture and agri-food products. Key U.K. trends include plant-based foods, vegetarian/vegan alternatives and convenience foods. Additionally, e-commerce and online grocery shopping continues to rise in the United Kingdom. The U.K. is a priority market for wine and alcoholic beverages and are particularly receptive to Canadian and B.C. wines compared with other European markets. Opportunity for B.C. exporters exists in high-quality food products including functional foods, organic products, convenience foods, alternative proteins, and plant-based foods.
Cleantech
There are various areas of opportunity for B.C. clean tech companies to showcase their capabilities in the United Kingdom. Currently, the key opportunities lie in carbon capture utilization and storage, energy efficiency, energy storage, hydrogen and smart energy systems.
Digital & Interactive Media
The U.K. is recognized as a global leader in the creative industries. There is a strong gaming, VR/AR and animation cluster in London, U.K. with established connections to B.C. companies. There are opportunities for B.C. trade, innovation and investment attraction in gaming, animation/VFX, and VR/AR.
ICT
The U.K. tech industry is a key growth sector, growing at a faster rate than the U.K. economy and maintaining its lead as one of the world’s premier locations for tech of all kinds. With 30 technology clusters across the U.K., there are significant opportunities for B.C. in: AI, internet of things (IoT), fintech, enterprise software, e-commerce, cloud, cybersecurity and 5G. ICT opportunities continue to be available in vertical markets including Education, HR, VR/AR, Edge Computing and Retail (E-commerce) where there has been strong B.C. and Canadian capability and traction.
Marine
Opportunities exist in ocean technology, specifically technologies and services that support industries around the ocean including aquaculture, marine robotics/AUVs, and offshore oil and gas. There are collaboration opportunities between B.C. and the U.K. in shipbuilding and the low carbon propulsion field where B.C. companies lead in fuel cell, battery hybrid and modular plug-in solutions.
Life Sciences
The U.K. maintains a significant market for medical devices, Health IT and related technologies. Due to local talent shortages, firms consider expansion outside of the U.K. for talent, technology and market share. Canada is one of their main targets as a potential destination for expansion. Partnership opportunities exist in subsectors such as biopharmaceuticals, vaccine manufacturing, precision medicine and diagnostic technologies, digital health technologies, and medical devices.
![]() Communications |
![]() Coal, Oil & Gas |
![]() Real Estate |
Source: FDI Markets
![]() Machinery & Mechanical Appliances |
![]() Pearls, Precious or Semi-precious Stones & Metals |
![]() Vehicles & Associated Parts (other than railway or tramway rolling stock) |
Source: International Trade Centre
![]() Miscellaneous Chemical Products |
![]() Mineral Fuels & Oils |
![]() Wood Products |
Source: International Trade Centre
![]() Wood Products |
![]() Mineral Fuels & Oils |
![]() Electrical Machinery & Equipment |
Source: BC Stats, data sourced from Statistics Canada
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
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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