South: Hampshire named European region of the future, reports fDi Intelligence

Hampshire has been recognised as one of the most promising investment locations in Europe according to an international study carried out by fDi Intelligence, a division of the Financial Times.

The county was commended for having particular strengths in terms of ‘business friendliness’ and ‘Foreign Direct Investment Strategy’ in the annual fDi European Cities and Regions of the Future 2014/15 rankings.

The categories in which Hampshire was recognised were:

• Top 25 European regions overall
• Top 10 Small European Regions – FDI Strategy
• Top 10 Small European Regions – Business Friendliness

Significant recent investment being made by overseas-owned companies across Hampshire, that strengthen the county’s credential as a successful and prosperous business location, include:

• US-owned GE Aviation’s plans to expand its aircraft component plant in Hamble;
• German supermarket chain Lidl investing in a major distribution facility, creating 400 jobs in Nursling, Southampton;
• Kuehne & Nagel, the Swiss logistics company, locating its south coast drinks operation in Eastleigh;
• French mobile device insurance company SPB moving its new UK headquarters into Portsmouth.

These are just some of the companies demonstrating confidence in Hampshire as a ‘region of the future’.

“We are delighted to see Hampshire recognised as both a region with a clear strategy for attracting and retaining inward investment, and at the same time being business friendly,” commented councillor Seán Woodward, executive member for economy, transport & environment, Hampshire County Council.

“Invest in Hampshire is one of our initiatives which positions Hampshire as a leading location for business, supporting key employers while helping to create more jobs locally.

“Through our Invest in Hampshire and Visit Hampshire activities, we will continue to ensure that Hampshire remains a prosperous county, and at the same time retains its superb environment and quality of life.”

This accolade for Hampshire comes hot on the heels of Southampton's being ranked no.4 in PwC’s 'Good Growth for Cities' report published in November 2013, and Rushmoor and Hart's being ranked second and third in KPMG’s 'Tech Monitor' report tracking the employment and growth prospects of UK technology clusters.