The Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the UK presented its seventh Barometer in London, revealing strong business resilience. Despite global uncertainty, 90% of companies consider the British market strategic and expect to increase revenue and staff by 2026.
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La Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the United Kingdom has presented in London the seventh edition of Barometer on the climate and prospects for Spanish InvestmentThe report confirms that, despite geopolitical challenges, the British market retains an investment stock of 83.000 millones de euros, remaining the second most popular global destination for Spanish companies thanks to its focus on key sectors such as telecommunications y Energy.
Resilience in an environment of global uncertainty
The event, held at the Residence of the Spanish Ambassador in London, served as a barometer of trade relations just three months after the signing of the Bilateral Strategic Framework between the leaders of both countries. The presentation included the participation of Mrs. Amparo López Senovilla, Spain's Secretary of State for Trade, and her British counterpart, Sir Chris Bryant MP, along with senior executives from multinationals and SMEs.
Juan Carlos MachucaThe president of the Chamber emphasized that the state of investment "has never been stronger," highlighting the creation of added value through more than 140.000 direct and indirect jobsDespite a context marked by trade protectionism and geopolitical risks, the British economy has shown strength above the EU average, mitigating uncertainties thanks to its Atlantic agreements.
A snapshot of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
The data from the Barometer, which combines official statistics with surveys of more than 120 companies, reflects a slight contraction in stock in 2023, but a recovery in capital flows during 2024. The United Kingdom accounts for the 13,1% of all Spanish investment abroad.
| Economic Indicator | Cipher / Key Data | Context / Period |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Stock | €83.000 million | 2023 closing (2nd highest historical record) |
| Investment Flows | €4.880 million | Recovery in 2024 |
| Accumulated Investment | €170.940 million | Period 1993 - Present |
| Employment Generated | 140.900 gastro stands | 80.700 direct and 60.200 indirect (2023) |
| Leading Sector in Flows | Telecommunications | 60,5% of the total in 2024 (€2.950M) |
Sector analysis reveals a high degree of strategic concentration. In 2024, the telecommunications Investment flows led the way, followed by the manufacture of personal care products. Meanwhile, in the first half of 2025, energy supply It represented 73,7% of the flows. In terms of accumulated stock, the financial services (21.340 million euros) and the wholesale trade They remain fundamental pillars.
Outlook 2026: Growth and Hiring
The view of Spanish companies on the business climate in the United Kingdom remains stable, with a score of 2,9 out of 5. While the assessment of investment in R&D&I is improvable (2,7 points), companies highly value the digital ecosystem and the commitment to sustainability.
Looking ahead to 2026, optimism is the dominant sentiment among investors:
- El 60% The companies expect to increase their revenue in the British market.
- El 89% It anticipates maintaining or increasing its workforce, with 37% actively planning new hires.
- El 45% It plans to increase its investments, focusing on London and its metropolitan area.
- Un 90% It defines the United Kingdom as a "strategic market" and three out of four rule out any exit plans in the next five years.
The study has been supported by major corporations such as ABANCA, Banco Sabadell, BBVA, Ferrovial, Iberdrola, Indra y Uría Menéndez, among others, consolidating itself as the benchmark analytical tool for the Spanish-British economic relationship.
Key points and frequently asked questions about investing in the UK
What is the actual size of the Spanish presence in the United Kingdom?
The stock of foreign direct investment reached 83.000 billion euros in 2023. Although it represented a technical contraction of 9,5% compared to the previous year, it remains Spain's second largest investment position in the world, representing 13,1% of the total abroad.
Which sectors are driving current investment?
Currently, telecommunications and energy are the main drivers. In 2024, telecoms attracted 60,5% of the flows (€2.950 billion), while in the first half of 2025, energy accounted for almost 74% of new investment. The financial sector maintains a significant historical presence.
How will the economic climate affect employment in 2026?
The outlook is positive. Spanish companies already support more than 140.000 jobs in the country. By 2026, 89% of the companies surveyed plan to maintain or increase their workforce, driven by improved productivity and the implementation of new digital technologies.
