ABOUT THE UNITED KINGDOM

Amongst all the countries in Europe, the United Kingdom (UK) is a diverse island nation located off the northwestern coast of mainland Europe. It comprises England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The capital of the UK is London, which is also its largest city and a leading global financial, cultural, and political center. According to the World Bank, the UK is classified as a High-Income Economy and remains one of the world’s largest and most influential economies. The currency of the UK is the Pound Sterling (GBP), and the value of Indian currency is significantly lower than that of the Pound Sterling (approximately 1 GBP = 106 INR at the time of writing this article). The population of the UK is estimated at approximately 6.8 crores as of 2025. The UK shares a land border with the Republic of Ireland, and the Channel Tunnel links it with France. It also shares maritime borders with Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and the Faroe Islands (Denmark). The official language of the UK is English, though regional languages such as Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, and Irish are also spoken. The majority of the UK population identifies as Christian, but other religions such as Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Judaism are also widely practiced. The UK has numerous international airports, with Heathrow Airport (London), Gatwick Airport (London), Manchester Airport, and Edinburgh Airport being among the busiest. These airports offer extensive air connectivity to various parts of the world. With its extensive coastline, the UK boasts several major commercial seaports, including Felixstowe, London Gateway, Southampton, Liverpool, and Grangemouth, which are vital for its significant international trade.

The main corporate tax rate for companies in the UK is 25%. A small profits rate of 19% applies to companies with profits up to £50,000. Opesh Group of companies will be helping you in completing the Due Diligence process which includes financial planning, registration process, business options, and if required, even helping you find a Rental property for your office.

Establishing a business in the UK has to be done with utmost care, keeping in mind the laws of the country. The Companies Act 2006 and other relevant legislation provide clear guidelines for foreign investors to register a company in the UK. Both UK residents and foreign entrepreneurs can incorporate a company in the UK, and there are no residency requirements for directors or shareholders, making it an attractive destination for international business owners. A foreign investor who is planning to start a business in the UK can form various types of companies, such as a Private Limited Company (Ltd), Public Limited Company (PLC), Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), or a Branch Office. A Private Limited Company (Ltd) formed and registered in the UK allows foreign investors to own 100% of the company.

In case an investor is planning to establish a Private Limited Company (Ltd) or a PLC in the UK, Opesh Group will be helping you in taking the right decision for setting up your business in the UK and we will also guide you about how to follow the procedure while formulating your company in the UK.

Types of Business which can be started in the UK-

Financial Services – London is one of the world’s leading financial centers. Opportunities are vast in banking, fintech, asset management, insurance, and professional services, leveraging the UK’s robust regulatory framework and international connections. Information Technology (IT) and Tech Sector – The UK has a thriving tech ecosystem, particularly in London, with significant investment in AI, cybersecurity, software development, e-commerce, and digital transformation. Opportunities exist for tech startups, R&D centers, and IT outsourcing. Life Sciences and Healthcare – The UK is a global leader in life sciences, with strong research capabilities and a robust pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector. Opportunities exist in drug discovery, medical devices, diagnostics, and digital health solutions, often in collaboration with the NHS. Renewable Energy and Green Technologies – The UK is committed to achieving net-zero emissions and has significant potential in offshore wind, solar, and other clean energy technologies. Opportunities are abundant in renewable energy project development, energy storage, and green tech manufacturing. Creative Industries – The UK is a global powerhouse in creative industries, including film, TV, music, video games, fashion, and digital media. Opportunities exist in content creation, intellectual property development, and creative tech. Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering – With a strong heritage in engineering, the UK offers opportunities in high-value manufacturing, aerospace, automotive (especially electric vehicles), and advanced materials. Retail and Consumer Goods – The UK has a large and sophisticated consumer market. Opportunities exist in e-commerce, retail innovation, and consumer brands, catering to diverse consumer preferences. Logistics and Transport – As an island nation with extensive trade, the UK offers opportunities in logistics, warehousing, port operations, and transport infrastructure development.

Advantages of Starting Business in the UK-

The UK offers a highly stable political and economic environment with a transparent legal system, providing a secure setting for investments. It boasts one of the world’s largest economies, providing a significant domestic market and strong global trading ties. The UK has a highly skilled, educated, and multilingual workforce, particularly in high-value sectors like finance, tech, and life sciences. The country provides a competitive tax environment, with various incentives and a clear regulatory framework. The UK possesses world-class infrastructure, including modern transport networks, advanced digital connectivity, and reliable utilities. It is a global leader in innovation and R&D, fostering a dynamic ecosystem for technological advancements and new business ventures, supported by leading universities. The UK has a strong commitment to free markets and open trade, making it an attractive destination for international businesses. Despite Brexit, the UK has continued to forge new trade agreements and maintain strong relationships with global partners.

Business Opportunities for Indians in the UK-

There are excellent and enduring business opportunities in the UK for Indian investors looking to expand their operations into a major global market. The UK actively encourages foreign investment and offers a diverse and innovative economy. Indian investors can explore significant business opportunities in sectors such as Information Technology (IT) and digital services, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, renewable energy, automotive components, and financial services. Many Indian companies have already established successful operations in the UK, leveraging its strong market access and talent pool.

Imports & Exports-

The imports and exports business is a crucial component of the UK’s open and globally integrated economy. Thorough research and development are vital to identify suitable products for import or export and to assess market revenue potential.

Major items which are exported from the UK to India-

Machinery and mechanical appliances Mineral fuels, oils, distillation products Electrical machinery and equipment Optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus Pharmaceutical products Iron and steel Vehicles (parts and accessories) Precious stones and metals

Major items which are imported in the UK from India-

Textile and apparel products Pharmaceutical products Organic chemicals Machinery and mechanical appliances Iron and steel products Agricultural products (e.g., coffee, tea, spices, rice) Gems and jewelry Transport equipment

Manufacturing-

Indian companies can look into establishing manufacturing units in the UK, particularly for high-tech components, automotive parts (especially for EVs), pharmaceuticals, and specialized machinery, leveraging the UK’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and access to skilled labor.

Mining-

While not a primary focus like other sectors, the UK does have some mining activities and potential, particularly in industrial minerals and critical raw materials (e.g., lithium in Cornwall). Opportunities exist in specialized mining technology, processing, and circular economy approaches to resource recovery.

Major Indian companies which are currently working in the UK-

Tata Group (including Jaguar Land Rover, Tata Steel, Tata Consultancy Services, Tata Global Beverages) Reliance Industries (JioMart partnership with Boots, other investments) Infosys (IT Services) Wipro (IT Services) Mahindra Group (various sectors, including IT and automotive) Apollo Tyres (manufacturing presence) Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories (pharmaceuticals) Many other Indian IT, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing firms have a strong presence or operations in the UK.

GDP = $3.84 trillion (2025 est.) GDP Growth = 0.7% (Q1 2025 growth, expected to be modest for full year 2025) Ease of doing business rank = Not applicable (World Bank EoDB index discontinued; consistently ranks high in global competitiveness indices) GDP per Capita = $54,950 (2025 est.)

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