The U.K. economy has grown for eight consecutive years. Prospects for continued growth are strong and real GDP growth is expected to rise above 2 percent in 2001 despite the global economic slowdown.
All of the one hundred largest U.S. companies have established operations in the U.K. The U.K. attracts over 20% of global inward investment destined for Europe, and nearly 40% of investment projects from the Far East and the United States.
The services sector, including banking, insurance and investment management accounts for almost 70% of the UK's GDP. Britain's telecommunications sector is among the most liberal in Europe, providing opportunities for innovative services and service providers. Broadband is in the process of being rolled out across the country.
The British economy is market-driven, with independent regulatory bodies supervising some sectors where the general public is affected including the telecommunications sector. The recent passing of the U.K. digital signature and data protection regulations are expected to accelerate the use of the Internet and e-commerce.
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