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The inward and outward foreign direct investment (FDI) surveys collect information on share-related transactions between UK companies and companies in the rest of the world. To meet the definition of FDI and be included in the survey, shares held by a company must be at least 10% of the affiliate company’s ordinary shares or voting power.

Among the variables measured are share purchases, holdings and the income received from share investments. Inward FDI is concerned with foreign company investments in UK companies, while outward is the investment by UK companies abroad.

The information is collected annually and quarterly on an industry basis and published by country and industry.

FDI makes an important contribution to flows, earnings and positions for the UK balance of payments. It is also used as a factor in measuring gross national income, which determines contributions to the European Union.

If you require further help or information about FDI, please contact us:

By email at fdi@ons.gov.uk

By telephone on +44(0) 01633 456202 (Rachel Jones)

By post at:

FDI Results, Analysis and Processing
Room 2.301
Office for National Statistics
Cardiff Rd
Newport NP10 8XG

Publication released 23 December 2015