By Agency Report
DAVOS, Switzerland — Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves announced £1.5 billion in new private sector investment for the United Kingdom on Wednesday, pitching the country as a “haven of stability” to global leaders at the World Economic Forum.
The deals include a landmark £1 billion commitment from investment giant M&G to revitalize local communities and a £500 million investment from biopharmaceutical firm UCB to bolster British life sciences.
The announcements come as Reeves leads a “Team UK” delegation in the Swiss Alps, aiming to reassure international investors despite growing geopolitical uncertainty and looming threats of U.S. trade tariffs.
“I came to Davos to champion Britain as one of the best places in the world to invest, grow a business, and deploy capital – and that plan is working,” Reeves said.
The centerpiece of the package is M&G’s new UK Social Investment Fund. The £1 billion fund has identified 225 locations across the North, Midlands, Wales, and South East that could benefit from projects addressing housing shortages, transport gaps, and the transition to net-zero infrastructure.
Andrea Rossi, Chief Executive of M&G plc, said the firm is “poised to build critical infrastructure” and support British businesses while “laying the foundations for a more productive, sustainable economy.”
In a separate boost for the UK’s R&D landscape, global pharma company UCB confirmed £500 million for its new research hub in Windlesham, Surrey. The facility will focus on immunological diseases and was supported by the government’s Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund.
“The investment strengthens our collaboration with government to support the life sciences sector,” said Alistair Henry, UCB’s Executive Vice President. He added that the campus would “cement drug discovery” in the UK and improve national health resilience.
The Chancellor’s visit to Davos has been underscored by a message of economic predictability. Speaking to reporters earlier Wednesday, Reeves insisted that Britain would not be “buffeted around” by global volatility, a nod to the shifting international trade landscape.
“Some countries give you a platform, but Britain gives you momentum,” Reeves told an audience of global CEOs. “My message at Davos this week is clear: choose Britain.”
As part of the push to attract global talent, the Treasury also unveiled plans to reimburse visa fees for “trailblazer” businesses in deep-tech sectors and fast-track sponsor licenses for international companies expanding their UK footprint.
The Chancellor is scheduled to continue her program Wednesday with meetings involving executives from AstraZeneca, LinkedIn, and Revolut, as well as a “Women in Work” fireside chat focusing on economic participation.
