London attracting more foreign firms - commercial mortgages

16 November 2007

More foreign firms are moving to London because of the diversity offered by the capital''s buildings, Think London has said.

The firm reported last week that the number of businesses relocating to London from Europe, the Americas or Asia-Pacific rose by 12 per cent between April and September.

The investment agency''s chief executive, Michael Charlton, has said that London is now second only to Shanghai for foreign direct investment, Abbey has reported.

"The foreign companies we help to set up business in London range from small start-ups to large conglomerates. They appreciate London''s large choice of premises, whether it''s flexible office space or some of the world''s most sought-after multi-storey addresses," said Think London research manager Marc Hardwick.

"But London is a place where you don''t just pay for property; you can make more money from it than elsewhere in Europe," Mr Hardwick added.

More firms with commercial mortgages are likely to be heading for the capital as a result of such trends.