By: Rachelle Lindstrom
One of our top markets for European businesses growing in the US is the United Kingdom. IMS currently has over 50 British clients, and five employees based across England and Scotland. We are also proud members of British American Business and have collaborated on events with the British Chambers of Commerce, Department for Business and Trade, Avalara, Blue Link Worldwide, Upper Clash, Allentra and more.
UK Spring Roadshow
March was a busy month for IMS in the UK, as we set off on a roadshow to spread the news about key considerations for UK businesses expanding to the US. We started our journey in Stoke at the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce for their USA Trade Day. This insight-led event brought together experienced specialists in US marketing, legal risk management and international certification.
Joining our partners, Allentra and Thorelli & Associates, we then ventured off to London and soon journeyed up north to Birmingham and Manchester. Gathering with small UK scaleups, we discussed how IP ownership location affects tariffs, why brand value is your secret weapon, and how proper transfer pricing documentation protects you from 40% penalties.
Are there many UK businesses that have invested in the USA?
Yes! Until 2018, the UK was the largest investor in the United States, but it has since dropped to fourth position. In 2024, the UK’s foreign direct investment was $667 billion!
What Are the top industries for British Companies?
- Business Services
- Software & IT Services
- Financial Services
- Industrial Equipment
- Communications
What’s the latest news for UK exports?
A recent press release from the UK government announced, “First shipment of UK beef under reciprocal quota arrives in the US, as government works in partnership with the food and farming industries to save millions in export fees and grow the UK economy. […] The UK’s food and drink exports were worth over £25 billion globally last year, £2 billion of which went to the US, with considerable potential to grow the UK’s global trade”.
Fancy a drink with your steak? Mark Kent, Chief Executive at the Scotch Whisky Association, says that “Scotch whisky is the UK’s biggest food and drink export, and the United States is our most important market, worth £933 million in 2025.”
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (latest available as of February 20, 2026), fDi Markets (Data from January 2016 – December 2025), Global Business Alliance, SelectUSA, UK Government
