As one of Europe’s largest economies and one of Sweden’s most important export markets, the United Kingdom continues to offer significant opportunities for Swedish companies. Strong institutions, advanced service sectors, global connectivity and a highly developed innovation ecosystem make the UK a strategically important market across multiple industries.
At the same time, companies report a more demanding operating environment. Cost pressures, regulatory complexity, labour market constraints and post-Brexit trade frictions continue to affect competitiveness and operational efficiency. Geopolitical uncertainty and uneven economic growth have also contributed to a more cautious market outlook.
Cooperation between Sweden and the United Kingdom remains strong within sectors such as energy, infrastructure, defence, life sciences, digital technologies and advanced industrial services. The UK’s continued focus on infrastructure investment, energy transition, innovation and defence capabilities continues to create opportunities for Swedish companies offering sustainable and high-value solutions.
Competitiveness in the United Kingdom is closely linked to strong partnerships, sales competence, customer collaboration and operational efficiency. The Swedish brand continues to be associated with innovation, quality, sustainability and reliability.
The United Kingdom is widely regarded as a stable and internationally connected market with strong institutions and deep professional and industrial networks. However, companies also point to regulatory complexity, cost pressures and skills shortages as ongoing challenges.
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ABOUT THE SURVEY
To assess the opportunities and challenges faced by Swedish companies in international markets, Team Sweden conducts annual Business Climate Surveys across multiple markets worldwide. This year’s survey in the United Kingdom includes responses from 48 Swedish companies operating in the country. Industrial companies and professional services companies represent a significant share of respondents, while consumer companies also make up a considerable share. The majority of respondents have been active in the United Kingdom for more than five years.
We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to all participating companies and respondents who contributed to this report. Team Sweden in the United Kingdom hopes that the findings will serve as a basis for continued dialogue with British authorities and other relevant stakeholders.
