Britain is still attracting more overseas investment than anywhere else in Europe despite the financial crisis, according to the latest figures on foreign investment from the department of UK Trade & Investment.

In the year to April 2009, a total of 1,744 foreign-funded projects have located and expanded in the UK, an 11% rise on last year.

Britain is also second only to the US as the most popular destination for foreign investment globally.

Lord Mandelson, the business secretary, said: 'This is good news for Britain. It demonstrates a strengthening confidence and optimism in the UK economy. International investors are using the UK economy as a springboard for global growth. It is important for us to maintain this status as an attractive centre.'

Daily Telegraph