The United Kingdom

British Companies Growing in NC

293

British Firms Operating in North Carolina

23K

People Working for UK Companies

Top State for Business (CNBC, 2025)

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Expand to the US

Why UK Companies Should Invest in
North Carolina

North Carolina’s innovation and clean energy sectors have helped establish a great relationship between the state and the United Kingdom. The state offers a business-friendly climate with competitive operating costs, a pro-regulatory environment, and a robust talent pipeline that supports life sciences, technology, financial services, and advanced manufacturing. UK businesses benefit from North Carolina’s central East Coast location, providing strategic access to major US markets through excellent transportation infrastructure including international airports and deep seaports. The state’s world-class research universities, skilled workforce, and commitment to innovation create an ideal environment for UK companies seeking to establish or expand their American operations.

Marshall USA Invests $50M in New Maintenance Facility in Greensboro

Marshall USA LLC, a subsidiary of Marshall Aerospace, a British aerospace and defense contractor, has announced it will invest $50 million for a new planned maintenance inspection (PMI) facility at Piedmont Triad Airport.

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Abzena Will Invest $213 Million To Create a Manufacturing Plant in Sanford

Abzena Holdings (US) LLC, a life sciences contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), will locate a significant biopharmaceutical manufacturing site in Lee County, creating 325 jobs and investing $213 million in Sanford.

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British Investment by the Numbers

$1.5B

in Capital Investment Since 2014

4,450+

New Jobs Since 2014

New and Expanding Companies from the UK since 2014

Daily Flights to London Heathrow (From CLT and RDU)

British International School

21,684

UK-Born Residents Live in North Carolina

Strategic Location

With half of the American population within a day’s drive, North Carolina is strategically positioned in the middle of the United States’ East Coast. Four international airports and two deep seaports put many customers and suppliers within reach.

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Speed to Market

You don’t have to navigate complicated tax structures or bureaucratic red tape to do business in North Carolina. We have a top business tax environment and are full of resources for all permitting, licensing, and other regulation questions.

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Hub for Innovation

You’ll find North America’s largest research park and life sciences hub, located in the Raleigh-Durham area, while Charlotte is the second largest financial center in the US. North Carolina is also known for its agriculture, food, and automotive manufacturing sectors.

Two dedicated female lab scientists meticulously work together,

Leaders in Clean Energy

North Carolina and the UK have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation and Trade Relations to guide a clean energy economy transition. Goals include accelerating clean energy industry development and promoting environmental justice.

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UK Companies Prosper in North Carolina

Some prominent British companies that have already established themselves in this state include:

Unilever

LexisNexis

GlaxoSmith Kline

BAE Systems

Research Triangle Park is particularly alluring for launching our US operations as it has a unique blend of major academic medical centers, innovative biotech, information technology, biopharmaceutical, and contract research, plus a fantastic quality of life.

Michael Stocum

Former CEO, Inivata

FAQs

What is the talent pipeline like for UK companies requiring specialized skills?

North Carolina’s 58-institution community college system can develop customized training programs at no cost to your company through NCEdge. The state’s universities produce talent across engineering, life sciences, business, and technology disciplines. With a population of 11 million and continued in-migration of skilled professionals, North Carolina offers both depth and breadth of talent. Many UK companies report successful recruitment of both local talent and professionals relocating from other US markets.

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What notable UK companies have operations in North Carolina?

There are more than 293 UK firms operating in North Carolina, employing over 23,000 workers. Some notable UK businesses with a presence in the state include Unilever, LexisNexis, BAE Systems, AstraZeneca, and more.
How can UK businesses get support when establishing operations in North Carolina?

UK companies looking to expand in the United States will receive customized, end-to-end support through North Carolina. Our team works directly with your company to understand your goals and connect you with statewide resources and partners through every step of the business relocation process—from site selection and workforce solutions to incentives, regulatory guidance, and local market insights.

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Explore NC is a quarterly newsletter for companies interested in expanding their business to North Carolina. Each edition highlights a growing industry, recent project announcements, and more.