Britain is emerging as a haven of stability in an increasingly uncertain global economy, Chancellor Rachel Reeves will tell world business leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos today.
Arriving alongside the Business Secretary for the annual meetings on 20 January, the Chancellor will use the global stage to make a clear pitch: the UK offers investors certainty, talent and momentum at a time when many economies are struggling with volatility.
Speaking at Bloomberg House this afternoon, Reeves is expected to unveil new measures designed to make Britain the destination of choice for global capital and top-tier talent, particularly in high-growth sectors such as artificial intelligence, life sciences and clean energy.
At the heart of the package is a drive to attract the world’s brightest minds. The government will reimburse visa fees for selected leaders and specialists in deep tech industries, as well as for individuals joining the most promising UK companies in priority sectors. International firms expanding their UK operations will also benefit from faster processing through a new fast-track sponsor licence system.
The moves form part of a wider overhaul of what ministers describe as a broken immigration system previously reliant on cheap overseas labour. The new approach, the government says, is focused on attracting high-skilled workers who contribute to long-term growth. Net migration has now fallen to its lowest level in five years, down by more than two-thirds under the current administration.
To reinforce the push, the government is doubling the resources of its Global Talent Taskforce. That expansion will bring in private-sector headhunting expertise, create new relocation support functions, and strengthen a “concierge-style” service for elite international talent, beginning with a dedicated focus on AI specialists.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “In a volatile world Britain stands out. This government is making sure Britain is home to the stability, talent and capital that businesses and investors want and that drive greater growth.
Some countries give you a platform, but Britain gives you momentum. My message at Davos this week is clear: choose Britain – it’s the best place in the world to invest”.
The UK delegation in Davos, branded “Team UK”, includes Business Secretary Peter Kyle, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Investment Minister Lord Stockwood. Together, they are pitching Britain’s combination of strong institutions, skilled workforce and long-term industrial strategy to a global audience of CEOs and investors.
Ministers will stress that the government is offering what international investors value most: predictability, political stability and a clear plan for growth through the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy. They will also underline commitments to protect and strengthen key industries, from steel and aerospace to life sciences and clean technology, while keeping Britain open to global trade and investment.
The Chancellor arrives in Davos following the announcement of the largest transport investment in northern England for a generation. She will also point to recent economic milestones, including £340 billion in private investment secured in the past 18 months, record highs for the FTSE, and six interest rate cuts since the election — the fastest pace of reductions in 17 years.
During the week, Reeves is scheduled to meet senior figures from global finance and industry, including Zurich Insurance chief executive Mario Greco, Blackstone’s Stephen Schwarzman and JP Morgan boss Jamie Dimon. She will also appear on a public World Economic Forum panel under the 2026 theme, “A Spirit of Dialogue.”
Business and Trade Secretary, Peter Kyle said: “We are positioning the UK as the destination of choice for the brightest minds and innovators as we strive to lead the global race for talent.”
By attracting leaders in AI, quantum, life sciences, and clean energy, we will drive growth, innovation and make the UK the premier launchpad for the world’s best entrepreneurs”.
Kyle highlighted the UK’s strengths, including global connectivity, world-class universities, a strong rule of law, access to £10 trillion in capital and a competitive tax regime. New talent measures, he said, are designed to make it easier for people to come to the UK to work, study and build businesses.
Researchers in fields such as AI, quantum computing and semiconductors will benefit from visa fee reimbursements, while new scholarships will be introduced for International Mathematical Olympiad gold medallists. Those scholarships will include placements with leading research teams, startups and laboratories, coordinated by the Advanced Research and Invention Agency.
The government also announced new recruits supported by the £54 million Global Talent Fund, including specialists working on neuroscience and online disinformation. The fund is part of a wider commitment to invest £5 billion in top science and research talent over the current spending review period.
Closing the Davos event, the Chancellor is expected to reaffirm the government’s commitment to continuously improving how the UK attracts and retains the world’s best talent — reinforcing Britain’s ambition to be the most attractive investment destination globally. Photo by Lauren Hurley / No 10 Downing Street, Wikimedia commons.