LONDON May 27 (People's Daily Online)—— According to new figures, more international companies are expanding or setting up headquarters in London than ever before. A record 270 companies, creating nearly 5,000 jobs, have set up or grown significantly in the last year.

Global giants like Pfizer, Greenland Group, Tata Elxsi have all expanded or created new HQ’s, while one of the most significant trends is a 60% increase in US companies which has been driven by a big increase in tech firms choosing to tap into London’s access to talent and European markets.

A decade ago just 26 tech companies came to London but last financial year there were a record 108. Investment in tech has also shot up reaching a record £450m in venture capital financing in the first three months of this year.

Companies from India, China, Japan, Australia, Spain and France are also key investors, creating many jobs in tech, financial and business services and the life science industry.

Gordon Innes, Chief Executive London & Partners, said: “Over the last decade foreign investment in London has gone through the roof and the tech sector is now leading the way. Companies from all over the globe want to establish a base here because we have the best access to finance and markets, an incredibly talented workforce and overall first-class conditions in which to do business.

“On top of this, London is one of the most desirable cities in the world to live with a vibrant cultural scene, exciting history and more green space than any other city in the world.” 

Since the company was formed in 2011 London & Partners has brought 954 companies to the capital – that’s an average of one firm every day and-half – which commits to moving or expanding in London.