Irwin Mitchell and the Centre for Economics and Business Research (has published its 2025 UK Attractiveness Index
Cardiff has maintained its position as the 13th most attractive city in the UK for investment with Swansea languishing as the second least attractive, shows new research from law firm Irwin Mitchell and the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr).
The UK Attractiveness Index for 2025 ranks 48 major locations in the UK based on a wide range of factors including growth potential, which assesses forecasts for gross value added and employment, local skills and local infrastructure (major road length to population).
Cardiff maintains its ranking of 13th achieved last year, while Swansea is ranked the second lowest in 47th place – having been ranked the lowest in the 2024 index.
Cardiff recorded an overall score of 38.9 in securing its 13th position. The report attributes this rise primarily to improving qualification levels, which continue to enhance the city’s competitiveness and talent base.
READ MORE: Welsh self storage entrepreneur eyeing international expansionREAD MORE: Christmas trading is crucial for the economy
Although forecasts for GVA and employment have eased slightly compared to previous projections, it says that Cardiff has remained resilient and despite a six-place drop in the growth potential ranking, the city still holds a strong position at 11th.
Bryan Bletso, head of international at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Cardiff is showing further progress this year. Its strengths in public sector research and creative industries are creating real opportunities for growth and attracting attention from overseas investors. With continued focus on skills and innovation, Cardiff can build on this success and go even further.”
On the UK position he added; “The UK’s enduring competitive advantages shine through – a highly skilled workforce, world-class education, universities and research institutions, and thriving knowledge-intensive clusters. By continuing to deepen workforce skills, strengthen research collaboration, and expand training pipelines, the UK is well positioned to attract cutting-edge investment and create high-quality jobs across the country.
“With a continued focus on delivery, policy stability, and effective local governance, coupled with the deep corporate funding liquidity of the City of London, I am confident that the UK will remain at the forefront of global investment destinations for years to come.
Some 46 out of 48 cities have improved their scores compared to last year’s index.
London is ranked first followed by Edinburgh, Oxford and Birmingham. The league table is propped up by Belfast. Rotherham is ahead of Swansea in 46th place and Wakefield 45th and Hull 44th. The biggest riser on last year’s index is Solihull, up 11 places to 22nd.
READ MORE: Big rise in unemployment in Wales with economic inactivity remaining a big issueREAD MORE: Swansea Council has appetite to operate its own bus service
The report also sets out policy recommendations for the UK as a whole, including deepening workforce skills and research collaboration, spreading London’s advantages across the UK through infrastructure and devolved investment tools, and prioritising policy stability and strong trade relationships to maintain the UK’s global competitiveness.
