New ‘Investing in Britain’ hubs to spotlight UK investment opportunities

New, more prominent, and easily navigable ways for people to find UK investment opportunities will be launched following a commitment from firms, including: Barclays Private Bank and Wealth Management, Fidelity International, Freetrade, Hargreaves Lansdown, HSBC UK, Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest Group, and Vanguard. Alongside this, the Investment Association (IA) has committed to lead a pan-industry data project to provide a clearer picture of how consumers are investing to inform future policy making. 

Building on the foundations of the Leeds Reforms to transform the UK’s retail investment culture, the new ‘Investing in Britain’ online hubs, set to launch in 2026, will be developed by firms to signpost consumers to ways to invest in UK companies. Measures to drive this cultural shift are already underway, including the retail investment campaign, rebalancing of risks warnings, and introduction of targeted support - initiatives which will help more people to harness the benefits of investing and build their financial resilience.

Recent research shows that consumers are already interested in investing in the UK, recognising that this can play a part in a diversified global investment strategy. Almost three quarters (71%) of retail investors believe it’s important to support the UK economy by investing in British businesses, and 68% feel that channelling capital to UK companies is important for boosting those businesses. Just under two-thirds (57%) of retail investors believe that it is important that they can invest in UK companies through their stocks and shares ISA. The new ‘Investing in Britain’ hubs will help spotlight these opportunities. 

The IA has also committed to gather industry-wide data to track how much retail money is going into UK equities over time to provide a clearer picture of how consumers are investing. The IA will coordinate with the Association of Investment Companies (AIC), the Platforms Association, investment platforms and the wider industry, as well as data providers to establish a single data set that will be compiled to show the levels of investment in UK companies, whether directly in shares or through funds or investment trusts.   

Chris Cummings, Chief Executive of the Investment Association, said: “Investment sits at the very heart of the UK’s growth ambitions. By making it easier for people to find and access opportunities to invest in British businesses, as part of a diversified investment approach, we are not only supporting individual financial resilience but also the broader economy. The appetite among UK investors to back domestic companies is clear, and by working together across the industry, we can help signpost people to those opportunities.”   

Chira Barua, CEO of Scottish Widows and CEO of Insurance, Pensions, and Investments at Lloyds Banking Group, said: “We are pleased to support the creation of ‘Investing in Britain’ hubs as part of our commitment to making UK investment opportunities more visible and accessible. Research from the Investment Association shows that 71% of retail investors believe it’s important to support the UK economy by investing in British businesses. This initiative gives self-directed investors the opportunity to do just that.” 

Jon Cleborne, Head of Vanguard Europe, said: “We are committed to helping more people in the UK achieve their long-term financial goals. As a signatory, we'll continue to expand our education and support to give people the confidence to invest. For those interested in investing in the UK, Vanguard offers a range of options to suit their needs and preferences.” 

Richard Flint, CEO of Hargreaves Lansdown, said: “It’s vital that we build a thriving retail investing culture in the UK so that people make the most of their money. As the country’s largest investment platform, we’re pleased to back today’s package of measures which we expect to make a real difference. We know that British investors already have a strong home bias, so by making UK investment options more prominent and accessible, we are both meeting client demand and expect even more people to invest in Britain.”   

Sasha Wiggins, Chief Executive Officer of Barclays Private Bank and Wealth Management, said: “Barclays is proud to join our industry peers in developing new, more accessible ways for people to discover and invest in British businesses. Our commitment is clear - to make it easier for individuals to find opportunities to invest in UK companies and empower them to make informed choices.

“We also recognise that education and confidence are fundamental to building a resilient investment culture. Investing is about securing long-term financial wellbeing and prosperity. We want everyone with the means to invest to feel more assured in taking the next step, and we look forward to sharing our progress.”