Building Bridges: New Jersey Heads to the UK to Strengthen Economic, Higher Ed, and Cultural Ties

New Jersey is actively working to deepen its economic, higher education, and cultural ties with the United Kingdom, fostering partnerships that drive growth, innovation, and opportunity across both regions.

The NJ-UK Connection Unlocks Opportunity

The economic relationship between New Jersey and the UK is stronger than ever. In 2023 alone, the two regions exchanged $9.6 billion in goods, making the UK New Jersey’s sixth-largest trading partner. But the relationship goes beyond the numbers. UK-based companies have found a natural home in New Jersey, contributing to nearly 12,000 local jobs and energizing our economy.

Barclays, the London-based financial giant, expanded its operations into Whippany, New Jersey, in 2018. With state-of-the-art facilities and a focus on technology and innovation, Barclays is positioning its United States operations for long-term growth, tapping into New Jersey’s world-class talent pool. Whippany is now one of the key hubs in Barclays’ global strategy, benefiting from the state’s proximity to New York City and its deep expertise in finance and technology.

Another standout example is Unilever, a global, UK-based consumer goods giant known for its diverse range of products, from food and beverages to beauty and personal care. In 2018, Unilever invested around $100 million to establish its North American headquarters in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. This state-of-the-art facility serves as a hub for innovation, marketing, and product development, driving the company’s extensive portfolio of brands. Unilever chose New Jersey for its proximity to key markets, access to top talent in the New York metropolitan area, and the state’s strengths in research and development. The strategic location also allows Unilever to efficiently distribute products along the East Coast, making New Jersey a vital part of its North American operations. Unilever’s success in New Jersey is a testament to the state’s ability to support global companies in achieving their goals.

This success is not limited to established industries. New Jersey is quickly becoming a leader in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI) and fintech. With a growing number of AI-driven companies calling the state home, New Jersey is at the forefront of integrating advanced technology into everyday business practices. The state’s robust tech ecosystem, supported by renowned academic institutions, is helping businesses adopt AI to streamline operations, enhance decision-making, and drive innovation.

In fintech, New Jersey’s financial services sector offers companies strategic proximity to the New York financial markets, along with a business environment designed to support growth. Fintech firms in New Jersey benefit from the state’s robust infrastructure, skilled workforce, and accessible resources.

Our partnership is reciprocal. Over the past five years, dozens of New Jersey-based corporations have made significant investments in the UK. Recent data shows New Jersey as the top-performing U.S. state for foreign direct investment into London, led by New Jersey-based technology companies.

Cultural Connections

The cultural ties between New Jersey and the UK go back centuries. New Jersey is home to the fifth-largest UK-born population in the United States, with counties named Sussex, Essex, and Middlesex dotting the map. In fact, Kearny, once known as the “Scots Capital of America,” carries a proud Scottish heritage that is still felt throughout the community. But the connection goes even further to the island of Jersey in the UK, from which our state takes its name. 

When meeting with UK business leaders and officials, we’re not just talking about trade and investment; we’re reaffirming a shared cultural heritage and aligned values that deepen the relationship beyond business. New Jersey and the UK both prioritize innovation, sustainability, and inclusive economic growth, creating a foundation for partnerships that resonate on multiple levels.

Why UK Companies Choose New Jersey

UK companies consistently choose New Jersey for its highly skilled workforce, strategic location, and robust infrastructure. With the #2-ranked public school system, prestigious universities, and industry leadership in technology, life sciences, clean energy, and logistics, New Jersey offers UK businesses a powerful platform for sustainable growth and innovation.

New Jersey’s accessibility is a distinct advantage. Newark Liberty International Airport offers 10 daily direct flights to the UK, making travel between the two regions efficient and reliable. With additional flights from JFK and Philadelphia, along with the advantage of East Coast time alignment, conducting business in New Jersey is significantly easier than on the West Coast. This convenience isn’t just a perk — it’s a competitive edge that provides UK companies with the streamlined access they need to grow and succeed in the U.S. market.

The Future is Bright

New Jersey is committed to building on its strong foundation with the UK. As we continue to foster relationships across our mutual industries, the future holds even more growth opportunities. UK companies who are not just looking for a place to do business but a strategic partner to help them thrive in the competitive North American market should look to New Jersey.

As part of our commitment to strengthening ties between New Jersey and the UK, we have established the New Jersey Europe Center, dedicated to helping European companies thrive in our state. The Center is the best resource for businesses looking to expand into the North American market, providing personalized support and strategic guidance. Barry Clarke, Choose New Jersey’s dedicated representative in the UK, works closely with companies to ensure they have the tools, connections, and insights they need to succeed in New Jersey. With Barry and the New Jersey Europe Center, we’re making it easy for businesses to seize the endless opportunities that New Jersey has to offer.