Britain ’s forthcoming exit from the European Union has been blamed for a significant decline in the number of European businesses registered in the UK . In 2016 - 17 , there were 40 % fewer French business registered compared to the previous year , while Dutch registrations tumbled by 52 % . Business lobby groups have blamed the downturn on the uncertainty surrounding the Brexit talks. A similar decline has been seen in the area of direct foreign investment into the UK , which fell 90 % in Britain .
Britain ’s forthcoming exit from the European Union has been blamed for a significant decline in the number of European businesses registered in the UK . In 2016 - 17 , there were 40 % fewer French business registered compared to the previous year , while Dutch registrations tumbled by 52 % . A similar decline has been seen in the area of direct foreign investment into the UK , which fell 90 % in Britain .