Supporting German Business in the UK

We are a private organisation of 100 members of the board of German businesses in the UK with a German majority shareholding.  They represent some 100 businesses, employing some 100,000 people. Our USP is to lobby the UK Government, our mission is to support German business in the UK.

Latest Events

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First GIUK Online Meeting of 2025

Thursday 27th February, 2025

Policy & Incentives to drive UK Businesses towards a Net Zero future

Event Details

Special Event One/25

Monday 19th May, 2025

GIUK 50th Anniversary Celebration Reception

Event Details

Featured News

GIUK Press Release - Many Challenges for Labour

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Our History

Since our establishment, we have been at the forefront of supporting German businesses in the UK. Representing 100 businesses and 100,000 employees, our mission has always been to advocate for our members and strengthen the UK-German business relationship.

1975

GIUK Establishd

Founded on 19 May 1975 at the Institute of Directors, Belgrave Square, London SW1 as the German Industry Forum by Dr Bernd Atenstaedt (BDI London) and 13 chief executives of German owned companies.

1993

BDI Secretariat, Dr Bernd Atenstaedt as Director

The secretariat of the German Industry Forum was at the offices of the Federation of German Industry (BDI) in Bruton Street, London, W1 and Dr Bernd Atenstaedt became Director.

2004

Renamed GERMAN INDUSTRY UK

The German Industry Forum was renamed GERMAN INDUSTRY UK and Dr Bernd Atenstaedt became Chief Executive.

2009

Office Relocation & Leadership Shift

Renovations at the GIUK Office in London and new office set up near Dr Bernd Atenstaedt`s home in Wales where it has then remained. In 2012 Dr Bernd Atenstaedt became Chairman.

2021

Leadership Transitions

Dr Bernd Atenstaedt became Executive President and Phil McClennon took over as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

2025

50 years

of supporting German business in the UK.

Member Testimonials

The German Industry UK provides a valuable platform for discussion and partnerships to help drive the interest of German business in the UK forward.

Dr Markus Grüneisl, Chief Executive Officer
BMW (UK) Manufacturing Ltd. & Swindon Pressings Ltd.

In a world where barriers to trade are becoming ever more prevalent, it is important to promote the benefits of free trade. GIUK plays an important role bringing business and government together to promote the benefits of trade between the UK and Germany and the wider European Union.

James Stephens, Vice President Corporate Affairs
DHL UK & Ireland

German Industry UK (GIUK) serves as a significant catalyst in promoting productive discourse between commercial entities and government officials, effectively advocating for the interests of German corporations. We hold in high regard GIUK's dedication to fortifying the economic bonds between Germany and the UK, which is one of our key markets in Europe.

Heiner Boehmer, Managing Director
Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen Girozentrale (Helaba)

GERMAN INDUSTRY UK (GIUK) plays a vital role in fostering constructive dialogue between businesses and government bodies, ensuring that the interests of German companies like the Lufthansa Group are well-represented. We greatly value GIUK’s commitment to strengthening the economic relationship between Germany and the UK, one of our strategic markets in Europe.

Sven Thaler, Senior Director Sales Northern Europe
Deutsche Lufthansa AG

Miele have been members of German Industry UK for many years, and we are proud to represent the interests of German businesses in the UK, alongside many other well-established and well-known companies. Collectively, we act as ambassadors for German businesses, their employees and the wider stakeholders that we represent, including millions of customers. GIUK creates many valuable forums to support each other as well as through excellent relationships with relevant Government departments. Miele GB is proud to work as part of this group to secure an exciting and prosperous future for all.

John Pickering, Managing Director
Miele GB

GIUK provide a great way for German Companies to access Policy makers and a network where it is possible to identify and resolve issues. GIUK are very well connected at Ministerial level which provides the opportunity to lobby on behalf of Industry.

Terry Sargeant, Chairman
Thyssenkrupp UK plc

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