5 best UK stocks to buy for Q1 2025

The UK economy is one of the most stable in the world and is home to many leading companies. This guide picks five of the best British stocks to buy in 2025
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Updated on Nov 30, 2023
Reading time 7 minutes

Our investment experts have investigated the UK stock market and selected the best stocks to buy now. Read on to learn which companies our experts recommend for the year ahead.  

What are the top UK stocks to buy?

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You can find our expertly selected recommendations below. Discover which British companies are the best to invest in and click the buttons to buy right now.

#Stock symbolCompany nameTrade now
1AVAviva
2ABFAssociated British Foods
3BRBYBurberry
4GRGGreggs
Trade GRG

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5BPBP
Trade BP

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List chosen by our team of analysts, updated January 2025.

1. Aviva (AV)

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Aviva is one of the United Kingdom’s leading insurance companies and is part of the FTSE 100 index. With a market capitalisation of over £12 billion, it is considered one of the best British stocks to invest in. 

The company has undergone some changes recently, most notably appointing a new CEO, Amanda Blanc, in 2020. Under the new CEO’s leadership, Aviva has started moving in a new direction by focusing on increasing its market share and its core markets, including the UK, Ireland, and Canada. 

The company offers a wide range of insurance products, including life, general, and health insurance. Aviva also pays a healthy dividend of nearly 7%, making it a top British stock for income investors. 

2. Associated British Foods (ABF)

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Associated British Foods is a London-based company that operates in five segments, including groceries, sugars, agriculture, ingredients, and retail. While ABF may not be a well-known company, it owns several leading brands, such as Ryvita, Ovaltine, Twinings, and Patak’s. Its past performance has put it in a good position for future growth. 

Its flagship holding is the UK’s number one fast fashion retailer, Primark, with operations in the UK and across Europe. ABF’s diverse portfolio of businesses, combined with its strong brands and global reach, make it one of the best British stocks to invest in.

Associated British Foods stock price has been in a downward trend for the past few years; however, our experts believe 2025 could see a change in direction. It owns many businesses that should perform well in all economic climates, especially recessions, which is why it’s one of the best UK shares to buy and hold for the short term and the next several years. 

3. Burberry (BRBY)

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Burberry is a famous luxury fashion brand that designs, manufactures, and sells high-end clothing and accessories. It is best known for its signature check pattern, which has become synonymous with the brand. Headquartered in the UK, Burberry operates in several markets, including Europe, Asia, and the Americas. 

The company generates revenue from its retail stores, online platforms, and wholesale market. It has invested heavily in its digital channels, focusing on e-commerce and social media. Burberry has also developed several initiatives, such as augmented reality experiences, to enhance the customer experience and drive sales.

Burberry stands out as one of the best UK shares to buy for its strong growth in Europe and China. It makes roughly a quarter of its revenue from the Chinese market. With covid related shutdowns ending in the country, sales and revenues are anticipated to reach pre pandemic levels. Burberry is also somewhat shielded from recession concerns being a high-end luxury brand, making it a top British stock for the long term. 

4. Greggs (GRG)

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Greggs is one of the UK’s leading bakeries and on-the-go food retailers, with more than 2,000 locations nationwide. It sells pastries, cakes, and sandwiches on many of Britain’s high streets and is best known for its sausage roll. 

The company has a long-standing reputation for producing quality food at an affordable price, making it popular among consumers of all ages. Its focus on convenience and affordability has helped it to establish a strong position in the UK food retail sector. 

Thanks to its large and dedicated customer base, GRG is one of the best UK shares to buy. It also pays a healthy dividend making it a top choice for investors wanting a combination of growth and income. Its low price point has helped it weather economic downturns in the past, which it should be able to replicate in any future recessionary periods and its true value may still be untapped. 

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5. BP (BP)

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The United Kingdom is home to many of the world’s leading oil and gas companies, and BP is our experts’ top pick for 2025. With operations spanning over 70 countries, BP makes money from exploring, producing, refining, and selling oil and gas products. 

The company has significantly benefited from the recent rise in gas and oil prices, with its share price rising by nearly 200% since late 2020. Combined with its investment and strategic focus on renewable energy, BP ranks as one of the best UK companies to buy. 

BP is also known for paying a healthy dividend, making it an attractive option for income-seeking investors. With many experts suggesting a recession may hit in 2023, commodity oil and gas stocks may protect a diversified portfolio. 

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Where to buy the best UK shares

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You can buy any of the UK stocks discussed on this page using the brokers below. You can get started in just a few minutes by clicking any of the links below.

We found 14 online brokers for users based in

eToro review
4.6
eToro
Min. Deposit $100
Fees 1%
No. assets 50+
Demo account Yes

eToro review

eToro offers real assets only, no CFD products. eToro securities trading offered by eToro USA Securities, Inc. (‘the BD”), member of FINRA and SIPC. Investing involves risk, and content is provided for educational purposes only, does not imply a recommendation, and is not a guarantee of future performance. Invezz.com is not an affiliate and may be compensated if you access certain products or services offered by the BD.

Plus500 review
4.5
Plus500
Min. Deposit $100
Fees From 2%
No. assets 2800+
Demo account Yes

Plus500 review

Buy or sell stock CFDs with Plus500. 82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

IG review
4.4
IG Markets
Min. Deposit n/a
Fees Spread only
No. assets 17000+
Demo account Yes

IG review

Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

What is a UK stock?

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A UK stock is a company headquartered in and operates out of the United Kingdom. Many of the best British stocks do not solely focus on the UK market and have operations across the globe. Due to their size, many UK stocks are listed on American stock exchanges and in the UK. All of the companies on our list can be bought on the LSE. 

Are UK stocks a good investment?

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British stocks can be a good investment however, it will largely depend on the company and industry you invest in. The United Kingdom has one of the most stable economies in the world, although it is still susceptible to ups and downs, so it is important to research the best British stocks before buying.

Some of the strongest-performing UK stocks tend to come from the financial sector due to London’s reputation as one of the world’s leading financial hubs. There are many other booming sectors within the UK market, and in our list above, you’ll find the best stocks from a range of industries. 

Investing into the best UK stocks can make a good investment; however, before making any investment decisions, it’s important to take the time to research. To stay up to date with the latest news and analysis for the best British stocks, use the links below.

Latest UK stocks news

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Prash Raval

Prash Raval

Financial Writer

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When not researching stocks or trading, Prash can be found either on the golf course, walking his dog or teaching his son how to kick a football....