United Kingdom: Meta UK

Overview

Meta UK Ltd is the primary British subsidiary of Meta Platforms, Inc. (formerly Facebook Inc.), the global technology conglomerate headquartered in Menlo Park, California. Based in London, Meta UK Ltd oversees a range of operations including advertising sales, government relations, marketing, and regulatory compliance across the United Kingdom.

Though Meta’s European operations are principally handled by Meta Platforms Ireland Ltd, the UK subsidiary has grown significantly in prominence and financial stature since 2021, when the company began recognizing UK advertising revenues locally in response to heightened regulatory scrutiny and international tax reforms.

Key Information

  • Registered Name: Meta UK Ltd
  • Former Name: Facebook UK Ltd
  • Registered Office: 10 Brock Street, London, NW1 3FG, United Kingdom
  • Incorporated: 2007
  • Parent Company: Meta Platforms, Inc. (USA)

Main Activities

  • Digital Advertising Sales: Provides marketing and advertising services for Meta-owned platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger.
  • Policy and Public Affairs: Interfaces with UK government, regulators (including Ofcom, CMA, and ICO), civil society groups, and the media.
  • Marketing and Brand Partnerships: Develops campaigns and strategic collaborations across sectors including media, retail, and the public sector.
  • Research and Development Support: Though core R&D is conducted elsewhere, Meta UK hosts some teams supporting Reality Labs (AR/VR) and artificial intelligence.

Financial Performance

Meta UK Ltd’s financial disclosures indicate significant growth in revenue and profitability since the restructuring of ad sales in 2021. Key developments include:

  • Revenue Recognition Shift: The company began booking UK advertising revenue locally, leading to a substantial rise in turnover in Companies House filings from 2021 onward.
  • Corporate Tax Payments: Under increased scrutiny from HMRC and the UK public, Meta UK Ltd has reported higher corporate tax contributions, aligning with broader global tax transparency initiatives and OECD guidelines.

Notable Developments

  • Rebranding: In 2021, Facebook UK Ltd changed its name to Meta UK Ltd in line with the global rebranding of its parent company. Many official documents—especially annual reports and financial statements—continue to refer to it as “Facebook UK Ltd” out of consistency with past filings and for recognizability.
  • London Hub: The company has expanded its London office space, positioning the city as a key base for European business operations.

Leadership

As of mid-2025, Meta UK Ltd is led by a Managing Director (UK & Ireland), typically a senior executive reporting to Meta’s EMEA leadership in Dublin and global headquarters in California. Recent officeholders have included former UK policy advisors and technology executives.