LONDON (AFX) - The UK's exclusion from the euro is not deterring inward investment, a group of leading companies will tell one of Europe's largest investment conferences later today, according to a report in the Financial Times. According to the report, drawn up by London First, which includes nearly 300 big companies, will tell the MIPIM international trade fair in Cannes that the euro has failed to dent the UK's position as Europe's leading location for inward investment. Jo Valentine, the business group's chief operating officer, will reportedly tell the conference that member companies say the English language and competitive business methods are more important than the currency issue. In a separate report, the Financial Times says that Prime Minister Tony Blair is looking to bolster the case for UK membership by proposing modest reform of the European Union at this week's EU summit in Barcelona.