Annual Review of the Financial Year ending 31st March 2009
Foreword by HRH The Duke of York
This is the first Annual Review of my work as the UK's Special Representative for International Trade and Investment. It is timely because the unprecedented global economic turbulence has shown that now, more than ever, our living standards in an open economy depend on the flow of international investment and trade.
Our review covers the activities of the financial year to 31st March, 2009. It offers an insight into the work I have undertaken on behalf of British businesses as they go about creating prosperity for the people of the UK in a challenging period.
Our work covers many different areas. They include:
- Strengthening bilateral relations with heads of state and heads of governments;
- Visiting businesses large and small in their own environment, listening to their views and representing these back to the UK Government;
- Receiving business leaders and co-ordinating campaigns to win business in overseas markets;
- Hosting business events and receiving inward visiting leaders and business delegations at Buckingham Palace.
Our workload has doubled since 2005. During this year, I carried out 429 trade related engagements overseas, covering 23 countries, and 218 business engagements within the UK.
My role has evolved over the years since 2001 when I became the UK's Special Representative for International Trade and Investment. To keep it up to date, we recently subjected the position to an independent review through a privately funded consultancy process, using PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
Amongst the improvements that have resulted are our recent appointment of a Senior Business Advisor, a tighter and more devolved budget including travel, a greater level of cross-departmental co-ordination, and the launch of this annual review.
I would like to thank all the team who work with me for their expertise and commitment to make the role of Special Representative a positive source of support for Britain’s international investment and trade.
I am delighted and honoured to carry out this important role in support of The Queen, Government and business as a whole, and look forward with confidence to further positive progress in what promises to be a busy year ahead.
DOY REVIEW 2009 - Version 1510091.pdf
(PDF document, 98 KB)
Overseas Trade Programme during the Financial Year, 2008-09
(PDF document, 112 KB)
UK Away Day Programme during the Financial Year, 2008-09
(PDF document, 89KB)
