Neil Reynolds, Managing Director, Biwater Europe
"Since 2007 the Duke of York has supported Biwater‘s work, especially on its projects in both Abu Dhabi and Libya. He has done this through making a real connection with senior government officials. His ability to influence decision makers towards British expertise has greatly increased Biwater‘s chances of success with contract awards in both countries."
Malcolm Brinded, Managing Director, Shell
"British Trade and Investment benefits greatly from the strong support that the Duke of York provides in his role as The UK’s Special Representative For International Trade & Investment. His experience, commitment and global reach are a real asset to UK companies operating around the world, in a wide range of businesses."
Sir Thomas Harris, Vice Chairman, Standard Chartered Capital Markets
"As first a diplomat and then as a banker, I have seen at first hand the tangible benefits which have flowed from the work of The Duke of York as the UK‘s Special Representative for Trade and Investment. There are too many examples to quote them all but I recall those US firms I knew who only decided to invest in the UK after his personal intervention; or that major Korean Pension Fund which only began to do business in the City after his personal invitation to come to see what was on offer in London; or those banking licences granted to Standard Chartered and HSBC in Vietnam after he had raised the issue at the highest level on a visit to Hanoi. Much of his work is necessarily unpublicised but, in current circumstances, we are fortunate to have a Royal envoy who is knowledgeable about business and devoted to the promotion of economic prosperity in his country."
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Peter Levene, Chairman, Lloyd’s of London
"The continuing success of British business, especially at a time of such testing economic conditions, depends to a considerable extent on the image of the United Kingdom worldwide. The global programme of visits by The Duke of York in his role as the UK Special Representative for International Trade and Investment, succeeds in presenting the achievements and potential of the UK at the highest levels of Government and Industry in a way which is rarely available to other nations."
Chris Hyman, Chief Executive, Serco Group plc
"Being British stands for a lot in the global market but in a competitive world having the right service quality at the right price is just expected. So if we are to win it is vitally important to have support and endorsement from those inside and outside of government. As a result of the Duke of York's very significant help we have won a £400 million contract to operate the new Dubai Metro. His ability to skilfully establish and develop strong relationships in this important market has been very helpful. This new business, and the Duke's ongoing support, will further our growth in that region which continues to enhance UK plc."
Graham Cartledge, Chairman, Benoy
"Benoy has built an enviable reputation as a leading designer of retail and leisure destinations across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. We feel that the role of His Royal Highness as Special Representative for International Trade and Investment has added a new dimension to the UK business offer, contributing to a greater visibility and bargaining power for UK business abroad. Benoy is especially grateful for his help and work on our behalf in the Middle East, where we have won several contracts with a budget of over £5 billion, including the design of one of the world's largest and most prestigious retail and leisure destinations."
Sir David Wright, Vice Chairman, Barclays Capital
"I have had the pleasure of working with HRH both during my time as Chief Executive of UK Trade & Investment and subsequently as Vice Chairman of Barclays Capital. In the increasingly competitive and globalised market in which we work, it is vital to maximise the support which companies can secure from effective international networks. HRH provides access to one of these in his role in support of business. This is an asset of value for companies and the UK brand."
Frank Chapman Chief Executive BG Group
"The Duke of York is strongly committed to promoting UK trade and investment. His visits to our countries of operation give visibility and impact to UK investment and create a positive environment for engagement with government and other stakeholders. In a competitive global economy he adds strength and presence to the reputation of UK businesses."
Edward Chen, Managing Director, Huawei UK & Ireland
"We greatly appreciate the support of the Duke of York as Special Representative for International Trade and Investment. He has shown a high level of insight into our industry's technology, as well as a keen interest in facilitating both continued investment and growth in the UK operations. The Duke's extensive influence international should prove to be very beneficial in increasing cultural and business ties between our two countries."
Tony Allum CBE FREng, Chairman, Halcrow Group
"Halcrow is expanding rapidly outside of the UK, and is making great progress in regions such as the Middle East, India and North America. The contact we've had with Prince Andrew in this period of growth has provided us with invaluable insight and support. He helped to host our 50-year celebrations in Dubai in 2002 and since then has actively worked with us to open up new opportunities for the business in different parts of the world."
Lord Foster of Thamesbank OM, Chairman, Foster + Partners
"We are grateful to HRH The Duke of York, in his role as Special Representative for International Trade and Investment, for all of the work he has done on our behalf in raising Foster + Partners' global profile. He has particularly helped us in the Middle East where he has shown great skill in establishing and nurturing commercial relationships at the highest possible level"
Tony Fernandes, Chief Executive, AirAsia
"What the world needs to know is how hard the Duke of York worked for British industry to ensure AirAsia X became a reality. It was through his hard efforts that AirAsia chose Rolls-Royce engines and ensured we got credit support. As AirAsia X grows, the importance of HRH’s involvement can never be underestimated and will clearly be remembered as a pivotal step for the airline."
Anthony Gajadharsingh, Chief of Staff, Invensys plc
"The Duke's office has been instrumental in putting us together with like-minded British companies to do business overseas, particularly in our targeted fast growing markets. We are working very well together on structuring offers that benefit the host country, while at the same time acting as a live representation of British innovation at its best”.
Steve Forbes, Editor-in-Chief, Forbes magazine
"His Royal Highness the Duke of York spoke at the Forbes CEO Middle East Forum at Doha. The subject of his remarks was global trade and the need to remove barriers to commerce. The speech's theme of the benefits of free trade - especially for developing countries - was timely in that the Doha Round of trade talks is in jeopardy and protectionist pressures are rising. HRH's remarks were extremely well received. Delegates were also delighted by his being so personable. He has a wonderful sense of humor, too."
Phil Cox, Chief Executive, International Power
"The Duke of York has been extremely supportive of our efforts internationally. His role as Special Representative for British Business has helped us to explain and promote our Company's credentials to the decision-makers in a number of countries which has helped both our Company's and British business interests generally."
Sir John Rose, Chief Executive, Rolls Royce Group Plc
"We have been grateful for HRH the Duke of York's support in his role as a Special Representative for International Trade and Investment with UKTI in many countries, where his presence is able to generate a great deal of interest in Rolls-Royce and its programmes. For example, his contribution in Asia, including China, has been very positive and we value his involvement. The Duke has a real grasp of the importance and potential of engineering, helped enormously by the fact that he knows Rolls-Royce first hand from his service in the Royal Navy as a pilot who flew Rolls-Royce powered helicopters."
Lord King of Bridgwater, Director, Excel London
“The Duke of York's decision to hold a dinner to mark the newly completed extension of Excel London was a most welcome recognition of this valuable inward investment in the U.K. from Abu Dhabi. All present could not fail to be impressed by The Duke’s deep knowledge of the region, and of his energetic commitment to supporting the U.K. economy.”
