Published: Wednesday, 1 September 2010

British companies wanted to bat for business down under

Cricket fans who also double as businesspeople will have the opportunity to combine business with pleasure at the Ashes this winter.

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), the government’s international business development department, is organising a series of events over the course of the England cricket team’s tour to promote the benefits of business down under.

Between thirty to forty thousand England fans are expected to follow the England cricket team to Australia this year. UKTI is hoping to encourage them to spend some time away from the cricket seeing just what Australia has to offer their businesses.

Paul Noon, Director of UK Trade & Investment in Australia, said: “Brits are generally very familiar with Australia as a cricket and tourist destination. What we are trying to do is encourage the many business people who will be out here over the winter to appreciate Australia’s business climate as well.

“Australia’s very strong recent economic performance, best in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), plus the cultural, regulatory and business similarities all mean it is an excellent place for British companies to export to or invest in.

“Australia is in a part of the world that is growing and prosperous. It is an excellent jumping off point to the whole of the Asia pacific region.

“Last year trade between Australia and the UK grew to £11.4 billion.

“I hope British businesspeople who visit Australia this summer will think let us help them make the most of the tremendous business opportunities Australia offers.”

The business events, which include market briefings, will be hosted in conjunction with Australian government organisations as well as commercial partners.

Read more on business opportunities in Australia during the Ashes series.

Media contact

For more information, please contact James Clements in UKTI Press Office on 020 7215 2491 or james.clements@ukti.gsi.gov.uk.

Notes to editors

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the government department that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy. We also help overseas companies bring their high quality investment to the UK’s economy – acknowledged as Europe’s best place from which to succeed in global business. UKTI offers expertise and contacts through its extensive network of specialists in the UK, and in British embassies and other diplomatic offices around the world. We provide companies with the tools they require to be competitive on the world stage.

For more information on UKTI, visit www.ukti.gov.uk or telephone +44 (0)20 7215 8000. For latest press releases, visit the online newsroom at www.ukti.gov.uk/media. You can also keep in touch with developments at UKTI through www.blog.ukti.gov.uk, www.twitter.com/ukti and www.flickr.com/photos/tags/ukti.