PN06/2012

20 January 2011

Crispin Simon appointed Managing Director Trade SMEs

UK Trade & Investment today announced the appointment of Crispin Simon as the Managing Director Trade SMEs.

Crispin will begin his role in February and will be responsible for the delivery of UKTI’s support for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in international markets.

Nick Baird, UK Trade & Investment CEO, commented:

“Crispin brings a wealth of business experience including 20 years as a Managing Director and Chief Executive in manufacturing and services businesses. UK Trade & Investment’s strategy: Britain Open for Business focuses on targeting innovative and high-growth SMEs and on building strategic relationships. Crispin’s contribution in these areas will be key. I am really excited about Crispin joining UK Trade & Investment and I am sure that he will make a real impact.”

Crispin Simon added:

“This is an exciting time to be joining UK Trade & Investment. SMEs are the engine room of the UK economy, making a significant contribution to national GDP, job creation and the promotion of innovation. In 2011 SMEs accounted for more than half of employment and almost half of turnover in the UK private sector. But not enough SMEs are exporting to overseas markets. UK Trade & Investment has a crucial role to play and we intend to double our SME client base from 25,000 companies to around 50,000 companies over the next three years. I look forward to helping to achieve this target.”

Prior to his appointment at UK Trade & Investment, Crispin was Chief Executive of Biocompatibles International plc. Other career highlights include senior management positions at Smith and Nephew plc and Bowater plc (now Rexam plc) and earlier positions at McKinsey and Co Inc, and NM Rothschild and Sons Ltd.

Crispin is married to Georgina (Brown) a theatre critic. They have two children.

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.ukor telephone +44 (0)207 215 8000. For latest press releases, visit the online newsroom at www.ukti.gov.uk/media.

Media contact

For more information, please contact Benno Hilton at UK Trade & Investment on 020 7215 4218 or e-mail benno.hilton@ukti.gsi.gov.uk