Author Archives: UKTIWebteam

China : A marathon not a sprint

Posted on November 11, 2010 by UKTIWebteam

Globalisation is what has really struck me on this visit. A small example. Vince Cable opened a BT facility here in Beijing. The BT high-up present turned out to live in the same road as Vince in Twickenham. A bigger … Continue reading →

We need to compete harder in cold, bright Beijing

Posted on November 10, 2010 by UKTIWebteam

Beijing – cold, bright and crowded. Motorcade whisks to hotel. Swift shave and shower then briefing, meeting Chinese companies and the Great Hall of the People. We have negotiated to get the business delegation in. Normally this is mandarin time. … Continue reading →

Updating world perceptions of the UK

Posted on September 8, 2010 by UKTIWebteam

I’ve been followed by natural disasters on this visit. The day I left NZ there was an earthquake in Christchurch. In Melbourne, the state had its worst floods for decades. But I’m happy to report that the UK National Day … Continue reading →

Inward investment results show ongoing UK strength

Posted on July 26, 2010 by UKTIWebteam

The past two weeks have seen the release of the UK’s inward investment results for the past 12 months and I am highly encouraged by the figures. We all know the recent economic environment has been difficult. But the inward … Continue reading →

Singapore: Sheer fun, Death Eaters and a Sky Garden

Posted on March 16, 2010 by UKTIWebteam

Sometimes one lucks out. Sheer fun comes with the job. In Singapore, perhaps not by chance, I saw how special effects are put in film and spent two hours exploring a massive construction site. Talk about boys’ toys! Now I … Continue reading →

Indonesia – A Huge Source of Opportunity

Posted on March 12, 2010 by UKTIWebteam

Two important visitors to Indonesia in March.  The other one?  Oh, that’s Barack Obama who is coming to see his childhood home in Jakarta and touch base with this most populous muslim country.  Did you know it has the fourth … Continue reading →

Next stop Japan

Posted on February 4, 2010 by UKTIWebteam

The first time I stayed in the Residence in Tokyo, the Ambassador had a rather rickety Rolls Royce, the art collection was fusty and old-fashioned and the ikebana (flower arrangements) was wondrous. Well now his wheels is a Jaguar (Indian-owned, … Continue reading →

Investing time in Korea

Posted on February 2, 2010 by UKTIWebteam

The Map Room in the Foreign Office tells you a lot about the 1920’s British view of the world. Lots of empire, some Europe, Asia pretty sparse. Well, in the offices of the Korean equivalent of UKTI, Kotra, there is … Continue reading →

From snow to Seoul

Posted on February 1, 2010 by UKTIWebteam

On a plane back to London. I had to leave on Friday evening as I was flying to South Korea on Saturday. Pity. There are always more people to meet at Davos.  But I have over 40 of the best … Continue reading →

Davos, back to back

Posted on January 29, 2010 by UKTIWebteam

Yesterday began with a FT/HSBC breakfast at 7.30am and finished with a McKinsey’s reception at midnight. In between, it’s been non-stop talking, card exchanging, listening. One CEO said to me that Davos had saved him three weeks’ travelling. But it … Continue reading →