LFSI hosts international embassy trade specialists
THE Leeds city region has taken further steps to boost its international profile as a financial services centre by hosting a visit by 20 trade and investment specialists from UK embassies around the world.
The visit is part of a week-long tour organised by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and the City of London to promote the UK’s financial and legal services industry and attract inward investment and overseas business. The Leeds visit, hosted by Leeds Financial services Initiative (LFSI), was the first stop for the group after spending last week in London.
The group, which includes specialists from 14 countries ranging from Australia to China, Brazil, India and the USA, spent the day in Leeds and Harrogate receiving presentations from Jonathan Proctor and a team from international law firm DLA Piper, insurance brokerage firm Bartletts, LFSI and Leeds Legal.
They met more members of the city’s financial community at a networking lunch before travelling to Engage Mutual in Harrogate to hear about the benefits of mutual organisations in financial services.
Kevin O’Connor, chairman of LFSI commented: “It is all the more important in these difficult economic times that we continue our international promotional activity. The inclusion of Leeds city region in this tour is another important step in raising the international profile of the city as a key player in the UK financial services industry.
“Today we were able to project a strong message that the quality of professional and financial services available here is equal to that of London at a much lower cost base – which in this difficult economic climate is a strong selling point for us.” added Mr O’ Connor.
Mark Robson, UKTI’s regional international trade director, said: “This visit of embassies’ commercial staff to Leeds underlines the importance of the city as the UK’s second largest financial centre. The staff in our embassies and consulates are the first port of call for many overseas companies looking for potential business opportunities in Yorkshire.
“This visit is an ideal opportunity for the delegates to learn more about the city region and what it has to offer. This in turn will help to enhance the services we can offer to businesses when they are seeking to do business abroad, and for overseas enterprises seeking to locate in the UK.”
