I guess everyone has a mental image of a place, born from reading books or watching films and TV. So when I travelled to Miami to meet up with the British Consul General, Kevin McGurgan, and his remarkable team, the tropical storm that greeted the plane when it tried to land the first time took me by surprise. Indeed I could see the runway a few feet below my window when the aircraft veered sharply upwards back into the dark cloudy sky and the pilot said in a jovial voice, “welcome to sunny Miami, we’ll do another circuit to let you enjoy the view!”
Our Miami office is a mix of different UK departments with a great Corporate Services head, who together practice a “one team” approach to showcasing UK PLC. Open plan to ensure a good level of interaction, all play their part to ensure British interests are furthered and the evidence speaks for itself. The Consular Team handles a myriad of issues affecting British Citizens either living in the Florida area or passing through on holiday or business. From lost passports and advice, through to hospital visits, the team are constantly there and available. They took me on a prison visit – my first – and the remarkable compassion and level of knowledge shown was both obviously comforting (that we do care) and of practical help. I was quite humbled by the experience.
A few facts about Florida that may come as a surprise:
- It has the 20th largest economy in the world, roughly equivalent to the Netherlands
- There are over 340 British-affiliated companies operating there
- UK is the 2nd largest investor in Florida with $4.9 billion invested (2007)
- Florida imported $1.6 billion from the UK in 2010
And the weather? Well after a short visit I am pleased to say my image of Miami is comfortably restored. Well worth a visit….