20th June 2012
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
Some commentators have argued that the UK can’t keep blaming Europe for our economic challenges. These trouble me and I want to correct some of claims that I’ve read. First, the claim that our trade with Europe isn’t significant, and thus doesn’t have an impact on our economic growth. Europe is Britain’s largest trading partner, […]
Read more on Britain’s Prosperity – our focus is both at home and on Europe. It’s not either or. | Reply
30th May 2012
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
Why buying a second-hand jag puts you in good, competitive company… In the business pages of this Sunday’s Washington Post, Michael Lennox asked whether an aspiring global competitor from a developing economy could use the acquisition of an established Western business to grow its earnings and diversify. Michael’s case in point was Tata’s acquisition in 2008 of […]
Read more on GREAT British Cars | Reply
10th May 2012
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
It’s Europe week in DC. The real fun and games are this Saturday when each of the EU Embassies open their doors to our neighbours, curious to find a shortcut to see the inside of those fine properties on Embassy row (hint: go to the British Embassy at 3100 Massachusetts Avenue and see close up the Sir […]
Read more on EU Week – Opening doors to a transatlantic trade deal? | Reply
4th May 2012
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
I’m back in the UK for the annual Leadership Conference that brings together all our ambassadors from around the world, to be updated on the policy and corporate management priorities which will focus our work over the coming year. The strongest message was the importance of the Prosperity agenda, the work that our overseas FCO and UKTI […]
Read more on Getting our marching orders in London | Reply
25th April 2012
Ottawa, Canada
A guest blog posting in honour of Earth Day (April 22nd), from our British High Commission Ottawa, Climate and Prosperity Advisor, Adrienne Yuen: “There are no passengers on spaceship Earth. We are all crew.” – Herbert “Marshall” McLuhan This past Sunday marked the world’s 42nd Earth Day. It’s a great way to refocus our attention […]
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17th April 2012
USA
Touching down in the Nation’s Capital as World Creativity and Innovation Week launches means I miss the UK a bit less. Why? Because this week invites me to shout about the GREAT British creative companies and innovators I just met across the pond – and at MIPTV in Cannes. Take Log Media and their new […]
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13th April 2012
Washington DC, USA
Today the US/UK Defence Trade Cooperation Treaty comes into effect. In a ceremony presided by Rose Gottemoeller, the acting US Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, our two countries finalised an agreement originally signed five years ago to strengthen our mutual security and build our shared prosperity. British and American manufacturers […]
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8th March 2012
USA
I had the pleasure of visiting Nicaragua for a short holiday recently. I loved the scenery, friendly people and, unexpectedly, learning about Nicaragua’s role in the California gold rush. Back in the 1850s Nicaragua was a key route for those dashing to the west coast as it was quicker and cheaper to sail from New […]
Read more on Entrepreneurs—the modern gold rush | Reply (1)
24th February 2012
Nairobi, Kenya
In my opinion the London Conference on Somalia yesterday was a great success. In case you missed any of it then you can find full reports and links here. It was the biggest conference on Somalia, involving the greatest number of senior leaders, from as wide a range of countries and international organisations, as seen […]
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6th February 2012
Washington DC, USA
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times… going to the UK this weekend. Flying into Heathrow on Saturday morning, I found Britain in great excitement about Charles Dickens’ 200th birthday. So it was clearly the best of times to head to Broadstairs, Dickens’ favourite holiday destination where he spent his […]
Read more on A tale of Internet freedom and Charles Dickens | Reply (1)