UK boosts embassy trade team

British Consul General John Hawkins, told members of the British Business Group, Dubai & Northern Emirates, that the Embassy's trade and investment team would be strengthened further over the next few months with the addition of several new members of staff.

"This reflects both increased demand from UK companies pursuing business in Dubai and the Northern Emirates and our determination to encourage more British firms to take advantage of the exciting opportunities that exist in this market," he said.

Mr. Hawkins was addressing the annual general meeting of the British Business Group (BBG) held at the Fairmont Hotel, Dubai. With more than 650 members, the BBG is the biggest national business group in the region and membership ranges from individual entrepreneurs to multinational companies.

The Group works closely with the British Embassy trade team in encouraging more UK companies to enter the UAE market and this year will see a record number of inward trade delegations and companies exhibiting in Dubai.

Trade between the United Kingdom and the UAE is at an all-time high. The UAE is now the UK's biggest market in the Middle East and is the 13th largest export market in the world.

Dubai accounts for the bulk of the trade with exports rising in 2004 by 44% to over Dh14 billion. UK exports to the Northern Emirates also increased by 18% to Dh2.9 billion.

Mr Hawkins said that despite the encouraging figures, British businesses could not afford to be complacent in pursuing opportunities. "This is a very open market and a great place to do business. Unsurprisingly, the competition is getting tougher all the time."

BBG Chairman Jennifer Bibbings reported on another successful year with 59 new companies joining. Highlights of the year saw the BBG adopt a dynamic new brand reflecting its vibrant image, a new website and a full programme of business and social meetings.

The BBG continues to focus on supporting educational projects in the UAE. It provides scholarships for two students at Dubai Men's College and consideration is now being given to enabling a female student to study in the UK. The Group has also provided funds for The British University in Dubai and the Tamkeen project for the visually impaired.

There are now an estimated 100,000 Britons living in Dubai. Many of these people are involved in business in one way or another. The BBG Chairman said the Group would, therefore, look to further increasing its membership in the coming months.

The New BBG Committee was elected for the coming year and comprises:
Jennifer Bibbings (Trowers & Hamlins), Nick Dutt (Rewards Management), Guy Biddlecombe (HSBC Insurance), David May (Khansaheb), John Martin St Valery (Links Group), Jo Maher (British Council), Bob Collier (Al Futtaim Exel), Elizabeth Sellwood (Real Estate Specialists), Steve Martin (HSBC), Mark Beer (Mastercard), Mark Petchell (Barclays Bank), Claire Evans (British Embassy).