UK Trade & Investment

UK Trade & Investment is the Government organisation that helps UK-based companies succeed in an increasingly global economy. Its range of expert services are tailored to the needs of individual businesses to maximise their international success. We provide companies with knowledge, advice and practical support.

To support its aim to "enhance the competitiveness of companies in the UK through overseas trade and investments; and attract a continuing high level of quality foreign direct investment", UK Trade & Investment offers services to:

UK businesses that want to grow their business internationally (see Trade Services)
Overseas businesses that want to locate in the UK (see Investment Services)
UK Trade & Investment is an international organisation with headquarters in London and Glasgow. Across its network UK Trade & Investment employs around 2,300 staff and advisers, including overseas in UK embassies, high commissions, consulates and trade offices, and in the nine English regions.

UK Trade & Investment brings together the work of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform. It draws staff and associated administration funding from both parent departments, but has its own stream of programme funding, for which the Chief Executive is directly responsible as accounting officer.

The Management Structure

Executive Board
Responsibilities for high-level strategy and performance monitoring

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Executive Team
Responsibilities for the running of the organisation, and decisions on key operational issues.

UK Trade & Investment Contact: john.durkan@uktradeinvest.gov.uk
Publication date: 28/06/2007

Supporting UK business overseas is a key task of the Foreign Office. The difficulties of doing business overseas, the challenges of globalisation and achieving sustainable development are crucial issues that need to be addressed.

The UK faces growing competitive pressure on inward and outward investment in a truly global economy. Engagement with business therefore matters more and more and requires a strategic approach which links in to the FCO's Strategic International Priorities.

Further information on FCO Partnership with Business Stakeholders can be found on the FCO website.