The UK’s Ambassador to the EU, Lindsay Appleby, swapped Brussels for Oxfordshire earlier this week, building connections with local firms that he will use to boost investment and trade with the EU.
The Ambassador hit the road as part of the ‘domestic roadshow’ launched by the Government earlier this year, in which Ambassadors and High Commissioners are being dispatched to meet businesses around the country to support them to expand into key growth-driving markets, such as the EU.
Over half of the UK’s total trade last year was with the EU – valued at £813 billion – and the visit marks an important step in the Government’s reset with the EU to improve economic cooperation and drive Growth as part of the Government’s Plan for Change.
Ambassador Appleby met with Oxfordshire County Council Leader Liz Leffman and local businesses during a two-day tour of Oxfordshire to discuss trade and investment opportunities.
On Monday, 6 October, he toured the Bicester Motion community of world-leading automotive and aviation technology businesses, visited the FarmED regenerative agriculture centre near Chipping Norton to discuss sustainable farming and biodiversity initiatives with the North East Cotswolds Farmer Cluster, and hosted a networking reception at Blenheim Palace with representatives from businesses across Oxfordshire.
On Tuesday, 7 October, Ambassador Appleby visited Harwell Science and Innovation Campus and The Oxford Science Park for discussions about Oxfordshire’s thriving science and technology offer, before visiting Oxford Brookes University to discuss the higher education sector.
Cllr Liz Leffman, leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Oxfordshire is a place of national and global significance, with the power to change lives. From world-class universities and cutting-edge science parks to our rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes, Oxfordshire plays a vital role in driving innovation and economic prosperity for the region and nation.
“That’s why we’re committed to working with partners in the UK and abroad to unlock Oxfordshire’s full potential, supporting sustainable and inclusive growth for the county. It has been a pleasure to welcome the ambassador and introduce him to the breadth of what Oxfordshire has to offer. We look forward to the benefits this visit will bring as we deepen our international partnerships for the mutual benefit of Oxfordshire, the UK and our global collaborators.”
Minister for Europe Stephen Doughty said: “Throughout the world, our Ambassadors and High Commissioners play a crucial role in connecting British businesses to global export opportunities and delivering investment, jobs and growth to our towns and cities.
“This government led the reset of our relationships with our European partners so we could strengthen the UK’s trade and investment ties with our biggest economic market, and Ambassador Appleby’s visit to Oxfordshire is one more step in that process.
“Diplomacy must always deliver for working people. That is why building partnerships between businesses and our key markets around the world is a central part of this Government’s Plan for Change.”
Ambassador Appleby said: “I was thrilled to be in Oxfordshire to meet with local leaders to discuss how I can help to drive overseas investment into the area and help local businesses with export opportunities.
“So many of these innovative and excellent Oxfordshire products and services could find a market in Europe.
“Over half of the UK’s total trade last year was with the EU – valued at £813 billion. The government has reset our relationship with our European partners to improve economic cooperation.
“This is why we’re now hitting the road to speak directly to community leaders and businesses, so that not a single opportunity is missed to generate trade and investment wins overseas.
“The UK Government’s Plan for Change is making Britain the best country to do business with, and I am looking forward to supporting Oxfordshire on the international stage.”
To date over a dozen Roadshow visits have taken place across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, helping to build international connections for local businesses.
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