In 2007, in his capacity as Special Representative, The Duke of York undertook 357 engagements for UKTI (an average of 6.8 per week), including 117 visits, meetings or calls in the UK and 240 overseas. In 2006, The Duke undertook 293 engagements for UKTI; and in 2005, His Royal Highness undertook 263 UKTI engagements.

The Duke of York has visited or been briefed by more than 300 British companies and associations, both in the UK and overseas, including a wide range of SMEs and FTSE companies. The Duke has delivered more than 50 major speeches on trade issues.

2005/06 was a record year for Indian investment into the UK
with 76 projects generating 1449 jobs – an increase of 111% on the previous year.

The USA remains the largest source of inward investment to the UK in 2005/06, creating 14,431 new jobs.  Netherlands’ investment grew by 67% to 30 projects, creating 680 jobs. Germany’s investments grew by 12% to 67 companies investing in the UK, generating 1822 jobs.

The UK has the second highest level of inward and outward investment in the world – just behind the US.  UK companies are trading successfully in countries across the globe.  Globalisation is a huge opportunity for the UK.

The UK is the home of 26 per cent of all European headquarters for
companies from North America and Asia-Pacific – and the numbers
of companies choosing the UK is increasing. In 2005/06, there were
1,220 inward investment decisions, an all-time record.

The UK is the largest European investor in China.

UKTI reported record numbers of Foreign Direct Investment projects and jobs in 2005/6 – 1,220 projects and 34,077 new jobs.  Each year, one third of the UK’s inward investment projects are expansions by existing investors.

The UK creative industries account for 8.2 per cent of GDP  and are growing at twice the rate of the economy as a whole.  The UK creative industries provide exports worth £11.5bn, accounting for around 4.2% of goods and services exported.  For example, the UK is the world’s second largest exporter of TV programmes and is recognised internationally for its design strength.

Sectors that have a higher proportion of businesses already exporting or planning to start in the next 12 months are bio/tech/pharma (17%), ICT (15%), oil & gas (12%), aerospace (16%), airports and logistics (12%) and clothing and footwear (14%).