BRITISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SUPPORTS RACE

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has publicly announced its support of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race and the GREAT Britain team in their journey to spread Britain’s business message around the world. The Great Britain team and branded yacht, which was unveiled in Trafalgar Square last week, are taking to the seas in partnership with the government’s GREAT campaign to help to promote British brands and export opportunities across six continents during the team’s 11 month race.

Commenting, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“This is an innovative way of raising the profile of British business overseas and highlights the global trade opportunities available to UK companies.  More businesses are starting to be proactive at finding new markets for their goods and services. But we cannot afford to be complacent, and need to encourage even more firms to take the plunge on international trade and for those who export already, to extend their reach even further. This is a great way of showcasing exactly what Great Britain has to offer, and spreading the word around the globe that Britain is well and truly open for Business.”

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston said: “We have a proud history as a maritime trading nation and we have built a powerful and proven formula for facilitating trade between our partners in the key business hubs around the world which the Clipper Race visits. The inclusion of a GREAT Britain team supported by UK business in partnership with the Government enables us to capitalise on these opportunities even further.”

Last year, the race helped to promote Great Britain at international ports of call and through a cumulative global media audience in excess of two billion people. UK businesses have established new markets through participation in Clipper Race events, such as through high level networking and activation opportunities across the world – including trade deals within Asia, South America, South Africa, Australia and North America.

A year ago, just a few days before the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games, thousands of people turned out to welcome home the eighth edition of the Clipper Race. The Prime Minister’s office which coordinates the GREAT Britain campaign was represented by the Rt Hon David Willetts MP, Minister of State for Universities and Science at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills who said: Britain's status as a great trading nation was founded on our nautical prowess and sense of adventure.  The Clipper Race is a powerful partner in the GREAT Britain campaign, which promotes the best of British ingenuity, internationalism and competitiveness around the world.”