Clipper Race CEO recognised as GREAT Britain ‘ambassador’ by Prime Minister

Our Chief Executive, William Ward has been invited to become a GREAT Britain ‘ambassador’ by Prime Minister David Cameron in recognition of his personal support and contribution to the UK’s most ambitious international promotional campaign ever.

Mr Ward attended a dinner at Downing Street hosted by the Prime Minister for the first GREAT ambassadors from sport, business, fashion and the arts at which Mr Cameron recognised the importance of their contribution to the GREAT Britain campaign and encouraged them to continue their involvement.

“We have been very pleased as a company to both feature in and support the GREAT Britain campaign since its launch in 2012,” said Mr Ward. “We had a very successful engagement in our 2013-14 event, hosting international promotions alongside the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race in major ports of call on six continents.”

Fellow ambassadors at the Downing Street dinner included Olympic medallist and diver Tom Daley, singer Katherine Jenkins, fashion designers Stella McCartney and Paul Smith, plus celebrity chefs Gordon Ramsay and Ken Hom.

The GREAT campaign states on its website: “They have each made an important contribution and have helped the GREAT Britain campaign in its goal of showcasing the very best of what Britain has to offer to encourage the world to visit, study and do business with the UK.”

The full list can be viewed here

“It was a real honour to be invited to be a GREAT Britain ambassador by the Prime Minister alongside such high profile guests. It’s an evening I will remember for a long time. I am proud of what we have achieved with the Clipper Race and this reflects on everyone involved and not least our founder and chairman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston who also featured in the GREAT Britain campaign. We look forward to continuing to provide an effective promotional global platform to help boost British business, trade and tourism,” added Mr Ward.

A GREAT Britain branded yacht together with British brand partners participated in the last Clipper Race series and will take to the water again in the 2015-16 edition.