International business leaders join a network to champion UK PLC

Catalyst is a new global network of business leaders, who will champion the UK as the world’s best international business partner.

It comprises influential business figures established in international markets, who are supporters of the UK as a place to do business. UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is launching the scheme initially with 100 high profile members but intends to increase the network to 500 in 2 years.

Members will promote the UK internationally by speaking at UKTI events and discussing their insights and views with businesses. They will also provide practical support; mentoring UK SMEs and entrepreneurs who are taking their first steps into international markets.

Current members are drawn from all business sectors, including life sciences, ICT, advanced engineering, creative industries, energy and finance.

They include business leaders such as Lara Morgan, entrepreneurial CEO and part owner of Pacific Direct; Bill Muirhead, founding director of M&C Saatchi; Eric Van Der Kleij, founder of Adeptra and entrepreneur-in-residence at UKTI; dotcom guru Brent Hoberman; and digital media entrepreneur Shekhar Kapur.

Speaking at the launch, Lord Green, Minister for Trade and Investment, said: “I am delighted that this network has attracted such an impressive line-up of business leaders. British firms will benefit greatly from access to these individuals, who can bring a wealth of experience and international business nous to the table.

“Catalyst UK will speak up for Britain, providing a credible voice across a diverse set of markets and sectors. The network will help showcase the best of what Britain has to offer; helping to attract foreign investment and encourage more UK companies to grow internationally.”

Lara Morgan added: “There is a strong correlation between trade and investment and the growth of the economy. Exporting firms contribute 60 per cent of UK productivity growth and they benefit from access to international markets, become more efficient and attract higher skilled employees.

“As a member of Catalyst UK, I look forward to working closely with SMEs from all disciplines that want to take that leap into the international business arena.”

Eric Van Der Kleij said: “Inward investment is crucial to the economic wealth of the country. In the last year alone it generated 94,000 jobs in the UK across many sectors.

“There are many high-calibre investment opportunities in the UK. It is part of our role as Catalyst members to highlight the country’s strengths and to place the spotlight on the many benefits of investing in the UK.”

Members of Catalyst UK will be recruited via a number of routes including embassies and consulates, trade associations, chambers of commerce, UKTI’s sector advisory boards, university alumni networks and bodies such as the Institute of Directors.

The Catalyst UK network will complement the work of UKTI’s Business Ambassadors Network, which was established in 2008 to promote the UK’s excellence internationally but from a British base.

The Business Ambassadors Network, which comprises leading names such as Lord Darzi, Lord Digby Jones, Tamara Mellon and Dick Olver, has already provided an impressive impetus to the UK’s trade and investment activities. Since its creation, it has encouraged UK companies to explore overseas business opportunities through more than 100 events in more than 30 countries and has been influential in securing inward investment projects.