UK seeks Australian businesses

Stephen Withers
Wednesday, 26 October 2011 17:29

IT Industry - Development

Thinking of expanding your business into the UK? The UK government is running a competition with prizes that will make the job that bit easier.

Last year, the UK government ran a competition called UK Market Entry. As the name suggests, it was aimed at Australian and New Zealand businesses that were looking to expand their operations into the UK. The winners included two software companies: PHM Technology, based in Victoria; and Iris Interactive, based in New South Wales.

Richard Morris, Director General of UK Trade & Investment in Australia and New Zealand, said "The UK is the easiest place in Europe to do business and has the least barriers to entrepreneurship in the world. Just as Australia can be a gateway to Asia, the UK is the gateway to Europe and a combined population of around 500 million people."

Now there's another chance to win. UK Trade & Investment has launched a similar competition with three $25,000 prizes up for grabs by Australian companies and one for New Zealand businesses. The prizes include a return business-class flight to the UK, business registration and six months worth of accounting support, and business consultancy and executive introductions.

Mr Morris added "Real estate in the UK is competitively priced; the Australian dollar is buying more than it has for many years and the UK economy is poised for a decade of growth, especially with the London 2012 Olympics just around the corner. If you are thinking about expanding internationally, enter Go UK and contact UK Trade & Investment for assistance."

Details of the competition, which involves submitting a business plan by 3February 2012, are available here. Up to five entrants will be shortlisted in each market (NSW/ACT/WA; Vic/SA/Tas;/ Qld/NT; and New Zealand), and the winners will be announced in mid-March.