i-uk.com portal website has been launched

i-uk.com ñ ITíS THE BUSINESS

A portal website has been launched to provide vital information about doing business in and with the UK. The site, i-uk.com, draws on the most commonly asked questions about conducting business in the UK and offers clear examples of why the UK is considered to be Europeís leading business centre.

The business content of i-uk.com has been developed in association with Invest UK, the UK Governmentís investment agency, set up to help the worldís companies create or expand business from a British base.

William Pedder, Invest UKís Chief Executive said:

ìBusiness location decisions are not solely about hard facts and figures. This new portal is the UKís shop window to the world. In two clicks visitors can access every conceivable aspect of the UK. That means our business target audience can get an immediate impression of life in the UK, from lifestyle to history, education to science and technology, through one web address. Itís a valuable marketing tool for us and a great resource for potential investors to the UK from all over the world.î

As the fourth largest economy in the world, the UK attracts 25 per cent of inward investment in Europe and more than 40 per cent from Japan, the USA and Asian countries. This is largely because within the EU, the UK has the least restricted business environment, the least regulated marketplace and workforce, the largest international transport system, the best communications and is the most widely spoken language.

Those visiting i-uk.com will find signposts to information on trade support, laws, regulations and standards, investment support and the UK workforce. The site also covers the UK economy, UK stocks and shares, currency and taxes, business events, travel and communications.

There are three other core subject areas which all illustrate British creativity and innovation: ëLife & Cultureí, ëEducationí and ëVisiting the UKí. Within this, i-uk.com provides a contemporary insight into everything from UK fashion, music, sport and culture, travel, education, science, technology and tourism.

i-uk.com is run in association with various partner agencies, including Invest UKís sister organisation Trade Partners UK, the British Tourist Authority, and the British Council. The portal draws together each of the partner websites under one user-friendly ëumbrellaí brand.

Simultaneous global PR events will be taking place to launch the site, including a fashion show in Moscow, an internet competition targeted at Russian students, an extensive text messaging and advertising campaign in Singapore reflecting the latest UK trends, and a two day Indo-British festival in Delhi.