Oh
well, it’s that time of year when the media rattle off their top lists of this,
that and the other for 2009. So in the festive spirit, Breeze Strategy is
pleased to announce the inaugural UK Inward
Investment Crackers and Turkeys. These are (virtual) awards that recognise
the best and worst of the last twelve months in the inward investment field. (Note: in the interests of fair play I have
tried to avoid any agencies that I have been involved with this year, who, of
course, are all exceptional and would be otherwise worthy winners!)
Firstly,
the Crackers:
- Best UK Inward Investment Initiative - Manchester
Business Club
In
November, Manchester’s inward investment agency, MIDAS, launched the first of a
series of Business Clubs aimed at creating and enhancing business relationships
between the city and companies in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Mumbai, Los Angeles
and New York. The launch event attracted more than 70 Singaporean companies.
- Best UK Inward Investment Project - Kenmark,
Corby, Northamptonshire
In
the current recession, attracting 500 jobs to any area is worthy of an award,
but when those jobs are in manufacturing, from a growing Taiwanese company and
located in a key regeneration hotspot, then its close to being a fantasy league
success.
- Best UK Inward Investment Agency - Cardiff
& Co
The
Cardiff agency has shown how to promote a city using all the latest tools and
technologies. Of particular note are their excellent website and the way that
they have attracted private sector sponsors to co-fund their activities.
- Best International Inward Investment Agency
- IDA Ireland
One
of the most established and well-respected agencies, the IDA is to be
congratulated for their continued excellence in marketing and all matters
FDI-related. Their renewed commitment to inward investment marketing and their
video-led web presence is a lesson to all.
And
now the Turkeys:
- Worst Inward Investment Decision by a Company
- Ericsson
Ericsson’s
u-turn on locating 700 high-tech research jobs in Coventry after just a few
months on site. The decision is a huge blow for the city and for those agencies
that have spent so much time and effort supporting the company’s expansion.
- Worst Inward Investment Decision by a
Location - Staffordshire
Staffordshire’s
short-sighted decision to scrap the successful InStaffs agency is the wrong
decision at exactly the wrong time. Penny-pinching from effective inward
investment agencies sends out a poor message to potential investors. Cue
celebrations in neighbouring areas?
- Worst Inward Investment Decision by a
Politician – Alistair Darling
For
failing to show potential investors that the UK is a low-tax, pro-business
country. Enough said.
Happy
Christmas and best wishes for an interesting 2010!
