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The new operation will focus on inward investment and international trade and builds on the First Minister’s commitment to take further action to promote Wales to the world to boost the Welsh economy.
Situated on Victoria Street in Westminster, it will streamline the Welsh Government’s operations in London by replacing two existing offices. The focus of the seven members of staff will be to promote Wales.
The office will provide a permanent, more focussed presence for the Welsh Government and allow Ministers to continue to build on relationships with businesses, embassies and the UK Government.
Welsh Ministers and officials will be able to use the office to meet potential investors and it will be fully operational by the middle of July.
The creation of a London HQ comes on the back of a series of overseas visits and trade missions personally led by the First Minister, including India, China and the United States. The Welsh Government has also announced a new programme of ten overseas trade missions to destinations all over the world.
The First Minister said:
"London is one of the world’s great commercial cities and it’s on our doorstep. We can use this to our advantage, as a gateway to access global markets and potential investors. Our new office will focus on raising Wales’ profile and make sure we pursue every opportunity out there.
"It will be led by a senior and very experienced official who will head a team of business managers who will help Welsh companies expand, attract investment and seek out new markets. It is for us as a nation to make our own opportunities in the world and our London office will play a key role in this."
Jonathan Jones, Director of Tourism and Marketing within the Department for Business, Enterprise, Technology and Science, will lead the office. He said:
"With our proximity to Westminster and the City, our new office provides us with the perfect base to promote Wales as a place to invest and do business. It is an honour to take on this role and lead our efforts to help boost the Welsh economy by attracting high quality investment from international markets."
