10th February 2006

International investment chiefs have visited the West Midlands to see first hand some of the world-class research and development facilities on offer.

Regional development agency Advantage West Midlands hosted the visit by representatives of the DTI’s UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) team which included tours of high-technology institutes such as the University of Warwick and ICT research project iCentrum.

The 20-strong UKTI team plays a key role in co-ordinating investment enquiries received from Asia Pacific and distributing them to regional development agencies for negotiation.

Last year more than 6,000 jobs were created or safeguarded as a result of direct foreign investment and the West Midlands is now home to 2,300 overseas-owned companies, employing more than 10 per cent of the region’s workforce.

During the tour, the visitors were also shown the Advantage West Midlands-funded Photonics Cluster (UK) based at Aston Science Park which is one of the leading high-technology research and development institutions in Europe.

Richard Butler, Advantage West Midlands Head of Inward Investment, said: “Our region is home to more than 100 companies from Japan and another 35 from Australia so this is clearly an important opportunity which we must take advantage of.

“Agency-funded projects such as the Photonics Cluster and iCentrum are real positives in our on-going efforts to attract investment into our region and this visit gave us the chance to showcase the strength of our region.

“By forging closer links with UKTI, we will be in a much stronger position to attract inquiries from overseas firms looking to Europe and the UK to set up a base. “The West Midlands is home to some major Japanese firms such as Fujitsu and Ricoh while Australian companies such as Mayne Pharma are located here. “These, along with emerging markets such as India, are a priority in our inward investment campaign to champion the West Midlands as a world-class place to invest and do business.” Pictured: Kao Takeuchi, UKTI Asia Pacific Team, Nalini Panvalkear, Advantage West Midlands, Glenn Barrowman and Ian Johnstone, Photonics Cluster (UK) For further information contact: Charlotte Hughes, PR Executive Aston Science Park, 0121 260 6182 This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it