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Contacts:
Alan Fogg, Director, Communications, afogg@fceda.org, 703-790-0600 (o) or 571-213-5065 (m)
Ross Clarke, LIVEpr (UK), rossclarke@livepr.net, 020 7630 1100
FCEDA hosts UK companies at Capitol Hill networking reception
Event features U.K. ambassador to the U.S. and two congressmen
Fairfax County, Virginia USA, October 19, 2005 – The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) hosted nine of South East England’s most ambitious companies at a business reception on Capitol Hill in nearby Washington, D.C., today.
Important attendees included Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the United States, Sir David Manning; Virginia Congressman Tom Davis, who chairs the House Government Operations Committee; and Virginia Congressman Jim Moran.
Fairfax County is an important destination for British companies looking to expand into the U.S. market. Fairfax County delivers proximity to federal agencies, an area of interest to the U.K. companies that specialize in fields such as defense, intelligence and homeland security . Almost 50 U.K. companies, many in defense fields, have locations in Fairfax County.
“This was a great opportunity for British firms looking to expand into the U.S. defense and homeland security markets,” said Gerald Gordon, Ph.D., president and CEO of the FCEDA. “ Fairfax County is the ideal place to make connections for that market, and we’d like British firms to consider Fairfax County a gateway into the US.”
The event served as a highlight on a trade mission organized by the UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) Team South East and The South East England Development Agency (SEEDA). The mission also includes stops in New York and Boston. Many of the companies involved are also participating in UK Trade and Investment’s ‘Passport to Export’ Initiative which aims to develop export strategies and win business overseas.
“We hope the reception served as a crucial catalyst for new business generation for the UK companies,” said Dr. Gordon. “The delegates have certainly put forward the case for South East England as a source of excellent high-tech solutions for the US government.”
As well as the nine companies visiting the U.S., 25 others are being promoted in a joint UKTI and SEEDA catalogue that will be issued to all U.S. contacts.
Business growth helps Fairfax County, minutes from Washington, D.C., fund public services such as a top-ranked public school system and library, public safety, social services and park systems that improve the quality of life. Fairfax County offers diverse real estate opportunities, access to domestic and international markets through Washington Dulles International Airport, a business community based on technology and professional services, and a well-educated workforce.
The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority ( www.FairfaxCountyEDA.org), which has been recognized by Site Selection magazine as one of the top economic development groups, promotes Fairfax County as a business and technology center. The FCEDA assists businesses by identifying possible sites and facilities, and provides demographic and economic statistics. The FCEDA’s Capital Attraction Program links technology entrepreneurs with potential investors, and another program supports the growth of small and minority-owned companies. The FCEDA maintains overseas offices in Bangalore, Frankfurt, London, Seoul and Tel Aviv.
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