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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alan Fogg,
Director of Communications
afogg@fceda.org, 703-790-0600
London Office Opens to Increase UK Technology Investment in Fairfax County
Second Overseas Office for the Economic Development Authority
Fairfax County, Virginia, January 25, 1999 — The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) opened a new office in London, England that is showcasing Fairfax County as a prime technology business location to British technology companies.
Michael Ryan, the Fairfax County representative based in the London, has begun developing business relationships with technology companies that will result in commercial investment in Fairfax County and the creation of new jobs. The office opened in December, making it the second overseas office for the FCEDA. The first office opened in Tokyo, Japan in 1997.
"Fairfax County is strategically located between Washington Dulles International Airport and the nation’s capital. It is the perfect location for foreign-owned firms to market in the United States or to partner with U.S. companies," said Gerald L. Gordon, President of the FCEDA. "With our strong technology community and the availability of venture capital, Fairfax County is an ideal location for emerging and established technology firms from the UK and throughout Europe."
In the last year, prospect activity from UK-based firms jumped nearly 70 percent. Currently 30 British-owned firms have a presence in Fairfax County, including four that are North American headquarters. Foreign-owned companies say they are choosing Fairfax County for many reasons, including its proximity to Washington Dulles International Airport, the large number of technology firms already located in Fairfax County, the county’s highly-skilled workforce, and its central location on the East Coast. Fairfax County is believed to be the only county in the United States with overseas offices in both Tokyo and London.
Michael Ryan, president of MR Ryan Associates, is the FCEDA representative in the United Kingdom. Ryan brings more than 25 years experience as a military officer, as well as 12 years work with Logica, a well-known British technology firm. Additionally, Ryan has excellent contacts with senior level technology executives in Great Britain, a detailed knowledge of the British technology industry and a wide range of experience in international business development.
The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority provides a wide array of services and information designed to promote Fairfax County as a business location for domestic and international companies and organizations. The FCEDA assists businesses by identifying possible sites and facilities, provides information for employees relocating to Fairfax County and is a source for up-to-date demographic and economic statistics. For more information about the FCEDA’s programs and services, please visit the FCEDA’s Web page at www.FairfaxCountyEDA.org.
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