UK companies seek opportunities in PH

More than 30 companies from the United Kingdom are eyeing business and investment opportunities in the Philippines.

“These companies range from the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to multinationals and cover a wide variety of sectors, all of which are interested in the substantial opportunities offered by the Philippines. Some will be looking to export, others to invest and others to partner with local businesses,” Iain Mansfield, director of the UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) in Manila said in an interview.

Mansfield told the Inquirer that a mission organized by the Philippines British Business Council (PBBC) was in the country from Nov. 18 to 20 for networking with potential partners.

Apart from the heads of the PBCC, participants in the mission include Deerpark Pedigree Pigs, a family-owned and -run pig breeding business with over 50 years of success supplying pedigree pigs to a worldwide market; De La Rue Currency, the world’s largest integrated commercial banknote printer; Hairbyus.com, a fast-growing UK-based Internet business designed to put the public in touch with competent and qualified local hairstylists; Indo British Consulting (IBC); Martyn Skinner Consulting Services (MSCS), which wanted to develop additional contacts in the agribusiness sector; and Mi-Pay UK, which provides hosted, managed white labelled mobile payment services.

Also participating in the mission last week were SEGRO, a leading owner, asset manager and developer of modern warehousing, light industrial and data center properties; South-East Asia Consultancy; Standard Chartered Bank; Thomas Broadbent & Sons, manufacturers of industrial centrifuges, and industrial laundry equipment; UKTAG, a non-profit group that was set up to encourage increased profit for UK firms through international business; and the University of Westminster.

More UK-based firms are expected to arrive in the Philippines for a trade mission from Dec. 2-4.

“The Philippines’ economic fundamentals remain strong. We are therefore confident that our companies will find many opportunities and partners here in the Philippines, benefiting both countries,” he said. Amy R. Remo