The East Midlands and London region of UK Trade & Investment
(UKTI) teamed together to hold a two day joint law and accountancy
match-making event that began on November 5 at the prestigious
premises of the Law Society in London.
On the first evening representatives from the 31 firms who
participated were given the opportunity to get to know each other
as they were treated to a tour around the historic building,
followed by a drinks reception and three course dinner, before they
got down to serious business the following day.
The key function of the match-making event was to connect
like-minded professional service firms from England and Germany by
providing them with half hour meeting slots to discuss ways in
which they could possibly work together in the future.
Each firm met with approximately five overseas counterparts who
they had pre-selected for formal discussions and networked with
others during lunch time and coffee breaks.
The match-making concept launched in Berlin last April and was
supported for the second time by ICAEW Law Society, the German Bar
Association (DAV) and the Association of Public Auditors in Germany
(IDW).
DAV Representative, Dr. Michael Brauch said: "I really enjoyed
the event and found it very useful; I will definitely be pursuing
some of the contacts I made."
John Buckley from Nottingham based law firm Berryman said: "I am
very interested in some of the contacts I made, I am confident that
with further communications a useful relationship could
develop."
Thomas Schaal, International Trade Advisor at UKTI East Midlands
said: "Germany was chosen as a preferred market as it represents
the biggest trading partner for the UK in Europe (35bn of exports)
and therefore has a substantial requirement for legal and tax
related cross-boarder work.
"We have received overwhelming feedback from both UK and German
firms that the event was definitely worth attending and that very
useful contacts were made with strong indications that future
business can be expected.
"We are already planning a follow-on event in Germany in
2010/2011, which I am sure will be as successful and well received
as this one."