This year, the world was reminded of an historic milestone as the scientific community marked the 50th anniversary of the discovery of DNA. One of the most significant breakthroughs of modern science, the discovery was made at Cambridge University by the British and American scientists Francis Crick and James Watson.

The discovery changed the course of biosciences forever. Today, British science continues to blaze the way, providing unique opportunities and a critical launch pad for business.

As knowledge-driven companies and individuals tackle issues ranging from technological innovation and R&D, speed to market and international growth opportunities, the challenges they face grow ever more complex. An uncertain economic and political landscape adds to the pressure. To remain competitive, businesses must mine the best resources available both domestically and overseas.

And this is where the UK, with its strong science base, well-established venture capital industry, generous tax credits for R&D, and Europe’s most pro-business market, comes in.

The UK boasts some of the world’s most-renowned research universities and produce one spin-off company for every $13m of research expenditure, compared to one for every $75m in the US. Much of this success can be attributed to the British Government’s sustained financial commitment to science, designed to promote R&D and support spin-offs.

By 2005, British Government spending on science will reach $4.5bn, a real rate of growth of 10%. This includes:
• An additional $320m for computing technologies
• An additional $66m for stem cell research
• An additional $34m for environmental sciences

Building on a world-class R&D base, the UK also offers a range of technology-transfer know-how, focused on bringing innovation to market – transforming an academic idea into a business proposition. Nowhere is that more true than in three sectors crucial to the global economy.

Highlighting homeland security
The stakes are high in the emerging homeland security sector. Its acute relevance to the public at large, to governments and to the private sector is clear. As a result, research into biometrics and biosecurity is of growing importance.

Consider biometrics, for example, which allows hyper-accurate identification methods based on human attributes such as the fingerprint or handprint, facial patterns or iris recognition. These measures are now helping improve security in key locations such as airports and government facilities.

Life sciences and IT
Life sciences is an area in which the UK continues to shine, with approximately 300 dedicated companies and over 460 involved in bioscience-related activities – more than anywhere else in Europe. The strong partnership that exists between government, industry and the financial community allows biotechnology companies to grow to their full potential. The UK’s regulatory environment encourages innovation, while ensuring safety for the consumer.

In terms of IT and communications technology, the UK is the most advanced of all the major European nations in terms of uptake and usage, and has the most deregulated telecommunications market in Europe. The UK Government has long prioritised the early deployment of 3G technology, bringing with it huge benefits to both consumers and licensees. It is no coincidence that Microsoft chose to site its first research centre outside of the US in the UK; many other international IT companies have done the same.

In both life sciences and IT, US companies are not only choosing to site their operations in the UK, but are also growing them. Over the past year, several notable expansion projects have taken place. For example, Raytheon Systems, one of the world’s largest defence electronic contractors, based its new multi-million dollar development centres in Derry, in Northern Ireland. On the pharmaceutical front, US-owned Tripos Receptor Research announced that it is to triple its operation in Cornwall, in the South West of England, by building a $24m computer-based drug research facility.

Accessing transatlantic markets
Translating British science and innovation into transatlantic business is a top priority for the British Government. A new initiative called Global Partnerships aims to do just that by promoting R&D and commercial partnerships.

The programme is designed to help knowledge-driven companies in the US identify like-minded UK companies with which to collaborate. By identifying companies with complementary skills and objectives, and a shared interest in partnership, the programme saves valuable time and money. Responsibility for putting the initiative into practice lies with the Government’s economic development and trade agencies, Invest·UK and Trade Partners UK. And that’s just one service they provide. Invest·UK is the UK’s principal economic development agency. Its objective is to help US companies set up in the UK or expand from a British base swiftly and smoothly, and all on a confidential, no-fee basis.

In addition to the science and industry-leading R&D base, the UK offers US companies a pro-business environment based on deregulation and privatisation, a politically, economically and socially stable country with no language barrier, and a hardworking, skilled workforce. Invest·UK’s specialist staff provide information on all aspects of establishing a presence in the UK, including:
• Arranging site visits
• Advising on local, regional and national incentives
• Providing information on the availability of labour, transport, proximity to customers and to suppliers
• Facilitating contacts with key private and public sector firms

Trade Partners UK helps US and UK companies do business with each other by providing expert and impartial advice and assistance to US companies interested in tapping in to products, services or R&D from Britain. Trade Partners UK helps US companies to:
• Import from Britain
• Identify British sources of supply for specific products and services
• Become an agent or distributor for a British company
• Obtain information of forthcoming promotional events and trade shows in Britain
• Develop commercial/cultural British promotional events

Trade Partners UK offers US companies access to databases of more than 100,000 UK companies looking to trade with or act as suppliers for US companies. Trade Partners UK also provides information on the latest new products and innovations in R&D from the UK, as they are made available in the US.

While the UK offers a market of 58 million consumers, it is just part of the European Economic Area with 377 million consumers in 15 countries. To access this potential, there is no better place to start than the UK, which stands as the gateway to Europe, offering a familiar culture and a soft landing.

No matter how US companies choose to access the UK market, or collaborate with British businesses, opportunity exists, even in challenging times. About 40% of all overseas investment from the US continues to go to the UK. Just as Americans regard the UK as the US’s closest political ally, we remain each other’s largest business partners and foreign investors.

The British Consulate-General in New York and all our other Posts in the United States look forward to working with your business to pursue transatlantic business opportunities.