Professor the Lord Darzi is appointed Business Ambassador to promote the UK's market overseas

10 November 2010. by Agnes Becker.

On 10 November 2010, Professor The Lord Darzi was reappointed by The Prime Minister to the Business Ambassador Network. Professor Darzi is one of 32 business and University leaders who will work with the Coalition Government to promote the UK’s excellence in overseas markets.

The role of Business Ambassador is unpaid – they use their expertise and contacts to promote the UK economy and business environment when travelling on business.

On announcing the Coalition Government’s new Business Ambassadors Prime Minister David Cameron said:

“I am delighted that some of the most experienced and successful people from business and our universities are working with us. Their knowledge, skill and dedication to British business will play a key role in opening markets, increasing trade and encouraging investment.”

The Business Ambassador Network, started in 2008, has already provided tremendous impetus to the UK’s trade and investment activities and helped to raise UK plc’s profile globally. Professor Darzi, Chairman of Imperial’s Institute of Global Health Innovation, recently promoted the UK’s healthcare industry at the recent MEDICA international medical trade fair.

Over the next year, Professor Darzi will carry out priority meetings at the request of UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), undertake dedicated overseas visits and missions with UKTI and provide insights into how UKTI can best deliver for business.

As a former UK Health Minister and Co-director of Imperial’s Centre for Health Policy, Professor Darzi is well placed to meet with overseas Ministers and brief UK Ministers and Ambassadors on key business priorities and interests.

Professor Darzi will contribute to Government-to-Government dialogues with key international markets through the collaborative work of the Institute of Global Health Innovation.