Greetings,

Kentucky has very strong ties with the United Kingdom and that relationship is growing.

I recently led Kentucky’s fi rst ever trade mission to the United Kingdom. Our delegation of economic development officials and business owners forged relationships with many in the British business community. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and I look forward to seeing the impact of this successful mission on “both sides of the pond”.

Increasing exports of Kentucky products and services is a key component for economic growth, which is why I established the Kentucky Export Initiative (KEI). The KEI trade partners are working hard to assist small and medium-sized companies looking to broaden their international reach. These efforts are paying off as Kentucky exports surged to a record $25.3 billion last year. So far this year, Kentucky’s exports to the United Kingdom are up more than 14 per cent.

Last year, bilateral trade between the Commonwealth and the United Kingdom reached nearly $3 billion. Additionally, United Kingdom exports were responsible for supporting more than 8900 jobs in our state.

We’re also proud to have cultivated a business climate that welcomes companies from around the world. Word of the advantages of doing business in Kentucky is getting out, because nearly 450 international facilities from 31 different nations have located in the Bluegrass State. Our business family includes 170 European-owned facilities, 33 of which
are from the United Kingdom. These British companies employ more than 3700 full-time workers in the Commonwealth.

By building upon this relationship and strengthening the breadth and depth of our trade and investment ties, Kentucky’s partnership with the United Kingdom will only grow stronger, and therefore, make Kentucky an even better place to do business.

Let us help make your next location or expansion decision an easy one. Together, we can help you write your own success story in Kentucky.

Sincerely,

Steven L. Beshear
Governor