Finland is strengthening its presence in the East Midlands by reopening its honorary consulate in Nottingham.
Ambassador Jukka Siukosaari joins Ian Baxter, the new Honorary Consul for the opening ceremony on 10 March. Mr. Baxter has been doing business with Finland for over 25 years in freight and logistics. He will now help develop opportunities for Finnish businesses and to serve as a focal point for the local Finnish community.
Finland desires to have a stronger presence across all parts of the UK and sees Nottingham and the East Midlands as places with great potential to deepen economic and cultural ties.
The UK has always been an important trading partner for Finland and in the past year Finnish trade to the UK increased by around 15%. The new Honorary Consul will be able to build on this by making Finland and its products better known in the region.
Ian Baxter, Honorary Consul of Finland in Nottingham, said: “I am proud to take on the role of Honorary Consul of Finland, having been connected to the country since I was a boy through links established by my father.
“I’ve done business with the country myself since 1995, visiting many times, establishing and growing a company there, and building close personal friendships. Finland is a beautiful, modern, progressive nation and a natural partner for the UK. I’m excited to play my small part in helping relations between our two countries to flourish.”
Jukka Siukosaari, Ambassador of Finland to the United Kingdom, said: ”For the Embassy, our active honorary consuls are a valuable resource in promoting Finland all over the UK. Together with Mr Baxter we seek to identify new business opportunities and partnerships in Nottinghamshire.”
Honorary consulates, such as that in Nottingham, augment Finland’s network of diplomatic missions, made up of embassies, consulate generals, consulates and other liaison offices. Honorary consuls are private individuals who take care of their tasks on a part-time basis without remuneration.
Together with diplomatic missions, an honorary consul promotes economic and cultural relations between Finland and the country in question, and takes part in strengthening Finland’s image abroad. An honorary consul can advise Finnish companies, for instance, in obtaining information about local business culture and in finding cooperation partners.
