NORWICH'S FINANCIAL REPUTATION REACHES MORE CORNERS OF THE WORLD

Norwich's international reputation as a vital centre of finance is catching the global eye.

A series of high profile features mean that the word is being spread to an ever increasing audience - and it's not just a matter of chance.

"The amazing success of Norwich as a financial centre is no secret in this region, nor across the country," said Shaping Norfolk's Future Chief Executive Chris Starkie.

"But the quality of the sector in this area and the unstinting work of Fig means that it is now getting deserved recognition on a global basis."

Fig Director Marjorie Eade is a regular contributor at UKTI Regional Forum meetings which has helped produce the latest far-reaching results.

The most significant is a first ever mention for Norwich in The City UK, London's top publication for promoting the financial sector worldwide.

"Once recognised largely as back-office support for London's global financial hub, the UK's regions are emerging with front-office capability," says the publication.

Alongside praise for centres like Manchester, Glasgow and Bristol, it records "the strong regional support from historic centres such as Norwich, and emerging ones such as Cardiff. East Anglia and Leeds are also increasing in global stature thanks to their growing expertise in financial IT, settlement and client servicing."

The City UK showcases the global strength of the UK financial services sector and the wealth of opportunities available for potential investors looking to set up in the UK as well as UK organisations looking to globalise.

Meanwhile, the Norwich financial cluster is to be highlighted in an introductory pamphlet to overseas embassies and detailed in a complementary handbook circulated to them.

And the city is preparing to host the UKTI Regional Forum next March when it will become the focus of national attention.

The Forum includes representatives of UKTI from across the country and from leading UK financial regions and has a tradition of speakers from key City institutions.