G'Day UK 2009

The G’Day UK CEO forum was one of the largest gatherings of CEO’s and senior executives from Australia, UK and mainland Europe ever held in the UK.

Attendees can now access all presentations/speeches at:
http://www.australianbusiness.co.uk/CEOForum/HTMLForum.htm

using the username and password already emailed to them.

As part of the inaugural G’Day UK week of events, the CEO forum was held on the 25th June 2009 at the Royal Horseguards, One Whitehall Place in London to discuss the bilateral trade relationship between the UK and Australia, and opportunities for developing further trade and investment between the two countries. Delegates shared ideas, business opportunities, innovations and new technology, government policies between the two nations and ways of surviving the financial downturn. Australian Business managed the CEO Forum and it was sponsored by CPA Australia.

The Forum heard from UK Minister for Business, Innovation and Skills, The Rt Hon Pat McFadden MP, Australian High Commissioner, HE John Dauth LVO, the CEO of the Australian Industry Group, Heather Ridout and the Chairman of both G’DAY UK and Australian Business, Philip Aiken.
During his speech to delegates, The Rt Hon Pat McFadden MP highlighted trade links saying:
“We celebrate the relationship between Britain and Australia economically and that’s a hugely important relationship with bilateral trade worth some £10 billion a year”. He added: “Here in Britain, we’re very proud that people, anywhere in the world, can come here, make a business, invest and do well and Australian companies – many whom are here today – are benefiting from those opportunities.” He stressed throughout his speech the importance of maintaining the strong economic and business links between Australia and the UK.

Commenting on the partnership, Australian High Commissioner, HE John Dauth LVO said:
“As two of the most open and globalised economies in the world, Australia and the United Kingdom clearly have much in common and much to offer each other. We realise that we are better able to wield influence internationally when we act together than when we act on our own and this CEO Forum is a way of adding a new dimension to our already extensive people-to-people and business links.”

Heather Ridout, Group Chief Executive for Australian Industry echoed these sentiments:
“This CEO Forum is very timely. There are dramatic shifts occurring in the world economy and Australian business needs to be reminded of the strengths of doing business in Europe and in particular the UK. The UK also needs to understand the opportunities and potential Australia has to offer as a location for investment and doing business generally.”

These keynote speeches can be found at http://www.australianbusiness.co.uk/CEOForum/HTMLForum.htm

The Forum was attended by 160 delegates who discussed the latest in technology, business innovation and investment opportunities in the areas of Financial Services, Resources, Climate
Change and the Olympics – 2012 and Beyond. Speakers included Professor Richard Petty, President of CPA Australia; John McFarlane, Former CEO of ANZ Bank; Drew Kelton, Managing Director, Telstra; David Higgins, CEO, Olympic Delivery Authority; Phil Cox, CEO, International Power; John White, Executive Director, Ignite Energy Resources; Martin Blake, Head of Sustainability, Royal Mail; and John Burton from Westfield.

“This was the most significant gathering of high level business delegates from the UK and Australia for many years and will be pivotal in cementing the extensive economic relationship between the two countries as we face tough economic times”, said Chairman of G’dayUK, Philip Aiken.