Question to the Department for International Trade:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the procedure by which an Overseas Business Network is appointed; and who (1) administers the performance of, and (2) approves the budget for, each network.

The Overseas Business Network Initiative was launched in November 2012 to deliver trade support through partners, including overseas Chambers of Commerce. Overseas posts in selected emerging markets were asked to nominate potential partners via a business case process. Working closely with the British Chambers of Commerce, UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) Ministers and officials reviewed the business cases and selected partners against set criteria.

Heads of Trade and Investment in individual markets administer the performance of each Overseas Business Network partner, reporting back to UKTI HQ. The UKTI HQ team approve the budget for each network partner.