Royal seal of approval for Arizona businesses

His Royal Highness Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, made the rounds at Arizona businesses from Superior to Scottsdale on Tuesday to promote international trade between the USA and the UK. As special representative for international trade and investment, the Duke of York is responsible for helping British businesses grow and expand, meeting with influential trade partners and promoting the UK as a centre for new investment.

"I'm always delighted to speak to companies looking to invest in the UK" the prince said in a statement after the tour. "Arizona has a strong track record of doing that”.

Of those he welcomed were UK-headquartered txtNation LLC, a premium SMS campaign and billing platform provider. Prince Andrew also took the time to visit The Go Daddy Group Inc. an Internet domain registrar and web hosting company, as part of a trip designed to improve his country's economic ties with the U.S. All these companies are continuing to evaluate options for further international development strengthening Arizona’s position in the international business world.

There are strong ties between the UK and Arizona, with Phoenix even hosting the UK Trade and Investment annual conference last November. Currently, the United Kingdom is Arizona’s sixth largest export market, with the state shipping nearly $803 million worth of goods to the UK in 2006, according to the U.S. Commerce Department. txtNation is one of the newest kids on the block, with Arizona home to more than 40 other UK companies.
20/02/2008 - By Mr Adam Williams