Hull City Council to lead trade mission to Iceland

Hull businesses who are considering doing trade with Iceland are being invited to join a delegation from the city in May.

Hull City Council is organising the trade mission for businesses who are interested in exporting to or importing from Iceland. The trip has been organised in partnership with the British Ambassador in Reykjavik and the Icelandic Ambassador in London.

The Lord Mayor of Kingston upon Hull Councillor Karen Woods will lead the delegation on behalf of the Humber region.

Councillor John Robinson, portfolio holder for image and culture, explains the importance of the trip: "As a council we try to encourage businesses in Hull and the surrounding area to trade with other countries. Doing so can be of great benefit, not only to the business themselves, but to the region as a whole, by increasing trade through the ports and strengthening our local economy."

This trade mission is not only open to businesses in the Humber region but to all of those in the Yorkshire region too. The trade mission will leave from Heathrow Airport on Sunday 9 May and will return on Wednesday 12 May. As part of the activities Her Majesty's Ambassador to Iceland, Ian Whitting, intends to host a networking dinner on Monday 10 May.

The cost of the trade mission is £700 per person, which includes coach travel from Hull (and other potential local pick up points) to Heathrow Airport and flights. It also includes coach transfers to and from the Nordica Hilton Hotel with three nights' bed and breakfast accommodation.

Businesses may be eligible for a grant of £300 towards the cost of the trade mission from UK Trade and Industry, who would also be able to assist in the production of the OMIS (Overseas Market Introduction Service) reports and the networking dinner. Only one grant per company is available.

To reserve a place for your business as part of the delegation contact Phil Hall, investment programmes officer for Hull City Council, on 01482 612 167.

Hull has longstanding links with Iceland with over a 700 year trading history and is twinned with the country's capital, Reykjavik.