Lord Mayor of York promotes EngNet

Friday, 25 January, 2002

"Lord Mayor hoists flag on African mission"

THE Lord Mayor of York is flying the flag with the first citizens of seven other cities in a trade, tourism and cultural mission aimed at improving links between Britain and South Africa.

Irene Waudby and her consort, husband Derek, will fly to Johannesburg next week with the mission, which is being sponsored by South African Tourism and South African Airways.

During the week-long trip, they will meet their counterparts from South African cities and explore the possibilities of greater city-to-city ties between the two countries.

They will also be briefed on the importance of tourism to South Africa, where one job is created for every eight visitors, as well as gaining a better insight into the economic opportunities for Britain of closer links between the two countries.

Coun Waudby said: "South Africa is seeking diversity in its economy – just like York. Tourism and history are playing a major role in both places."

York Inward Investment Board's marketing director Dave Taylor said: "We are most pleased that the lord mayor will be presenting York as Europe's most attractive business location to South African business leaders.

"We stand ready to talk to any other potential inward investors from South Africa. Already, one company from Johannesburg, EngNet, has based itself in York to create an Internet portal, or directory, for engineering companies."

Coun Waudby was joined on the steps of the Mansion House yesterday by Mike and Mimika Cooney, the South African couple who run EngNet's York operation.

The other lord mayors on the trip are from Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Liverpool, Portsmouth, Swansea and Westminster.

(Click here to view the online link.)

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