Catalogue description Records created or inherited by UK Trade and Investment (UKTI)

UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) was formed in May 1999 as British Trade International. It initially comprised two parts: Trade Partners UK (for export) and Invest UK (for inward investment). In October 2003, the former department name and two inner departments merged and became UK Trade and Investment.

UKTI is the UK Government organisation that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy by offering services to UK based firms wanting to gain access to global markets through export, and foreign based firms wanting to use the UK as a base to expand globally. Its aim is to ‘enhance the competitiveness of companies in the UK through overseas trade and investments; and attract a continuing high level of quality foreign direct investment’.

UKTI reports jointly to the the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). It draws staff and associated administration funding from both parent departments, but has its own stream of programme funding, for which the Chief Executive is directly responsible as accounting officer. UKTI is an international organisation with headquarters in London and Glasgow, and across its organisation employs staff and advisers in both the UK and abroad, including those overseas in UK Embassies, High Commissions, Consulates and trade offices, and in the UK in nine English regions. Business and university leaders work with UKTI as 'Business Ambassadors' to promote the UK internationally and highlight trade and investment opportunities.

In July 2016, UKTI was replaced by the Department for International Trade.