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https://ukti.blog.gov.uk/2013/09/05/new-duesseldorf-flights-mean-business/

New Duesseldorf flights mean business

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Export, Germany

When the CFO of one German industrial giant realised a new Duesseldorf to London City Airport route was being introduced, he was so excited he moved his business trip back a week to take advantage of it.

The BA-run route, which began on Sunday and will offer three times daily flights is clearly aimed (and timed) for business people - and early bookings suggest that the route is likely to be a success.

Even though the UK is already Germany's largest trading partner, of course we welcome any new initiative which brings the two economies closer together.

And this north-west corner of Germany is geographically, and economically, the closest to UK.

The most populous part of Europe's largest economy receives almost as much in British exports every year as the whole of India and China combined.

It is no wonder then that Duesseldorf Airport now offers 14 destinations across the length and breadth of the UK - both the most on offer from a German airport but also the country best connected to this part of Germany.

With more than a third of the DAX 30 based in this part of the country, the new route into the heart of London offers significant advantages.

Of course companies based in Canary Wharf will have a more direct link to their German offices but also the DAX companies will have improved access to the investment banking that London still excels in.

As I said in my speech at the launch event for the new route, the UK economy is much more than just financial services and much more than just London - but that doesn't mean we can't be proud of our world-leading financial centre.

Another link between the UK, and London, and Germany, and Duesseldorf, will be announced this week.

Karstadt, Germany's largest department store, is launching a Feel London campaign in their Duesseldorf flagship store.

For a month, British fashion will be showcased across all 83 stores in Germany.

The launch coincides with Topshop's appearance in the Karstadt stores as well as in the luxury KaDeWe in Berlin, Europe's second largest department store behind Harrods.

It is a wonderful opportunity for UK companies to showcase their excellence across the whole country and yet another example of the closeness of the business relationship between the two nations.

And, a final (if slightly tenuous) word on Duesseldorf and its link with the UK. The lead singer of Die Toten Hosen, the legendary punk rock band and the city's most famous export, has a British mother.

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