SA’s man in UK calls for big brands to lead recovery
South Australia’s reputation for bold ideas and quality has it in position to make big inroads in post-Brexit Britain, our man in the UK says, but our biggest success stories must lead.
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The British public’s insatiable appetite for good food, booze and chocolate will help drive South Australia’s economic recovery post coronavirus, the state’s chief spruiker in the UK says.
South Australia’s Agent-General and former advertising executive Bill Muirhead said the state is also seen as one of the world’s great “safe havens” due to its handling of COVID-19.
Speaking to the Sunday Mail from his London office Mr Muirhead, said the perception of SA has changed dramatically since 2007 when he accepted his role at the request of then Premier Mike Rann.
“We are seen as being younger, more dynamic and as being pioneers – people that do things first,” Mr Muirhead said pointing to renewable energy and the Australian Space Agency as perfect examples of the state’s entrepreneurship.
“We are safe haven, we are a stable democracy and a the great place to be based if you’re going to be doing business in Asia.
“Most companies have now committed to permanent flexible working arrangements and my view is that big cities like London or New York or Paris have become less desirable as places to work.”
Mr Muirhead, who has previously helped the SA Government launch an audacious bid to buy sections of the home of English cricket, Lord’s, and suggested SA should be renamed Adelaide, said the state had really recognisable brands overseas that will benefit from a trade deal that is currently being negotiated.
“We have got the best known brand of wine in the world in Jacobs Creek and Penfold’s Grange Hermitage is consistently in the top five best wines in the world.
“Almost all of our food stuffs will have a bigger opportunity – whether it’s Haigh’s Chocolate or Ditters nuts and fruits, beef and seafood.
“South Australia‘s reputation in terms of quality is really good.”
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New SA Trade and Investment Minister Stephen Patterson said he spoke to Mr Muirhead this week about the opportunities for South Australian exporters in a post-Brexit environment.
“South Australian exporters have really faced some significant challenges through the bushfires and now the COVID-19 pandemic, it is so important that we can strike a good deal for them with the new UK free trade agreement,” he said.
“Having said that, South Australia’s strong response to COVID-19 has really positioned us well internationally as a safe haven for skilled migrants because of our safe and healthy outdoor lifestyle.
“With Lot Fourteen fast developing as the national epicentre of space, cyber and defence capabilities, I am also confident that this will serve to attract even more skilled migration to our state.
“The UK has historically been one of our biggest sources of migration, for their love of our beaches, distinctive wine regions, and our way of life here in South Australia.”