LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - It's a British invasion for 2013. The government
of the United Kingdom is setting up shop in Louisville, but just temporarily. A
so-called "pop up" consulate is coming to town in hopes of luring Kentuckians
to visit and do business in Britain.
"It's sort of an experiment for us, but the first signs are that it's
an experiment that's working well," said British Consul General for the
Midwest Robert Chatterton Dickson. He covers 13 states for Her Majesty's
government and said this pop up consulate allows them to come to an area they
don't get to visit much.
Never heard of a pop up consulate? "No one has because we've
never done it before," said Vice Consul Jonathan Daniel, "and not
just the British government, but as far as we're aware, any other
government."
For a week, the consulate that operates the rest of the year in Chicago is
moving to Louisville, hoping to drum up business by showcasing British brands
Mini, Triumph and Richard Branson, while also recruiting Bluegrass business.
"We're helping companies that are the iconic brands in Louisville and
in the state to do business in the United Kingdom," Daniel said.
"We feel that Northern Kentucky is a place where there's economic
potential," said Chatterton Dickson. "There's quite a lot going on
here already, but we feel there's potential to do even more."
They're looking to meet the political and business movers and shakers, but
they're also here to show what they have to offer even to you and me.
"Stop in, meet some British representatives, have a cup of tea or
coffee," said Daniel.
The pop up consulate will be here through Friday in the National City Tower.
Copyright 2013 WAVE News. All rights reserved.
The U.S. and British flags fly outside the National City Tower in downtown Louisville.
Signs greet Louisvillians at the Pop Up British Consulate.
The pop up consulate will be in Louisville through Friday, March 15.
Robert Chatterton Dickson
Jonathan Daniel
