HM Treasury News Release 31/96 19 February 1996 __________________________________________________________________ TEAM UK MUST GET BETTER SALES PITCH SAYS KNIGHT Eighty of the UK's top financial services bosses today came to learn more about the work of the Treasury's City Promotion Panel, and how they could benefit from it. Treasury Minister Angela Knight spoke to Chairmen, Directors and Chief Executives of some of the UK's most profitable financial services companies at a meeting in the City of London. She said: " This was an excellent meeting with top representatives of the UK's financial services industry. " Everyone there shared the view that it is vital that the UK's financial services industry is promoted effectively abroad. If we are to succeed in ever more competitive world markets, we must sell our products better. " If we are to remain the most powerful financial services centre in Europe and remain on top of changing equity markets and rapidly shifting global investment patterns, strategic and far-sighted planning is imperative. " Those in the industry understand the need for us to think as a team, plan for the team, and play in a team. Team UK." The panel provides a top-level forum to discuss and promote the needs of the financial services industry. It is there to hear and represent the industry's views. It is important that all those in the organisations you represent are aware of who panel members are. The Government is supporting this at the highest level. The Panel, chaired by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, brings together people with a wide range of experience and talent in the UK financial services industry. PRESS OFFICE HM TREASURY PARLIAMENT STREET LONDON SWIP 3AG 0171 270 5238 Notes for Editors 1. Economic Secretary to the Treasury Angela Knight was speaking to assembled business leaders at Mansion House in the City of London. 2. The members of the Chancellor's City Promotion panel are: Kenneth Clarke Chancellor of the Exchequer Angela Knight Economic Secretary to the Treasury Anthony Nelson Minister for Trade Governor Bank of England The Lord Mayor Lord Sheppard London First Sir Brian Pearse British Invisibles Lord Alexander of Weedon QC NatWest Group Peter Burt Bank of Scotland David Mayhew Cazenove & Co Win Bischoff Schroders Peter Davis Prudential Assurance Barry Bateman Fidelity UK Alastair Ross Goobey Hermes Investment Management Hitoshi Tonomura Nomura International Jeremy Carver Clifford Chance Colin Sharman KPMG Ian Cormack Citibank Patrick Stevenson Paribas Peter Job Reuters Steve Waters Morgan Stanley Europe 3. If you have access to the Internet you can find this information at "http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk". Material on other Treasury matters can also be found at this address.