BABC - Houston RSS Feed

Networking Event - Blue Atlas Marketing on 21-May-13 5:00 PM

Tue, 21 May 2013 22:00:00 GMT

Networking Event - Blue Atlas Marketing
Start Date: 21-May-13 5:00 PM
End Time: 21-May-13 8:00 PM
Location: Holiday Inn (@Sporting News Grill), Houston, TX
Event Details:

BABC Members are invited to a networking event hosted by BABC Members Blue Atlas Marketing and Holiday Inn Energy Corridor.

Holiday Inn (@Sporting News Grill)

1112 Eldridge Parkway

Houston, TX

An Evening with the Irish Rugby Team on 4-Jun-13 6:30 PM

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 23:30:00 GMT

An Evening with the Irish Rugby Team
Start Date: 4-Jun-13 6:30 PM
End Time: 4-Jun-13 10:00 PM
Location: Reliant Center
Event Details:

DOWNLOAD REGISTRATION PAGE BELOW

Reliant Center

An Evening with the Irish Rugby Team on 4-Jun-13 6:30 PM

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 23:30:00 GMT

An Evening with the Irish Rugby Team
Start Date: 4-Jun-13 6:30 PM
End Time: 4-Jun-13 10:00 PM
Location: Reliant Center
Event Details:

Reliant Center

Lost Afternoon Rugby Luncheon on 7-Jun-13 11:00 AM

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Lost Afternoon Rugby Luncheon
Start Date: 7-Jun-13 11:00 AM
End Time: 7-Jun-13 4:00 PM
Location: Royal Sonesta Hotel, Houston, T 77056
Speaker: Rev. Howard J. Reslett

Event Details:

The Lost Afternoon Rugby Luncheon is the brainchild of Scotsman Malcolm Douglas who holds fond memories of similar events in the UK. The concept is to bring together the rugby community once a year in the spirit of the game to renew friendships, relive past glories, and explore ways in which to move the game forward. Initially we had 3 goals.

Demonstrate to USA Rugby that Houston wanted another test match. Last year Houston broke the attendance record for a domestic Test match when 17,214 people saw the USA play Italy.

Support Youth Rugby Initiatives with donations to Houston Youth Rugby Association, Inc. (a non-profit 501c(3)

Have a great time.

It's called the "Lost Afternoon" for obvious reasons: once you get together with your mates in such an atmosphere, the typical 90-minute luncheon turns into three hours - or more - so you might as well stick around and fully enjoy the experience! The extended time also provides the opportunity to hear from multiple speakers, watch some great action on the big screens, and still have plenty of time to "network." It's not unusual for guests to even book rooms or suites in the host hotel to continue well into the evening, especially those traveling from out-of-town.

Royal Sonesta Hotel

2222 West Loop South

Houston, T 77056

Ireland vs. USA International Rugby on 8-Jun-13 6:00 PM

Sat, 08 Jun 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Ireland vs. USA International Rugby
Start Date: 8-Jun-13 6:00 PM
End Time: 8-Jun-13 8:30 PM
Location: BBVA Compass Stadium, Houston, TX 77003
Event Details:

BBVA Compass Stadium

2200 Texas Ave.

Houston, TX 77003

Houston Grampian's Annual Queen's Tea on 22-Jun-13 2:00 PM

Sat, 22 Jun 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Houston Grampian's Annual Queen's Tea
Start Date: 22-Jun-13 2:00 PM
End Time: 22-Jun-13 4:00 PM
Location: Braeburn Country Club, Houston, TX 77074
Speaker: Alistair Donkin

Event Details:

Reservation Form can be downloaded at the bottom of this page

Braeburn Country Club

8101 Bissonett

Houston, TX 77074

2013 BABC Int'l Business Awards Sponsor Event on 15-Oct-13 11:00 AM

Tue, 15 Oct 2013 16:00:00 GMT

2013 BABC Int'l Business Awards Sponsor Event
Start Date: 15-Oct-13 11:00 AM
End Time: 15-Oct-13 1:00 PM
Location: The Omni Houston Hote;, Houston, TX 77056
Speaker: Bill Schneider

Event Details:

Event Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

Platinum

The Omni Houston Hote;

4 Riverway

Houston, TX 77056

This Week at BABC

Becci Himes - noemail@babchouston.org — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:00:00 GMT

Tendenci Newsletter

British-American Business Council Houston

More than just business...and British

This Week at BABC

13-17 May 2013

In This Issue

Calendar

Networking Event - Blue Atlas Marketing
Day: Tuesday 21-May-13 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Holiday Inn (@Sporting News Grill) 1112 Eldridge Parkway Houston, TX
Mapquest | Add to Calendar

An Evening with the Irish Rugby Team
Day: Tuesday 4-Jun-13 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Location: Reliant Center
Add to Calendar

Lost Afternoon Rugby Luncheon
Day: Friday 7-Jun-13 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: Royal Sonesta Hotel 2222 West Loop South Houston, T 77056
Mapquest | Add to Calendar

Ireland vs. USA International Rugby
Day: Saturday 8-Jun-13 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Location: BBVA Compass Stadium 2200 Texas Ave. Houston, TX 77003

Mapquest | Add to Calendar

Network with us online!

Hello,

Welcome to the BABC - Houston newsletter of upcoming events, articles, and more from our membership.

Member News

British School of Houston Introduces GCE A Levels

The British School of Houston is proud to announce that from September 2014, we will be adding A Levels to our suite of post-16 qualifications that already includes the IB Diploma and the IB Career Related Certificate. This will ensure that BSH students have the widest possible range of high quality post-16 qualifications available to international students worldwide. The school already has an outstanding academic reputation with regard to its delivery of the IB Diploma with BSH students... [More Info]

Articles

24 Hours at Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston - Britain has the Power!

Talk about feeling energised. As I fly back to New York from Houston, blogging about my time there is a good way to reflect on what I've just witnessed. Offshore Technology Conference is the largest energy conference on the planet with over 100,000 delegates. This is Texas after all: 'big' takes on a whole new meaning here. I was ready to be impressed with the British representation at the conference. Houston is the UK's third largest US gateway for international trade, and Texas imports ...

Trade and investment agreement between EU and USA: estimated impact on UK

This document assesses the likely impact of a free trade and investment agreement between the EU and the US (the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership or TTIP) on the UK economy. It uses a computable general equilibrium model to assess the potential impact of tariff reductions and liberalisation of non tariff barriers. It suggests that there could be signficant gains. In the long run, UK national income could rise by between £4 billion and £10 billion annually, with the... [More Info]

David Cameron: A British-American Tax and Trade Agenda

Britain and America have a proud history of working together to meet the great challenges of the day. Ours is a partnership without parallel, rooted in our values of freedom and enterprise-advancing not just Britain's and America's interests but the good of people around the world. Today, our greatest challenge is to restore strong and sustainable growth to the world economy. When times are tough, some want to put the barriers up, to look inwards, and to protect themselves from the... [More Info]

BABC Investment News - May 2013

BABC Investment News May 2013 1. ECONOMIC INDICATORS UK Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was estimated to have increased by 0.3% in Q1 2013, driven by the services sector. The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) grew by 2.8% in March 2013, unchanged from February. Service sector output was... [More Info]

New Members

Holiday Inn Houston West Energy Corridor - Small Business Member - David Robison

Website Sponsor

Stay up to date with our RSS feeds.

16-May-13 3:00 PM

24 hours at the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston – Britain has the power!

Danny Lopez - noemail@babchouston.org — Thu, 16 May 2013 19:30:00 GMT

Talk about feeling energised. As I fly back to New York from Houston, blogging about my time there is a good way to reflect on what I’ve just witnessed. Offshore Technology Conference is the largest energy conference on the planet with over 90,000 delegates. This is Texas after all: ‘big’ takes on a whole new meaning here.

I was ready to be impressed with the British representation at the conference. Houston is the UK’s third largest US gateway for international trade, and Texas imports more from Britain than any other state. What I saw was beyond impressive. The UK, internationally recognised as a global leader in offshore products and services, has the largest international representation at this year’s OTC with 350 companies, universities and industry organisations.

READ REMAINDER OF BLOG POST

16-May-13 2:30 PM

Trade and investment agreement between EU and USA: estimated impact on UK

Tue, 14 May 2013 15:00:00 GMT

This document ssesses the likely impact of a free trade and investment agreement between the EU and the US (the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership or TTIP) on the UK economy.

It uses a computable general equilibrium model to assess the potential impact of tariff reductions and liberalisation of non tariff barriers.

It suggests that there could be signficant gains. In the long run, UK national income could rise by between £4 billion and £10 billion annually, with the main gains being generated by the liberalisation of non-tariff barriers.

The report includes an assessment of the impact on trade as well as national income and includes estimates for the impact on sectors as well as on the UK economy as a whole.

Download entire report in pdf format at the bottom o f this page.

14-May-13 10:00 AM

British School of Houston Introduces GCE A Levels

Amanda Foxwell - noemail@babchouston.org — Tue, 14 May 2013 15:00:00 GMT

The school already has an outstanding academic reputation with regard to its delivery of the IB Diploma with BSH students achieving a 100% pass rate and an average score of 35 IB points over the past 3 years, compared to a world average of just over 29 IB points, a score that places BSH amongst the top IB schools worldwide. In September 2012, the British School of Houston also launched the prestigious IBCC, which allows students to study a combination of IB subjects with BTEC Level 3 qualifications. This has been an outstanding success.

From September 2014, BSH will offer two post-16 pathways to cater fully for the diverse needs of its students who leave to attend universities all over the world. Students will be able to opt to study 3 or 4 A Levels around a core programme or will select to embark on one of our two IB programmes. The A Level programme will be delivered by both current and new BSH teachers, all of whom are UK trained and qualified, and who have extensive experience of delivering A Level programmes in top schools in the UK.

Such an offer is now appropriate given the growth in applications for post-16 study that the school has received. By 2014, it is projected that the number of Year 12 students on roll will exceed more than double the current numbers. Access onto the A Level programme will be similar to that required for entry onto the IB Diploma. Places will be limited and priority will be given to students who complete their GCSE programme at the British School of Houston.

The school will spend the next academic year planning for the introduction of A Levels under the leadership of Amanda Foxwell, Deputy Head: Secondary and Director of Post-16 Education. Mrs Foxwell made a presentation about our proposal to offer A Levels to complement our existing post-16 qualifications to the WCL Group in March of this year and the decision to offer A Levels was ratified by the WCL Board earlier this week.

For further details about this exciting new programme, contact Amanda Foxwell on a.foxwell@wclschools.org, and for information about securing a place at the British School of Houston, contact Tami Riggs on bshadmissions@wclschools.org.

Stephen Foxwell

Headteacher, British School of Houston

14-May-13 10:00 AM

David Cameron: A British-American Tax and Trade Agenda

David Cameron - noemail@babchouston.org — Mon, 13 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Today, our greatest challenge is to restore strong and sustainable growth to the world economy.

When times are tough, some want to put the barriers up, to look inwards, and to protect themselves from the world. But Britain and America stand for a better way. We have a precious opportunity to transform the global economy—not by less openness and less free trade, but by more. And we must do everything possible to seize it.

Trade is not a zero-sum game where one nation's success is another's failure. Trade makes the cake bigger so everyone can benefit. Take the free trade area between Europe and the U.S. on which we hope to launch negotiations when President Obama is in Northern Ireland for the G-8 next month. This deal could add as much as £10 billion to the British economy and £63 billion ($97 billion) to U.S. GDP. But the rest of the world would benefit too, with gains that could generate €100 billion ($132 billion) world-wide.

READ REMAINDER OF ARTICLE

13-May-13 7:00 AM

BABC Investment News - May 2013

Fri, 10 May 2013 15:45:00 GMT

BABC Investment News

May 2013

1. ECONOMIC INDICATORS

UK

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was estimated to have increased by 0.3% in Q1 2013, driven by the services sector.
The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) grew by 2.8% in March 2013, unchanged from February.
Service sector output was estimated to have increased by 2.2% in February 2013 compared with February 2012.
Production output fell by 2.2% in February 2013, compared with February 2012.
Manufacturing output fell by 1.4% in February 2013, compared with February 2012.
Output price annual inflation for all manufactured products rose 2% in the year to March, compared with a rise of 2.3% in the year to February.
The total volume of construction output fell by 5.5% comparing February 2013 with January 2013, in constant prices, not seasonally adjusted.
The employment rate for those aged from 16 to 64 for December 2012 to February 2013 was 71.4%, virtually unchanged from September to November 2012. There were 29.7 million people in employment aged 16 and over, little changed (down 2,000) from September to November 2012. The unemployment rate for December 2012 to February 2013 was 7.9% of the economically active population, up 0.2 percentage points from September to November 2012. There were 2.56 million unemployed people, up 70,000 from September to November 2012.
Between December 2011 to February 2012 and December 2012 to February 2013 total pay rose by 0.8% and regular pay rose by 1% .
In March 2013 the quantity of goods bought (volume) in the retail sector was estimated to have decreased by 0.5% when compared with March 2012. Over the same period the amount spent (value) in the retail sector increased by 0.1%. The price of goods sold in the retail sector (as measured by the implied price deflator) increased by 0.6%.
In Q4, 2012, Business investment in seasonally adjusted terms decreased by 0.8% when compared with the previous quarter to £30.9 billion.
Public Sector Net Borrowing in March 2013 was £15.1 billion, £1.6 billion lower than in March 2012.
The UK’s deficit on seasonally adjusted trade in goods and services was £3.6 billion in February 2013. The deficit on trade in goods was £9.4 billion. The surplus on trade in services was estimated at £5.8 billion.
There was a current account deficit of £14 billion in Q4 2012, down from a revised deficit of £15 billion (originally published as a deficit of £12.8 billion) in the previous quarter. In 2012, the UK’s current account deficit was £57.7 billion.

The number of visits to the UK by overseas residents in January 2013 was 2.2 million, 1% lower than the number in January 2012. During the period November 2012 to January 2013, overseas residents made 7% more visits to the UK than in the corresponding period a year earlier and they spent 8% more on these visits. In the 12 months to January 2013 the number of visits to the UK rose 1% from a year earlier and earnings grew by 4%.
The number of visits abroad by UK residents in January 2013 was 3.4 million, 6% higher than in January 2012. During the period November 2012 to January 2013, UK residents made 2% more visits abroad than in the corresponding period a year earlier, and spent 2% more on these visits. In the 12 months to January 2013 the number of visits abroad by UK residents was unchanged in percentage terms from a year earlier, and expenditure on these visits grew by 3%.

For previously released UK economic indicators visit National Statistics http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/index.html

LONDON

London’s annual growth in output decreased to 0.1% in Q3 2012 from an upwardly revised 1.5% in Q2 2012.
London’s annual employment growth increased to 3% in Q3 2012 from 2.6% in Q2 2012.
Annual house price inflation in London was 4.6% in Q1 2013, up from 0.7% in Q4 2012.
The percentage of the resident working age population who are unemployed and claiming Jobseekers’ Allowance in London was 3.9% in March 2013. There were 218,700 seasonally adjusted unemployment claimants in London in March 2013 compared to a downwardly revised 220,200 in February 2013.
The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) of business activity recorded 53.8 in March 2013 compared to 50.8 in February 2013.
The PMI for new orders for London firms recorded 55.8 in March 2013 compared to 52.8 in February 2013.
The PMI for the level of employment in London firms was 50 in March 2013 compared to 51.9 in February 2013.
The RICS survey shows a positive net balance of 28 for London house prices over the three months to March 2013.
The net house price expectations balance in London was 37 in March 2013.
For Greater London the consumer confidence score increased to -21 in March 2013 from -25 in February 2013.
In the most recent 28 day period, (from 3 February 2013 to 2 March 2013) London’s underground and buses had 274.8 million passenger journeys; 180 million by bus and 94.7 million by Underground.
The moving average annual rate of growth in passenger journeys remained unchanged at 1.9% from the downwardly-revised previous period.

US

Real GDP increased at an annual rate of 2.5% in Q1 2013.
In March 2013, personal income increased $30.9 billion, or 0.2%, disposable personal income (DPI) increased $20.7 billion, or 0.2%, and personal consumption expenditures (PCE) increased $21 billion, or 0.2%.
The US current account deficit decreased to $110.4 billion, or 2.8% of GDP in Q4 2012, from $112.4 billion or 2.8% of GDP in Q3 2012. For the full year 2012, the current account deficit was $475 billion or 3% of GDP, up from $465.9 billion or 3.1% of GDP in 2011.
The February 2013 international trade deficit decreased 3.4% from January 2013, to $43 billion. Exports rose 0.8%, to $186 billion, and imports were virtually unchanged, at $228.9 billion.
Real spending on travel and tourism turned up in Q4 2012, increasing at an annual rate of 1.8% after decreasing 0.7% (revised) in Q3. For the year, real spending on travel and tourism increased 2.7% in 2012 after increasing 3.2% in 2011.

For previously released US economic indicators visit US Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) http://www.bea.gov/index.htm

Private Employment fell by 15,800 in February 2013 after an increase of 26,800 jobs in January. (Source: New York State Dept. of Labor)
The unemployment rate remained at 9.1% between January and February 2013. (Source: New York State Dept. of Labor)
The Manhattan hotel occupancy rate in February 2013 was 81.1%, up from 76.7% in February 2012. (Source: New York State Dept. of Labor)
The Manhattan Class A office vacancy rate was 7.7% in March 2013, while the average asking rent was $69 PSF. (Source: New York State Dept. of Labor)
Passengers in NYC area airports totaled 8.2 million in January 2013, up 6.4% from January 2012. (Source: New York State Dept. of Labor)
In March 2013, the Manhattan Class A direct vacancy rate remained at 7.7% while the average rental rate fell $1 PSF to $69 PSF, respectively. (Source: Cushman and Wakefield)
In the same month, the Downtown Class A direct vacancy rate fell to 6% and the rental rate remained at $46 PSF. (Source: Cushman and Wakefield)
The Manhattan Class A sublease vacancy rate rose to 2.1% in March from 2% in February. (Source: Cushman and Wakefield)
For the twelve months ending February 2013: Building projects (including new, additions and alterations) that started construction in NYC fell by 11.2% and infrastructure (non-building) project starts rose by 24.3% from the twelve months ending February 2012. (Source: McGraw Hill Construction)
Planned space for building project starts rose by 28.8% from the same period in 2012. (Source: McGraw Hill Construction)
2,360 residential building projects started construction, a decrease of 8.5% from the twelve months ending in February 2012. These starts contained 13,712 housing units, an increase of 20% over the same period.( McGraw Hill Construction)
Total Broadway attendance was approximately 902,000 during the four weeks ending March 31, 2013, up 1.9% from the same period last year. (Source: The Broadway League)
Broadway revenue during this period was about $89.1 million, up 10.5% from last year. (Source: The Broadway League)
In January 2013, 8.2 million passengers flew into and out of the region's airports, an increase of 6.4% from January 2012. (Source: Port Authority of New York and New Jersey)
Domestic air carriers accounted for 5.4 million passengers, a 5.8% increase from January 2012. (Source: Port Authority of New York and New Jersey)
2.9 million passengers traveled with international air carriers in January 2013, a 7.4% increase from January 2012. (Source: Port Authority of New York and New Jersey)
In February 2013, the average daily hotel room rate was $219, a 4 % increase from February 2012. (Source: PKF Consulting)
Hotel occupancy was 81.1% in February 2013, up from 76.7% in February 2012. (Source: PKF Consulting)
The average daily hotel room rate increased the most in the lower-priced hotels (charging between $140 and $175 per night). (Source: PKF Consulting)
Total ridership on MTA subways, trains and buses in February 2013 was 202.1 million, a decrease of 3.6% from February 2012. (Source: Metropolitan Transportation Authority)
Subway ridership in February 2013 was 127.8 million, a decrease of 3.4% from February 2012. (Source: Metropolitan Transportation Authority)

EURO ZONE

GDP fell by 0.6% in the euro area during O4 2012, compared with the previous quarter.
The euro area seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate was 12% in February 2013, stable compared with January. The number of persons employed decreased by 0.3% in the euro area in Q4 2012 compared with the previous quarter.
In February 2013, compared with January 2013, the industrial producer price index rose by 0.2% in the euro area.
In January 2013 compared with December 2012, seasonally adjusted industrial production fell by 0.4% in the euro area.
In the construction sector, seasonally adjusted production fell by 0.8% in the euro area in February 2013, compared with the previous month.
In January 2013 compared with December 2012, the volume of retail trade rose by 1.2% in the euro area.
Euro area annual inflation was 1.7% in March 2013, down from 1.8% in February.
The first estimate for the euro trade in goods balance with the rest of the world in January 2013 gave a 3.9 billion euro deficit, compared with -9.1 billion in January 2012.

2. INVESTMENT INDICATORS

UK Investment Position: Q4 2012

The surplus on direct investment income was £10.9 billion in Q4 2012, up from £9 billion in the previous quarter.

Portfolio investment income recorded a deficit of £5.5 billion in Q4 2012, following a deficit of £6.4 billion in the previous quarter. UK earnings on portfolio investment abroad increased by £0.1 billion. Foreign earnings on portfolio investment in the UK decreased by £0.7 billion.

The deficit on earnings from other investment decreased by £0.9 billion to £3.3 billion in the latest quarter. Earnings from other investment abroad fell by £0.4 billion to £7 billion, while earnings on other investment in the UK decreased by £1.2 billion to £10.3 billion.

The financial account showed a net inflow (i.e. inward investment) of £19.2 billion in Q4 2012, compared with a net inflow of £6.3 billion in the previous quarter. UK investment abroad showed a switch from £22.4 billion investment (outflow) to disinvestment (inflow) of £65.9 billion in the latest quarter. Investment in the UK switched from investment of £28.7 billion in Q3 to disinvestment of £46.7 billion in the latest quarter.

Direct investment recorded a net inflow (i.e. inward investment) of £4 billion in Q4 of 2012, a switch from a net outflow of £8.3 billion in the previous quarter.

Direct investment abroad decreased by £12 billion in the latest quarter to £3.2 billion. Direct investment in the UK increased by £0.3 billion in Q4 of 2012 to £7.2 billion.

Portfolio investment recorded a net outflow of £19.8 billion in Q4 2012, a decrease from a net outflow of £126.6 billion in the previous quarter.

Portfolio investment abroad showed net investment of £26 billion in Q4 2012, following a net investment of £62 billion in the previous quarter. Portfolio investment in the UK showed net investment of £6.2 billion in Q4 2012, switching from a net disinvestment of £64.5 billion in the previous quarter.

Other investment in the latest quarter recorded net inflows of £41.7 billion compared with net inflows of £160.1 billion in the previous quarter.

Other investment abroad recorded net disinvestment of £101.8 billion in Q4 2012, following net disinvestment of £73.8 billion in the previous quarter. Other investment in the UK showed net disinvestment of £60.2 billion in Q4 2012 a switch from net investment of £86.4 billion in the previous quarter.

Reserve assets showed net investment of £1.8 billion in Q4 2012 compared with net investment of £2.5 billion in the previous quarter.

The international investment position recorded UK net liabilities of £544 billion at the end of Q4 2012.

UK Investment Position: Year 2012

In 2012, the surplus on income decreased by £24.3 billion to £1.6 billion due mainly to a decrease in the surplus on direct investment income. In addition the deficits on portfolio investment income and other investment income increased.

There was a direct investment surplus of £36.9 billion in 2012; £20.6 billion lower than in the previous year.

In 2012, the portfolio investment income deficit rose by £3.2 billion to £20.6 billion.

The deficit on other investment increased by £0.5 billion to £15.3 billion in 2012.

In 2012, the financial account showed a net inflow (i.e. inward investment) of £48.5 billion, compared with a net inflow of £7.5 billion in the previous year. There was net disinvestment abroad of £80.6 billion in 2012, following net investment of £186 billion in the previous year. There was foreign net disinvestment in the UK of £32.1 billion in 2012, following net investment of £193.6 billion in 2011.

Direct investment recorded a net outflow (i.e. outward investment) of £5.7 billion in 2012, compared with a net outflow of £34.7 billion in the previous year. Direct investment abroad showed investment of £45.2 billion, £21.4 billion lower than in 2011. Direct investment in the UK was £39.5 billion in 2012, £7.6 billion higher than in the previous year.

Portfolio investment recorded a net outflow of £203.4 billion in 2012, compared with a net outflow of £44.6 billion in 2011. Portfolio investment abroad showed net investment of £125.4 billion in 2012, £118.8 billion higher than in the previous year. Portfolio investment in the UK showed net disinvestment of £78 billion in 2012 compared with net disinvestment of £38 billion in 2011.

Other investment recorded net inflows of £234.5 billion in 2012 compared with net inflows of £94.6 billion in the previous year. Other investment abroad switched from net investment of £105 billion in 2011 to net disinvestment of £228.1 billion in the latest year. Other investment in the UK showed net investment of £6.4 billion in 2012, £193.3 billion lower than in the previous year.

Reserve assets showed net investment of £7.6 billion in 2012, following net investment of £4.9 billion in 2011.

US Investment Position: Q4 2012

In Q4 2012, Income receipts on US-owned assets abroad increased to $189.4 billion from $181.3 billion. Income payments on foreign-owned assets in the US increased to $135.1 billion from $132.8 billion.

Net financial inflows were $58.4 billion in Q4, down from $68.3 billion in Q3.

US-owned assets abroad increased $120.5 billion in Q4 after increasing $217.2 billion in Q3. Foreign-owned assets in the US increased $176 billion in Q4 after increasing $290.6 billion in the Q3.

US direct investment abroad was $81.9 billion in Q4, down from $90.9 billion in Q3. Foreign direct investment in the US was $60.3 billion in Q4, up from $41.8 billion in Q3.

US Investment Position: Year 2012

In 2012, Income receipts on US-owned assets abroad decreased to $736.1 billion from $738.8 billion. Income payments on foreign-owned assets in the US increased to $529.8 billion from $503.8 billion.

Net financial inflows were $339.7 billion in 2012, down from $556.3 billion in 2011.

US-owned assets abroad decreased $17.9 billion in 2012 following an increase of $483.7 billion in 2011. Foreign-owned assets in the US increased $384.9 billion in 2012 following an increase of $1,001 billion in 2011.

US direct investment abroad was $351.4 billion in 2012, down from $419.3 billion in 2011. Foreign direct investment in the US was $174.7 billion in 2012 following investment of $234 billion in 2011.

US Net International Investment Position: Q4 2012

The US net international investment position at the end of Q4 2012 was -$4,416.2 billion (preliminary) as the value of foreign investments in the US exceeded the value of US investments abroad. At the end of Q3, the US net international investment position was -$4,663.4 billion. The $247.2 billion change in the net position reflected a $207.2 billion decrease in the value of foreign-owned assets in the US and a $40 billion increase in the value of US-owned assets abroad.

US-owned assets abroad were $20,760.1 billion at the end of Q4 compared with $20,720.2 billion at the end of Q3. The $40 billion increase reflected an increase of $318.6 billion in the value of US-owned assets excluding financial derivatives that was mostly offset by a decrease of $278.7 billion in the value of financial derivatives.

US-owned assets abroad excluding financial derivatives were $17,140.3 billion at the end of Q4 compared with $16,821.7 billion at the end of Q3. The $318.6 billion increase reflected $120.5 billion in financial outflows and $198.1 billion in valuation changes.

Foreign-owned assets in the US were $25,176.3 billion at the end of Q4 compared with $25,383.6 billion at the end of Q3. The $207.2 billion decrease reflected a decrease of $284.6 billion in the value of financial derivatives that was partly offset by an increase of $77.3 billion in the value of foreign-owned assets in the US excluding financial derivatives.

Foreign-owned assets in the US excluding financial derivatives were $21,614.4 billion at the end of Q4 compared with $21,537 billion at the end of Q3. The $77.3 billion increase reflected $176 billion in financial inflows and -$98.6 billion in valuation changes.

US Net International Investment Position: Year 2012

The US net international investment position was -$4,416.2 billion (preliminary) at the end of 2012 compared with -$4,030.3 billion at the end of 2011. The -$386 billion change in the net position from the end of 2011 to the end of 2012 reflected a $372.3 billion decrease in the value of US-owned assets abroad and a $13.7 billion increase in the value of foreign-owned assets in the US.

US-owned assets abroad were $20,760.1 billion at the end of 2012 compared with $21,132.4 billion at the end of 2011. The $372.3 billion decrease reflected a decrease of $1,084.9 billion in the value of financial derivatives that was mostly offset by an increase of $712.6 billion in the value of US-owned assets abroad excluding financial derivatives.

US-owned assets abroad excluding financial derivatives were $17,140.3 billion at the end of 2012 compared with $16,427.7 billion at the end of 2011. The $712.6 billion increase reflected $730.6 billion in valuation changes as prices of foreign stocks increased in 2012 after falling in 2011. Financial inflows of $17.9 billion were partly offsetting.

Foreign-owned assets in the US were $25,176.3 billion at the end of 2012 compared with $25,162.6 billion at the end of 2011. The $13.7 billion increase reflected an increase of $1,030.2 billion in the value of foreign-owned assets in the US excluding financial derivatives that was mostly offset by a decrease of $1,016.4 billion in the value of financial derivatives.

Foreign-owned assets in the US excluding financial derivatives were $21,614.4 billion at the end of 2012 compared with $20,584.2 billion at the end of 2011. The $1,030.2 billion increase reflected $384.9 billion in financial inflows and $645.3 billion in valuation changes as prices of US corporate stocks and bonds increased in 2012.

US Multinational Companies: US and Foreign Operations

Worldwide employment by US multinational companies (MNCs) increased 1.5% in 2011 to 34.5 million workers, with the increase primarily reflecting increases abroad. In the US, employment by US parent companies increased 0.1% to 22.9 million workers, compared with a 1.8% increase in total private-industry employment in the US. The total employment by US parents accounted for roughly one-fifth of total US employment in private industries. Abroad, employment by majority-owned foreign affiliates of US MNCs increased 4.4% to 11.7 million workers.

Worldwide capital expenditures by US MNCs increased 16.7% in 2011 to $706 billion. Capital expenditures in the US by US parent companies increased 17.1% to $514 billion. Capital expenditures abroad by their majority-owned foreign affiliates increased 15.4% to $192 billion.

Sales by US parent companies increased 9.4% in 2011 to $10,696 billion. Sales by their majority-owned foreign affiliates increased 15.8% to $5,985 billion.

Because the growth in employment of US parent companies was not as strong as the growth in employment of majority-owned foreign affiliates, the US parent share of worldwide employment of US MNCs fell nearly 1 percentage point in 2011 to 66. The US-parent share of worldwide capital expenditures of US MNCs in 2011 was 73%, a share that was little changed from 2010.

Foreign Multinational Companies: US Operations

Employment in the US by majority-owned US affiliates of foreign MNCs rose 3.3%, to 5.6 million workers, in 2011, a rate of increase higher than the 1.8% increase in total US private-industry employment in 2011. US affiliates accounted for 5% of US private-industry employment in 2011, one-tenth of a percentage point higher than in 2010.

Capital expenditures by US affiliates rose 12.3% in 2011 to $173 billion. Sales by US affiliates rose 11.9% in 2011 to $3,491 billion.

3. NEW INVESTMENTS

US Investments into the UK

365 Media Opens UK Office

US company 365 Media, has opened an R&D centre on Castle Park in Cambridge for advanced natural language processing and machine learning technologies. 365 Media is a California-based company with 400 staff worldwide, providing advanced information retrieval and data management to some of the world’s largest publishers, and marketing and sales organizations. The Cambridge office, headed by Dr Justin Washtell, will focus on further development of the company’s text analytics and machine learning technology, for use in specialist areas such as price monitoring, risk analysis and reputation monitoring. The new office opens with four people and plans to grow the team throughout the year.

US Headquarters, 365 Media, 1820 Gateway Drive, Suite 170, San Mateo, CA 94404.
Tel: 650 286 4108 Website: www.365media.com

UK Office, 365 Media, Sheraton House, Suite 311, Castle Park, Cambridge CB3 0AX

Stripe Opens UK Office

Californian company Stripe, a web payment enabler has launched its service in Europe, starting with the opening of an office in the UK.

Stripe HQ, 140 Second St, San Francisco, CA 94105. Email: info@stripe.com
Website: https://stripe.com/

Levels Beyond Opens London Office

Colorado-based software company Levels Beyond has established an office in London, UK, to serve current clients in the country and expand throughout Europe. A London-based team of technical and sales professionals will be headed by newly appointed EMEA Managing Director Paul Phillips.
The office will serve as a regional location for the company, which aims to become the leading software provider throughout Europe for video content companies and has made a commitment to providing local expertise for sales, support and administration.

Levels beyond, 2724 Walnut Street, Denver, CO 80205. Tel: 303 495 2424
Website: www.levelsbeyond.com

Kony Solutions Opens EMEA Office in London

Kony Solutions, the leading mobile and multi-channel application platform provider, announced its official presence in EMEA with an office opening in London.

US Headquarters, Kony Solutions, 7380 West Sand Lake Road #390 , Orlando, FL 32819
Tel: 407 730 5669 Fax: 407 440 3738 Website: www.kony.com

EMEA HQ, Kony Solutions, Marble Arch Tower, 55 Bryanston Street, London W1H 7AA
Tel: +44 (0)207 859 8381

UK Office, Kony Solutions, 5 New Street Square, London EC4A 3TW Tel: +44 (0)207 859 8381

UK Investments into the US

CPA Global Opens US Office

CPA Global, the world's leading intellectual property (IP) management and software specialist, has opened a new office in Silicon Valley, to help meet the massive demand for IP management services in the region and to enable the Company to better serve its existing West Coast clients. Located in Redwood City, the new office will support the IP needs of CPA Global's more than 220 corporate and law firm clients in California; and adds to the Company's other US offices in Alexandria, Minneapolis and Houston.

CPA Global Management Services Ltd, 1 Oliver's Yard, 55-71 City Road, London EC1Y 1DT.
Tel: +44 (0)207 549 0679 Fax: +44 (0)207 549 0671 Website: www.cpaglobal.com

CPA Global North America LLC, 303 Twin Dolphin Drive, 6th Floor, Redwood City, California 94065
Tel: 703 739 2234 Tel: 703 838 7683 Fax: 703 739 2815 Email: us@cpaglobal.com

Blur Group Opens US Office

Blur Group, a publicly-traded technology company in London, announced it has established Dallas as its US headquarters as it expands business in the states. Blur is an online platform that allows businesses to buy, sell, collaborate and pay for services such as IT, legal, accounting and creative ventures, like marketing and public relations. The Dallas office on Oak Lawn Avenue is headed by Gerry Gross and has seven employees. The company said it plans to hire 35 to 40 additional people by the end of the year.

Blur Group, Westbourne Studios, London W10 5JJ. Tel: +44 (0)800 048 8664
Website: www.blurgroup.com

Blur Group, 3300 Oak Lawn Avenue, Dallas, TX 75219. Tel: 866 936 7981

4. TRADE SHOWS

UK

May 13-16, 2013 - IFSEC 2013 – NEC, Birmingham
Website: http://www.ifsec.co.uk/

IFSEC is the world's leading global annual security event, uniting over 25,000 security professionals with more than 600 world leading companies.

Contact: Richard Stanbridge, Senior Commercial Specialist/Head of Industries Team
Tel: +44 (0)20 7894 0437 Email: Richard.Stanbridge@trade.gov

May 22-23, 2013 - “All-Energy” Renewable Energy Conference & Exhibition 2013 – AEEC, Aberdeen
Website: http://www.all-energy.co.uk/

The All-Energy exhibition and conference is the UK’s largest event devoted to renewable energy. It is highly relevant to companies actively involved in all areas of the renewable energy industry - wind (onshore and offshore), wave, tidal, hydro, hydrogen and fuel cells, solar and bio fuels.

Contact: Claudia Colombo, Commercial Specialist, Tel: +44 (0)20 7894 0443

Email: Claudia.Colombo@trade.gov

US

May 5-8, 2013 - WINDPOWER Conference & Exhibition 2013 - Chicago, IL
Website: http://windpowerexpo.org/2013/
WINDPOWER is the focal point for wind professionals to network with and learn from industry leaders and experts, and to discover the latest in industry products and services.