Learning about the UK

During the winter break, we started to learn about the history, culture, politics and business environment in the UK and the EU. One interesting sources was Simon Shama's videos on British history, found on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7ndvcAYlE4&feature=related

Other interesting links included:
CIA world factbook on the UK: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/uk.html

EU: europa.eu/index_en.htm http://ec.europa.eu/trade/index_en.htm

World Bank: Doing Business in the UK: http://www.doingbusiness.org/exploreeconomies/?economyid=196

EU 2020 Strategy:http://ec.europa.eu/eu2020/pdf/COMPLET%20EN%20BARROSO%20%20%20007%20-%20Europe%202020%20-%20EN%20version.pdf

On Thursday, March 11, 2010, the UK class traveled to Portland. In the morning we met with the MITC (Maine International Trade Center). This visit was very helpful with Mr. Bozsiks' presentation on Maine international trade, the complexities of doing business in different countries, UK and EU regulations, and cultural considerations. He also reviewed and commented on the team projects, providing valuable insights into issues such as potential UK markets for the Maine wood products and seafood industries, bringing UK tourists to Maine, among others. The picture is of our group with Mr. Bozsik at the MITC.

That afternoon, we met with the CEO of Hydro International. This is the company we are working with on case analyses for specific projects.  Their corporate headquarters is located in Clevedon, England, where we will present the results of the team research projects.