The UK Department of International Trade (DIT) has celebrated the continued success of Australia and New Zealand's retail industry in its market at a reception held at the Australian High Commission in London.
Representatives from Australian and NZ brands such as Kikki.K and RM Williams, as well as representatives from Austrade and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), met to discuss plans for the next steps in further international growth.
British consul general and director general UK DIT, ANZ Michael Ward said the reception was a great opportunity to celebrate Australia and New Zealand's international success and discuss further opportunities in the UK market.
“With over 60 million consumers making 320 million transactions a week and a mature e-commerce market, where spend is more online per head than anywhere else in the world, the UK is a prime destination for Australasian retailers looking to expand their global footprint.”
Retail technology was said to be a focal point for Australian and New Zealand businesses looking to expand into the UK, with the UK retail industry adopting smart technology such as time delay mirrors, smart change rooms and wearable technology.
In 2014 and 2015, Australian retail companies delivered over £203 million pounds (329 million AUD) in capital investment and 1800 jobs to the UK.