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UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) has appointed new Accredited Trade Organisations (ATOs) to manage the groups that form the British Pavilion at shows previously handled by Food from Britain (FFB).

The organisations are the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, PS8 Ltd, Montgomery International and William Reed Business Media.

10 of the trade shows organised by FFB will be covered by the new ATOs, as well as shows for the ingredients and brewing sectors.

UKTI TAP funding will remain in place, offering eligible SMEs up to six grants to exhibit at accredited international trade shows from 1 April 2009, under new rules announced by UKTI recently.

Commenting on the announcement, John Adams, CEO at Food from Britain, said: “We want to reassure producers that British Pavilions at many of the world’s leading trade shows will continue after FFB’s closure in March next year, and that funding will still be available to assist new, small exporters. It’s satisfying to see that a forum that offers so much value and such great returns will still be available to help British companies build their international business.

“We've spent many years working to create a strong national group that has been such an attraction for buyers looking to source new, innovative and unique products abroad, and feel that we have successfully accomplished that mission. It's good to know that the British Pavilion will continue to thrive under the guidance of the various ATOs at international food and drink trade shows across the globe.”