#HOTCS: Greg Houlahan, London

“The variety of work that I get to do is the best part of my job as a Trade Commissioner. I’m able to come in and spend one day with royalty, and the next day with an SME. I even was able to help the Toronto Wolfpack Rugby League Team establish itself in the UK, which is quite cool! They are a Canadian company, and they’re exporting an entertainment product in the sports and entertainment field. We introduced them to a number of potential suppliers and sponsors, and were even able to get them involved with the huge Canada Day celebration on Trafalgar Square.

Being able to support Canadian companies as they expand into new markets is what makes my job so interesting. Our exporters do their homework, they’re prepared to invest in a market, and they don’t just come for the short term – when they make a commitment to a market, they stay there. That kind of quality is respected in the UK.”