Brisbane’s Investment Promotion Agency Awarded World's Best
"The World’s Leading IPA is Brisbane Marketing’s Investment Attraction division"
GDP Global Development
In a 14 month large-scale assessment by London-based independent consultancy, Brisbane Marketing’s Investment Attraction division was awarded World’s Best Performing Investment Promotion Agency (IPA) in 2007/08 as well as the status of Best City Agency Worldwide.
A total of 40 IPAs representing countries, regions and cities from around the world were evaluated by GDP Global Development through 168 separate assessments. Thirteen emerging economy IPAs and 27 from the developed world took part in the program.
Standing on the podium with Investment Attraction division in second and third place was Locate in Kent based in the UK and Investment New Zealand (Los Angeles office).
Brisbane Lord Mayor Campbell Newman said business investment had played a significant role in helping Brisbane become an emerging global city.
"Brisbane is in a very strong position at the moment: it’s Australia’s fastest growing city, with the nation’s fastest growing population and employment," he said.
"I commend the Investment Attraction division team in achieving the World's Best Performing IPA. This highlights the outstanding role the agency has played in shaping Brisbane's resilient and knowledge-based economy.
"This award also shows Brisbane City Council's foresight to invest in an IPA for Brisbane, the first capital city IPA in Australia.
Brisbane Marketing Director, Investment Attraction division Daniel Havas said the global environment for investment attraction has never been more competitive which makes this achievement for Brisbane Marketing and Brisbane even more rewarding.
"IPAs representing nations have dominated the top GDP rankings since early 2001. As Australia’s only capital city IPA, the award highlights that Investment Attraction division and Brisbane is leading the way in global investment attraction," Mr Havas said.
"Investment Attraction division achieved the status of World’s Best Performing IPA due to outstanding performance via the provision of expert investment advice and online marketing. Teamwork and personal commitment were also recognised as world-class.
"Brisbane is the centre of Australia’s fastest growing region driven by long-term sustainable economic plans. Investment Attraction division and the city plays a strategic role in attracting the talent needed to drive our globally competitive knowledge-intensive industries."
Investment Attraction division secured second place in the 2005/06 benchmark, behind Sheffield First for Investment (UK), while Invest Northern Ireland and Invest Victoria (Australia) closely trailed.
The 2007/08 program assessed 40 IPAs from Europe, Africa, Latin America, North America and Australasia, making it the best represented year since its inception in 2001.
Some of the major agencies vying for the World Best ranking were InvestHK, Invest in France Agency, Midas Manchester, UK Trade & Investment and Invest in Austria.
Every IPA was evaluated in the same manner using three international benchmark assessments:
1. Overall performance
2. Foreign investment project handling
3. E-communication
Investment Attraction division received World Leader status in the Overall Performance and Project Handling categories; and Best Practice status for E-communications.
Mr Havas said Investment Attraction division participated in the benchmark program because it provides invaluable independent assessment and analysis on performance.
"We are continually striving to ensure our service and the intelligence we provide is truly world-class."
Key points from GDP Global Report
"Investment Attraction division achieved the status of World Leader, due to overall very high standards of performance in every area. In particular the teamwork and personal commitment of Investment Attraction division staff produce outstanding results – a general evaluation score at the upper 80% level.
"Only one IPA achieved a World Leading level of performance (75%+) in 2007 / 08.
"Achieving the highest ever score achieved by an IPA since the benchmarking program began, the Investment Attraction division team made an outstanding effort in handling a Creative Industries – E-gaming Sales & Marketing investment enquiry.
"The team approach was critical, once again, to Investment Attraction division. Combined with a high degree of customization, attention to service and much determination; led to the development of a strong investor proposition. This result places Investment Attraction division as a top performer for enquiry and project handling over two benchmarking periods (2005 – 2008)."