British businesses flock to Central Florida

Thales Group, a French electronics company operating in various sectors, said in its press release that Orlando has become one of the most sought-after destinations for British business houses heading, on the E-2 Treaty Investor visas, to the US. Eligible for the E-2 Treaty Investor visa, a non-immigrant visa type, are people who have invested considerably in a US business and have 50 percent stake in it. The Thales Group announced recently that they were expanding into Central Florida and were investing more than $20 million and generating more jobs. Rick Scott, Governor of Florida, said that it was a matter of pride for them to see that Thales had opted for Florida to initiate their expansion. He added that he would like to see their success continuing in Florida. The highest number of foreign visitors to Orlando region were said to be Canadians. This region has reportedly created 53,900 new jobs in the private sector till January this year. On the other hand, Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said that Florida's aerospace industry was leading in both the US and the world, and Thales' expansion would only enhance it further. Thales is expected to create 327 jobs in Melbourne, Florida and 173 jobs in Orlando. Alan Pellegrini, the President and CEO of Thales USA, is quoted by workpermit.com as saying that they were glad to expand their competitive presence in Florida. Pellegrini said that Florida’s pro-business programme was helping them. It was mentioned that French nationals also are welcome to Orlando under E-1 Treaty Trader Visa and the E-2 Treaty Investor schemes.