Bond Pearce

Christina Tolvas-Vincent, our Employment Partner, is taking on a new identity. She is becoming an Honorary Consul of Finland. Oceana House our offices on Commercial Road in Southampton will now double as an Honorary Consulate, so please don't be surprised if you see the Finnish flag on display!

Christina's achievement will be officially recognised by the Finnish Ambassador when he visits Southampton on Tuesday 20 December. The Ambassador will be meeting Southampton businesses on his visit including Airways Optical (part of Specsavers Group) and Associated British Ports. He will also meet local dignitaries and representatives of The University of Southampton, Southampton Solent University and Winchester University. There will be an official ceremony at 12 noon at Oceana House.

Christina moved over to the UK in 1991 from Finland and has been here ever since but her connections with her home country have remained strong and she is a member of the Finnish-British Chamber of Commerce and remains a fully qualified Finnish lawyer.

Christina Tolvas-Vincent, Employment Partner, said: "I am delighted to take on this new role. As a Finn living and working in the UK I have a unique perspective on the relationship between the two countries and the issues faced by those in the Finnish business world who wish to interact with the UK and vice versa. I look forward to welcoming the Finnish Ambassador to Southampton and introducing him to the impressive businesses and organisations we have in this city."

An honorary consul is the official representative of the government of one country in the territory of another, normally acting to assist and protect the people of the country the consul represents, and to facilitate trade and friendship between the peoples of the two countries.

Whilst there is only ever one ambassador of one country to another, there can be several consuls, often based in major cities, providing assistance to both the people of the consul's country travelling or living abroad and to those in the host country who wish to travel to or trade with the consul's country.

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