MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

A Falklands “showcase” to project the dynamic, forward -looking Islands of today will welcome visit

A Falklands "showcase" to project the dynamic, forward -looking Islands of today will welcome visitors in the heart of London after a £90,000 conversion of Falkland House is opened in October.

Projecting the Islands' optimistic outlook for the future, this modern showcase will have informative displays, a gallery area to profile artistic talent, and will sell high quality Falkland products, crafts, cards and books. The Falkland Islands Government Office (FIGO) will keep its traditional shop façade, but inside the window will be eye catching and the ground floor interior will be opened out and renovated, following a natural theme of white walls, clean lines and dark wooden floors.

Visitors will first enter an interactive information area, moving towards the purpose built, sleek reception counter, and an informal meeting area displaying photographs and pictures. Brochures and individual showcases will promote ?Falklands Finest' products.

Customer Services & Marketing Manager, Sam Allanson-Bailey, says: "Falkland House will present the Islands as they are today, dynamic and forward looking, combined with a unique charm and a personal touch. We want to show the best of the Falkland Islands. Turn people's heads, challenge any stereo-typical thinking, capture interest ? and build business," Our initial soundings amongst potential suppliers and contributors has been extremely positive. This is a live, evolving project which, over time, we hope will include, and benefit, many people connected to the Islands."

The new showcase will provide a suitable location for informal meetings and small receptions, such as private views and launches, product shows, and briefings by visiting businessmen and Councillors from the Islands.

FIGO will continue to provide RAF flight bookings to the Falklands, tourist board representation, recruitment and assistance to medical patients in the United Kingdom.

Conducting the work will be UK exhibition design company, Leading Edge Exhibits Limited, who created the FIG stand for the Political Party Conferences last year. Their client list includes Government of Gibraltar, Agfa and One to One Telephones. Work begins in July and is due for completion