The 'one stop-shop' is a reality in Sao Paulo. The British Consulate-General occupies the second floor of the British Centre, a splendid four-storey building which also houses four organisations that have British in their titles, plus the head office of the Cultura Inglesa, Brazil's largest English language teaching operation.

The immediate difference relevant to the taxpayer is the 50 per cent saving in annual rent. Benefits for occupants and visitors have been equally quick to show themselves. The advantages to visitors wanting access to more than one service from Britain are obvious. The advantages have already been put to good use. In the first week there was a dummy Formula One car on display along in the foyer with two Triumph motorbikes, one of which was sold within a few days. The British Council have held a ceramics exhibition, which attracted 400 guests at the opening night. There were a series of seminars including one on London and the Euro given by David Clementi, Deputy Governor of the Bank of England, and another given by Professor Giddens, Director of the London School of Economics, on Education and Globalisation.

The rooftop restaurant has been used to host dinner receptions for several groups of British exhibitors attending local trade fairs. John Prescott visited the building early in 2000. The Consulate was officially opened by Sir John Kerr, Head of the Diplomatic Service, in May. The Millennium Products exhibition started in October when Trade Secretary Stephen Byers visited Sao Paulo. Nick Raynsford, Minister for Construction, brought a high level business delegation to the building in November. A group of British women organised a very successful Chelsea-style 'flower show' in the same month. A little bit of England in the middle of the second largest metropolis in the world! Visiting British businessmen have been impressed saying that the whole building makes a statement for the UK.