Introducing Jill Sanders, Honorary Consul of Finland in Plymouth
Third up in our article series introducing the Honorary Consuls of Finland in the United Kingdom is Jill Sanders. She was appointed as the Honorary Consul of Finland for Plymouth on 2012. Her area covers the city of Plymouth as well as counties Cornwall and Devon.
1. How did you end up as an Honorary Consul for Finland?
I was contacted by the Finnish Ambassador, Pekka Huhtaniemi, to see if I would cover Finland as well as Norway as the previous Finnish Consul was retiring. The Norwegian Ambassador agreed to this proposal and I have been covering Finland since 2012.
2. What do you enjoy most in your role as an Honorary Consul?
I enjoy meeting the people and helping them if possible. Unfortunately, the services an Honorary Consul can perform are limited but sometimes it is just good to listen and then hopefully point them in the right direction at the Embassy.
3. What is Finland known for in your area?
In my immediate circle Finland is known for its beauty, space and being eco-friendly.
4. What do you wish people in your area knew more about Finland?
Everything.
5. What does your area have to offer for Finns or Finnish companies?
Devon & Cornwall are rural counties best known for their tourism, fishing and agriculture. Plymouth and Exeter have excellent Universities with a number of international students – some of whom are Finnish.
6. What is your favourite Finnish word or expression? Why?
As yet to establish a favourite word or expression. Perhaps when I get the opportunity to visit Finland something will present itself and will never be forgotten.
Finland has about 400 honorary consulates around the world, 20 of which in the United Kingdom. Honorary Consuls promote economic, political, academic and cultural relations between Finland and the UK, and monitor the rights of Finnish citizens in their sphere of operation. They can for example guide and assist in contacts with the local authorities or the embassy. However, their possibilities to provide assistance are limited, nor for instance can they grant a passport.
Read more:
Honorary Consulate of Finland, Plymouth
Introducing Tina McKenzie, Honorary Consul of Finland in Belfast
Introducing James Ryeland, Honorary Consul of Finland in Dover
Introducing Christina Tolvas-Vincent, Honorary Consul of Finland in Southampton
Introducing Chris Rostron, Honorary Consul of Finland in Manchester
Introducing Geoffrey Berriman, Honorary Consul of Finland in Newcastle upon Tyne
Introducing John Gibson, Honorary Consul of Finland in Liverpool