Charles Bond, a corporate partner in the Birmingham office of Cobbetts LLP, has been appointed as Honorary Consul for Norway for the Midlands at the newly opened Royal Norwegian Consulate in Birmingham.

After consultation with the former Honorary Consul, Geoffrey Bond (OBE), who has held the position for 27 years, the Norwegian Embassy has decided to move the Consulate from Nottingham to Birmingham in order to provide a more central location from which Norwegian citizens in the region can be served. 

The role of Honorary Consul is to assist with regular consular duties, such as dealing with passport applications, as well as supporting and promoting the commercial and cultural interests of Norway, and Norwegians living in the Midlands.

The Consulate was officially opened at an event at Cobbetts’ Colmore Square office on 22 October, where the former Honorary Consul formally handed over the role.   The event was attended by the Norwegian Ambassador, along with representatives of Norwegian businesses and associations from across the region.

Bond noted: “The Midlands, and Birmingham in particular, has an active Norwegian community.  With the support of Cobbetts, I am delighted to take up this role and look forward to working with my fellow Consuls, the Ambassador and his staff.

“On behalf of all Norwegians in the region, we would like to express our appreciation to the retiring Consul and his staff in Nottingham for their long and dedicated service. I am very much looking forward to continuing their good work.”

Picture caption: L-R

Charles Bond, Cobbetts LLP, Ambassador Bjarne Lindstrom and Geoffrey Bond, OBE.