It will be a first for French government and evidence that the expatriates have a significant effect on local finances. Should the venture be successful then similar offices will be opened in other areas where the proportion of expatriate residents is high.

There has been a 33 per cent increase in British-owned companies since last year, according to Tom Kennedy, the British Consul General in Bordeaux, brining the number to 372. Bergerac has also noted an increase in the number of British visitors to the region due to economic flights by companies such as Ryanair and FlyBe, who are likely to introduce more routes between Bergerac and other UK airports.