Within the United States, the British Embassy in Washington is supported by 10 Consulates or Consulates-General. The Consulate-General in Boston, which first opened in 1817, now covers the New England states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut (except Fairfield County). The consular district covers 62,811 square miles, an area roughly equivalent to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Its 13.4 million inhabitants represent about five percent of the total US population.

The Consulate-General is broadly responsible for "promoting, defending and servicing British interests throughout the region". Our principal activities are:

Trade & Investment: Our trade and investment team (UKTI) offers in-market assistance to British companies interested in exporting their goods and services to the US and helps US firms to purchase goods and services from the UK. We also provide information and assistance to American companies looking to establish or expand their business in the UK. The UK attracts around 32% of all US investment in the EU – over 5,600 American companies have already found the UK to be the most competitive operations base in Europe.

Public Affairs: Monitors news of important political, business and economic events in the region. Acts as the primary contact with media and press outlets, and leading academic and political figures. Disseminates government policy materials through mailings and briefings, and acts as the consulate spokesman. Carries out cultural liaison duties, including the supervision of the Marshall Scholarships.

Political: Briefs state government contacts on British government policy on a wide range of issues. Arranges programmes for Ministerial and other British VIP visits to the region. Represents the British government at official functions. Monitors state legislation, which could impact UK interests.

Consular: Handles inquiries, including emergency passports, assistance to distressed British visitors and British prisoners, and notarial work in New England. Since 1991, all passports have been issued centrally through the Embassy in Washington. The nearest visa issuing post is the British Consulate General in New York.

Life Sciences: The Sector Specialist team co-ordinates business development and assists UK Trade and Investment in achieving their goals in the life sciences and healthcare sectors.

Science and Innovation: Works to promote British excellence in science and technology and to identify opportunities for collaboration between those on the cutting edge of research and development in New England and the United Kingdom. Team members work closely with their trade and investment colleagues.

Consul-General Phil Budden and his family have been in Boston since August 2007.

Deputy Consul-General Chris Henderson and his partner have been in Boston since August 2008.