Business News President’s Focus
With Britain set to quit Europe next March, trading relationships with other parts of the world are set to take on greater importance, none more so than with the USA. The USA remains the world’s leading economic power and is a key target for the UK in terms of trade. Julian Beer, president of the British American Business Council Midlands chapter, which has been fostering good relations between the USA and the UK for many years, explains why being a member of the organisation is vital for those who want to export goods and services ‘across the pond’
the American people through the pages of a Philadelphia newspaper. In recognition of the great trade flow and potential that bind the two sides of the Atlantic together, Washington identified that “the great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is in extending our commercial relations”. Reflecting on the future of the
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Transatlantic relationship, Washington advocated a status of “harmony, [and] liberal intercourse with all nations” whilst promoting a “commercial policy [which] should hold an equal and impartial hand”. These words, some 222 years on from their first articulation remain remarkably prescient in today’s uncertain times. At the time of writing, Britain is
facing the prospect of leaving the European Union on 29 March 2019 with no formal agreement on the terms of UK’s withdrawal or future trade relations. However, amidst the current
political and economic uncertainty lies real opportunity, and the chance to recalibrate the UK’s transatlantic treaty relations. For example, ambitious plans are
in place to pursue a bilateral trade agenda, based on the flexibility derived from the proposal for a future economic partnership as set out in July’s White Paper. As part of this, the UK has the opportunity to sign and ratify Free Trade Agreements, whilst also exploring potential accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which would build on our existing trade and investment relationship with Canada, amongst other represented countries. The British American Business
Council has been actively shaping and influencing the political debate and ensuring that, as a collective of 22 chapters and over 2,000
n September 1796, President George Washington delivered his farewell address directly to
‘The Chapter is active and growing, overseeing a 15 per cent rise in membership over the past year, which is testament to the commitment of our team’
members, we can maximise the opportunities for trade and investment. As the president of BABC Midlands I am committed to promoting transatlantic trade and investment among our international group of businesses. The Chapter is active and growing, overseeing a 15 per cent rise in membership over the past year, which is testament to the commitment of our team. Recent activity has included
September’s ‘USA Market Entry’ seminar which explored trade expansion and provided advice on business opportunities and investment; and October’s ‘Doing Business in Canada’ event which shared first-hand experience of the Canadian market. The Midlands Chapter was also privileged to have hosted the 2018 Transatlantic Conference in June which maintained a specific focus on ‘The Future of Transatlantic Trade’. Based on the success of this conference, a follow-up event is being planned for 2019, with details to be announced over the coming weeks. On behalf of our members the
BABC provides direct access to business leaders throughout North America and the UK, and actively engages with government on a broad range of policy issues, ensuring that our actions take into account our members’ views and interests. This is underpinned by an increasingly close working relationship with our colleagues at the US Embassy. Other membership benefits include
business intelligence, networking events, policy updates, and marketing opportunities. If you are not already connected with our Chapter I encourage you to find out
more by visiting our dedicated page on the Chamber website. I look forward to both working
with and representing you over the next 12 months.
November 2018 CHAMBERLINK 11
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