Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce (TVCC) Chief Executive Officer Paul Britton chaired a high-profile discussion on the future of UK trade and economic growth at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Global Annual Conference yesterday, bringing together senior Government, European and business leaders to explore how stronger international partnerships can unlock growth for UK businesses.
Paul Britton moderated the panel discussion, Delivering Growth Through Trade, which examined the opportunities and challenges facing UK exporters and the importance of building resilient supply chains in an increasingly complex global trading environment.
The panel featured Rt Hon Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office and Minister for the Constitution and European Union Relations, Madelaine Tuininga, Minister-Counsellor and Head of Economic and Trade Affairs at the EU Delegation to the UK, Søren Nikolajsen, Managing Director, Government & Industry Engagement – Defence & Trade at NatWest, and Becky Wirth, Head of Government Affairs, Northern Europe Region at 3M.
Discussions focused on strengthening the UK’s export performance, improving competitiveness and ensuring businesses have access to the finance, market intelligence and practical support needed to succeed in international markets. Given the postponement of the UK/ EU summit in July and the ongoing negotiations for an EU “reset”, the temperature of UK-EU relations was tested, and the mutual goals of strengthening supply chains across key sectors including manufacturing, food and drink, defence and services.
The session highlighted the importance of the practical evidence-based contribution of UK and global Chambers of Commerce to negotiations to reduce the barriers to trade which have impacted the confidence and appetite of UK businesses to export to our nearest and largest trading neighbour.
Paul Britton said:
International trade remains one of the greatest opportunities for driving sustainable economic growth across the UK. It was a privilege to chair this discussion with the EU Commission and HMG lead negotiator for the EU/UK reset Minister Thomas-Symonds MP. This was a unique opportunity to bring together perspectives from Government, European Chambers of Commerce and industry to explore how we can remove barriers to trade, strengthen supply chains and help more businesses realise their export potential
The BCC Global Annual Conference brings together business leaders, policymakers and Chambers from across the UK to discuss the issues shaping the nation’s economic future. The trade panel formed part of a wider programme examining how businesses and Government can work together to boost investment, productivity and long-term prosperity.
As one of the UK’s leading accredited Chambers of Commerce, TVCC continues to champion international trade, providing businesses with the advice, connections and practical support needed to grow in overseas markets and strengthen the region’s global competitiveness.
