Despite the ongoing debate around the USA’s imposition of trade tariffs UK businesses have this week been keen to create new ways to access the world’s biggest economy.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and BritishAmerican Business (BAB) announced they have agreed a new Partnership aimed at promoting the UK-US relationship and securing opportunities for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.

BAB describes itself as the leading transatlantic trade association incorporating the British-American Chamber of Commerce in the US and the American Chamber of Commerce in the UK.

Through this partnership, the CBI and BAB said they will promote bilateral trade and investment while working with the UK and US governments to support growth.

“At a time of heightened geopolitical unpredictability, working closely with international partners to create mutual benefits for businesses has never been more important,” the two organisations added in a joint statement.

The membership of the two is designed to deliver deeper insights into transatlantic political, economic and trade issues, enhance CBI-BAB collaboration on priority UK-US issues and create events and networking opportunities.

“With the Economic Prosperity Deal in place, the CBI and BAB will support firms in navigating the transatlantic business environment and identifying new business opportunities,” it added.

At the partnership’s launch Duncan Edwards, CEO of BritishAmerican Business, commented:  “The Trump administration has put trade policy at the heart of its agenda, which presents both opportunities and risks for transatlantic businesses. By aligning our efforts with the CBI, alongside other partners, we can more effectively support companies to succeed both ways across the Atlantic, and collectively champion policies that reduce barriers to trade and investment.”

Rain Newton-Smith, CEO of the Confederation of British Industry, said the partnership will enable the UK business to speak with a single voice:

“Collaborating with BritishAmerican Business enhances our ability to advocate for UK businesses abroad,” she explained. “We will work together to ensure the voices of our members are heard from Westminster to Washington DC, promoting a business environment that encourages investment and growth across the Atlantic.”

It comes as media reports say that trillions of dollars in new investment have been flowing into the US despite the geopolitical uncertainties.

At a time when the UK government is fighting to deliver on its promise of economic growth any efforts to enhance trans-Atlantic trade has to be welcomed. Coming after the UK prime minister’s trip to China where he came back with a trade deal that has been much talked up but is seen by many as disappointing any good news will likely be welcomed.

Jon Guy, Editor,

Emerging Risks