Chamber’s fresh drive to promote transatlantic trade
Greater Birmingham is spearheading a fresh drive to promote trade with the United States and Canada – through the creation of the Greater Birmingham Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce.
The Transatlantic Chamber will replace the British American Business Council Midlands Chapter in an ambitious move to become the region’s go-to network for transatlantic trade.
The revamped organisation will remain part of the global British American Business network, which has 23 chapters across the UK and North America.
The organisation’s transatlantic conference is also returning to Birmingham for the second year running.
It is taking place at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire on June 27 and 28 when high-profile speakers and business experts will discuss the future of transatlantic trade.
Professor Julian Beer, president of the Transatlantic Chamber and deputy vice-chancellor of Birmingham City University, said: “Given a wider reorganisation of the British American Business Council, this is a perfect time to strengthen the relationship between the BABC Midlands Chapter and the rest of the group, hosted by the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.
“This will bring it more in line with the others within the Chamber family. This in no way diminishes what we did flying under the BABC banner but, in a post Brexit environment provides more coherent support for what will be one of our biggest trade opportunities: transatlantic trade.
“I look forward to carrying on the mantle of president and to being the inaugural president of the Greater Birmingham Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce.”
The new-look Transatlantic Chamber is to play a significant role in helping Greater Birmingham businesses trade with North America, as many firms seek new markets in a post-Brexit world.
Last year’s transatlantic conference attracted delegates from all over the UK and North America, with US ambassador to the UK, Robert Wood Johnson among a stellar line-up of speakers.
Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce chief executive Paul Faulkner said: “We are delighted that the annual transatlantic conference will be returning to Birmingham, putting the spotlight back on the city following the success of last year’s event.”
The Chamber’s new International Business Hub development director Mandy Haque is the global vice-president of the British American Business network.
For more information on becoming a member of the Transatlantic Chamber and to register your interest in the transatlantic conference contact Lauren Hunt on l.hunt@birmingham-chamber.com
