Welcome to the August 2023 BABN Policy and Trade Update.

As we are approaching the end of the summer, here is what we think stakeholders in our community should have on radar for the Fall. Look forward to the Northern Ireland Investment Summit in Belfast/ NI, the BAB Policy Agenda Launch in September, important trade delegation visits to the UK, International Trade Week, and much more…

See below for a breakdown of policy and trade headlines and our published works.
BAB participates in and offers policy and trade support to the BritishAmerican Business Network, a group of over 20 independent trade organisations across North America and the U.K. If you would like to learn more about the network and its activities, please visit our website.

Headlines:

Policy Agenda 2023/24
12/20th September 2023

An overview:
We are excited to be releasing the BAB 2023/24 Policy Agenda. BAB’s annual Policy Agenda defines a set of priorities developed by leading firms within the network for the year to come and informs BAB’s programme and advocacy work on both sides of the Atlantic.

More details:
This years Policy Agenda reflects the ambitions and commitments set out in the Atlantic Declaration. Integrating priorities from the Declaration both strengthens our partnership with the US and UK on critical issues, and aligns itself to several BAB Policy workstreams such as enhancing collaboration around data flows, reducing vulnerabilities in critical technology supply chains, thinking about how best to regulate AI, and increasing transatlantic cooperation and exchange in aerospace, defense, and space.

Where and when will the policy agenda be released:

·   US launch in Washington D.C. on Tuesday 12th September
·   UK launch in London on Wednesday 20th September

Interested to learn more?: Please contact Francesca Lentini (flentini@babinc.org) (for London) and Holly Harris (hharris@babinc.org) (for Washington D.C.

Northern Ireland Investment Summit 2023
12-13 September 2023

An overview: 

BAB will represent the network at the Northern Ireland Investment Summit, organized to mark the remarkable progress made since the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.

What will it focus on: 

The summit looks to demonstrate and explore what makes Northern Ireland an attractive destination to live, work, and invest in, and to exhibit the opportunities offered on the back of the Windsor Framework agreement, providing Northern Ireland with unique access to UK and EU markets.

Profiling Northern Ireland’s innovation and technological strengths, the summit will particularly focus on:

·   Financial and professional services
·   Life and health sciences
·   Technology, advanced engineering, and manufacturing
·   Creative industries
·   Real asset investment opportunities

Why it matters:
Northern Ireland’s unique position provides it with vast opportunities in trade and presents it as an attractive investment destination. The event is an opportunity to meet with foreign investors, UK Government Ministers, and key Northern Ireland stakeholders and businesses in an effort to attract further FDI.

Attending the Summit: 
Companies with an existing or potential investment in Northern Ireland will be welcome to attend and can do so by applying here, or letting Sophie Rahemanji (srahemanji@babinc.org) know, who can inform the organisers. Please get in touch with any further questions.
Trade Updates:
International Trade Week Returns
6 – 10 November 2023

What it is: International Trade Week is back for its 3rd year running. Led by the Department for Business and Trade, and in partnership with industry, the week’s activities are for UK companies of all sizes and sectors – whether selling goods or services. Events, workshops and seminars will highlight the services, guidance, and expertise which the UK government and businesses can provide companies to grow their business both in the UK and internationally.

What will it focus on: The events will centre on 4 main themes:

1. Practical advice on exporting goods and services
2. Government services available to help exporters
3. Optimising ability to secure investment from overseas
4. Trade opportunities abroad – including the US, Middle East, and Indo-Pacific

International Trade Week 2022 saw record numbers of both events and attendees, and 2023’s event is expected to be equally impressive.

Are you interested?: Emailitwsupport@trade.gov.uk to find out how you can be a part of ITW 2023, or register early interest to participate here.

BAB Trade & Investment Guide 2023-24
Overview: 
After the success of last year’s updated edition of the BAB Trade & Investment Guide to the UK, we are now working on an update on the BAB Trade and Investment Guide for UK companies seeking to expand to the US. Known as being the most comprehensive product in the market, the Guide will feature partners and features on anything practical companies needs to know when starting their expansion journey, regional features, and integrate relevant government and third-party services.

Interested in partnering?: 
We are currently identifying selected partners who can be part of the product. If your organization would like to be considered, please reach out to Holly Harris (hharris@babinc.org) for more information.