Policy Snapshot February 2018
February was characterised by the launch of the second publication of Across the Pond and various delegation visits by Congress and the US Government.
From all these active engagements, three messages ran throughout. Firstly, there is a continued need for certainty for businesses to navigate Brexit. Secondly, it is not only worth celebrating the existing transatlantic economic relationship but also starting to build up business support as the UK and US aim to deepen those economic ties. Thirdly, in that context it is clear we have to think about how to communicate more effectively the benefits of trade to the public as we enter the new chapter in the crucial UK and US trade and investment relationship.
If you would like to work with us on transatlantic policy, email the
BAB Policy Team
or tweet us at our new twitter page @BritAmBusiness
BAB Policy Team
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Washington D.C. Launch of Across the Pond
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Photo:
Duncan Edwards, CEO, BritishAmerican Business
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BritishAmerican Business were delighted to join colleagues from the British Embassy in Washington DC and the UK and US Governments to launch the UK in the US version of Across the Pond at the start of February with a reception in the US Capitol Building. The publication, produced in partnership with the British Embassy in Washington D.C., shines the spotlight on UK companies of all sectors and sizes who have 'crossed the pond' to the US and helped grow their business.
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Antony Phillipson, Her Majesty's Trade Commissioner for North America and Her Majesty’s Consul General in New York, opened the reception before BAB CEO Duncan Edwards welcomed representatives from British Telecoms, Northern Star and Brompton Bicycle, all featured in the publication, who spoke to the audience on their transatlantic success stories.
BAB were happy to be joined by BAB Members from the UK and the US as well as Members and staff from both the Senate and House of Representatives, Members of the UK Parliament, and US Commerce, USTR, Treasury and various other private and public sector organisations who operate in the transatlantic space.
Thank you to all those who attended and we hope to replicate the launch in the UK, to continue to show the tangible benefits of the UK-US Trade and Investment relationship.
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Events, Meetings & Initiatives
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BAB hosts Senate Finance Committee Delegation
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BAB hosted Senior staff from the Senate Finance Committee for a discussion on the transatlantic business communities reaction to the
US Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
BAB members presented on how the new Act has impacted their business operations and heard from the Committee on what the next steps are for the Act with US Government bodies expected to release regulatory guidelines soon and the potential for amendments to the Bill from Congress.
With thanks to BAB Member Deloitte LLP for hosting the meeting.
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BAB welcomes Congressman Derek Kilmer and Ron Wild
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AB were happy to welcome Congressmen Derek Kilmer (WA-6) and Ron Kind (WI-6) along with colleagues from the British Embassy in Washington D.C. and the House Appropriations and House Ways and Means Committee.
The Congressmen, who are Co-Chairs of the House UK Caucus and New Democrat Coalition who focus on trade, heard from BAB members on the challenges Brexit is presenting to transatlantic business and gave updates on NAFTA negotiations and the recent US Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
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BAB Members meet with Assistant Secretary Elizabeth Erin Walsh
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BAB members had the opportunity to join an informal round table with Elizabeth Erin Walsh, Assistant Secretary for Global Markets and Director General of the US. & Foreign Commercial Service at the Department of Commerce and International Trade Administration.
The RT focused on hearing from UK and US companies and their concerns and priorities for Brexit and opportunities for strengthening UK-US trade and investment.
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Outreach/Media/Initiatives
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BAB CEO Financial Times Letter on starting UK-US negotiations
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BAB CEO Duncan Edwards has had a letter published in the Financial Times in which he calls for the UK to be allowed to begin discussions and negotiations with the United States on a potential future trade agreement during the transition period.
Recognising the power of the relationship between the UK and the US, the largest UK-single country trade relationship, Duncan Edwards said given how long negotiations tend to last, it is better to start now than wait.
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BAB give evidence to Exiting the European Union Committee
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BAB Director of Policy and Trade Emanuel Adam has given evidence to the House of Commons Committee on Exiting the EU.
Emanuel spoke on the lessons that can be drawn from TTIP on the scope for a future UK-EU Trade Agreement.
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Read the transcript of the Committee session here:
Transcript
Watch the Committee Session here:
Video
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Events across the BABC Network
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BABC Pacific Northwest
2018 BABC Economic Breakfast - 15 March
BABC Pacific Northwest is pleased to invite you to the 2018 BABC Economic Breakfast presented by Verus, with support from GCI
The breakfast will be an engaging and interactive discussion on the outlook for regional, national and international economies. Hear perspectives from a dynamic panel of experts as they share insights on what's in store this year and into 2019 amidst financial, policy and regulatory shifts.
Speakers will explore economic forecasts from around the world and their likely impact on the US and UK economies, current conditions in the US and the PNW region, the venture capital environment and its opportunities and challenges.
More information and Registration here:
LINK
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BABC Northern California
Global Words of Wisdom on.... Artificial Intelligence Presented by Hogan Lovells
Join BABC Northern California on Thursday, March 15th 2018 as their expert panelists delve deep into to the application of AI and explore what AI will mean to us in business, and in everyday life
Some of the questions you will leave with answers to:
Exactly what is Artificial Intelligence and can it take over the world?
In what ways is AI being used by different industries to streamline workflow and improve the customer experience?
How can I use AI to discover new insights in to my business?
More Information and Registration here
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British American Business Association, Washington DC
CEO Speaker Series with Marillyn Hewson, Chairman, President & CEO, Lockheed Martin
Don’t miss this special CEO Speaker Series with the opportunity to tour the Lockheed Martin Fighter Demonstration Center and Space Experience Center at Lockheed Martin's Crystal City Facility!
Date: Thursday March 22
Timne: 5.30-8pm.
Location: Lockheed Martin Fighter Demo Center & Space Experience Center
For further information and to register visit BABA here:
LINK
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BABC Greater Philadelphia
Annual New Jersey Networking Event and Dinner
Attend BABC Greater Philadelphia's annual dinner and experience traditional British pub food and specialty beer. The evening will provide valuable networking opportunities and excellent giveaways.
Date: Thursday, March 15
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Location: The British Chip Shop
146 Kings Highway East
Haddonfield, NJ 08033
For further information and to register visit BABC Greater Philadelphia here:
LINK
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Thank you for reading this month's Policy Update. If you have any feedback or comments,
BritishAmerican Business provides the official policy support to the British American Business Council (BABC). With that, BAB Policy work supports and represents more than 20 chapters and their members in major business centres throughout the UK and North America.
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