BABCNE February Newsletter: Value of Membership, Events coming up. Policy updates.

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February 2025

In this edition:

Invitation to join us!
Message from the President
Events of Interest
BAB Network events

BAB Network Policy Updates
BAB Trade Policy Conference
UK/US Trade Update
250th Lantern Service

Video courtesy of Richard Hawke, President

Hawke Commercial Filmmaking,

BABCNE Membership Chair. Contact Richard here

Already a member but have not renewed yet? A reminder will be sent.

There’s no more urgent time than now, to be part

of the BABCNE.

When Charles Dickens penned, “It was the worst of times, it was the best of times” in his classic Tale of Two Cities, he never imagined 2025.

Globally, this year is turning out to be one of the most politically partisan, violent, and unsettling in nearly every corner of the globe. And it’s only February!

Parallel to the geopolitical turmoil, we have stunning new technological breakthroughs from A.I. changing the world of healthcare and business, to observations in outer space looking into the past by billions of years that are changing our perceptions of creation, and medicines that combat obesity and kidney disease are helping millions. Senior leaders are being selected in many countries. Businesses are rethinking their investments and priorities. And here in the US, programs like DEI are being tossed out putting many people and companies in a state of confusion.

If you are a business or individual who wants to get ahead and stay in the know beyond the partisan news and social media outlets, then membership in a global community of curious thinkers is critical. If you are both concerned and optimistic about the future in the US, the UK and the rest of the world, now is the time to renew or sign up for BABCNE membership.

Be part of the solution, be in the know, be part of the BABCNE.

Richard McKenna, CEO, Atlantic Strategies, LLC

Join us for our 3rd annual International Women’s Day celebration, spotlighting this year: "Women in Tech." Hosted at the SAP/LeanIX office, this exciting event will feature a short Town Hall-style panel discussion with inspiring leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals from the technology industry who will share their journeys, followed by a networking reception. Let’s come together to celebrate, connect, and empower women!

Co-hosted with our international partner organizations, this highly anticipated event sells out quickly.

Space is limited - early registration is advised

Staying People First - The Power in Deploying EQ through Change Processes

March 18, 8.00 – 10.00 am, Boston

Join us for breakfast in Boston, to explore the impact of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) in driving successful change processes.

Whether you are leading a PE backed company, run an international venture firm, are studying leadership, or looking to grow your leadership acumen, join us to hear from our panel as they share lessons learned about proactively managing important relationships and intentionally strengthening leadership soft skills to create strong healthy workplace cultures.

Be ready to delve into practical strategies and real-life examples on how to deploy EQ effectively amidst challenging times.

Don't miss out on this valuable opportunity to learn and grow!

Andrew Fahey, CEO

Briars

Dominic Endicott

Director, Northstar

Kirsten Chambers-Taylor

Chief Pathfinder,

Taylored Pathways

By invitation only.

In an era where global dynamics are rapidly shifting, the ‘Driving International Trade’ conference offers a platform for 300 forward-thinking leaders looking to accelerate their international footprint.

The event will bring together influential national and international business leaders, and political stakeholders, to explore lucrative markets, pivotal trade corridors, and ambitious projects that offer vast opportunities for businesses.

The event is free to attend but tickets are strictly limited – please complete the expressions of interest form on this link:

https://www.britishchambers.org.uk/events/driving-international-trade-conference-2025/

View details here and register

MIT Sloan CIO Symposium

May 20, 2025 – Royal Sonesta Cambridge, MA

The MIT Sloan CIO Symposium is set to unite Information Technology Executives on a global scale, alongside MIT thought leaders. As the premier CIO event in the nation, the Symposium promises insightful discussions on the future of technology. Attendees can anticipate engaging presentations by industry leaders, thought-provoking panel discussions, and invaluable networking opportunities.

This year's theme, "CIO Leadership in an AI-Driven World” invites participants to gain insights from some of the world's top researchers and connect with business leaders. As we enter this AI-driven era, CIOs are navigating an environment filled with both significant opportunities and complex challenges.

Q: Alayna Dalgleish, alayna@warnerpr.com.

More information & to register

The BABN engages with the US and UK governments on a broad range of policy issues impacting the trade of goods and services between the UK and North America. Duncan Edwards, OBE, CEO of British American Business (London/New York chapter), represents the chapters in these endeavors. The BABCNE is a founding member of the BAB Network. For more details visit: https://babn.org/about-us/

You may be interested in viewing the events

of the twenty chapters of the network: https://babn.org/events/

Statement from Duncan Edwards, OBE

CEO of Britsh American Business

Response to President Trump Announcing his plan

to Impose 25% Tariffs on all US Steel and Aluminum Import. Read the state ment here

Stronger Together Defense report

On 4 February, leading UK and US defence firms met with the Minister of State for Defence, Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle MP, to look at ways to deepen transatlantic defence collaboration to modernise and strengthen the UK’s defence sector.

The roundtable coincided with BritishAmerican Business (the London/NY chapter), releasing a new report "Stronger Together" which examines the critical role US-owned defence companies play in bolstering the UK’s defence industrial base, creating jobs and growth, and providing innovation, investment, and skills.

Read Stronger Together Report here

BritishAmerican Business Submits Response

to Department for Business and Trade's Trade Strategy Consultation

January 17, 2025

BAB submitted a response to the UK Department for Business and Trade’s consultation that will help shape the UK’s future Trade Strategy. BAB’s submission identifies the following points in response to the three main consultation questions:

1. Facilitating Trade for Businesses

2. Building International Partnerships

3. Supporting and Protecting Businesses Internationally

Read the submission here

BAB Trade and Investment Policy Conference, February 25, 2025, London

Covering key transatlantic Trade & Investment themes

Very timely, BAB is convening a one-day policy conference in London on February 25th specifically focusing on the UK Industrial Strategy and US-UK trade and investment. The speakers include the UK Business Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds. This will be a must attend event for executives and public policy professionals from US companies in the UK and UK companies with a big exposure in the US.

You can see more details and register for the event here .

Policy paper, published December 12, 2024

"In 2025 the US and UK will pursue markedly different policy approaches for the same objective of better growth rates."

Read the whole paper here

Get involved in the conversation by joining the Policy Conference on Feb 25th in London.

Outlook for the UK Economy: Growth, Inflation and Fiscal Challenges

National Institute of Economic and Social Research, February 10, 2025

Quarterly UK Economic Outlook provides a comprehensive forecast on the UK economy in 2025 and beyond. In this Monday Interview, the Interim Director, Stephen Millard, asked Senior Economist Benjamin Caswell if he could give us a brief overview as to what we might expect to see in it.