June Newsletter: trade news, upcoming events, and more

What I did on Summer Vacation

Rick McKenna

CEO, Atlantic Strategies

President, BABCNE

Do you remember writing the “My Summer Vacation” essay each fall (or Autumn for our British readers) when school began? Mine usually involved how to put nightcrawlers on hooks in vivid detail, catching the elusive bluegill sunfish, and searching for the stealthy garter snake while covered in too much sunblock. While those days may be long past, it did give me an idea.

While most of us don’t have the luxury of vacationing for the entire summer season, there are a few things we can do as overworked and overbooked mature adults that can be done to refocus, refresh, and re-engage with our clients, colleagues, and friends.

Refocus. Commit to escaping the daily news and social media trap, at least for a little while each day. With that new block of reclaimed time, consider making a list of your top 3 business goals for the second half of 2025. Make them bold, simple, and valuable to the bottom line and to team morale. It’s time to shake things up!

Refresh. Your marketing materials have languished for long enough. Everyone puts this task off for too long. For example, before beginning the arduous task a website refresh, start by imagining how you would feel by diving into the crisp clear Atlantic Ocean. Now channel that positive energy when looking at web designs and content, it will be a lot more positive!

Re-engage: Now’s the time to commit to networking and engaging in a professional business or non-profit organization. Meet new people. Engage with those you keep meaning to call. And be the networking resource for young professionals who no longer have the whole summer off! And before the summer ends, call a pal or two and take them to lunch.

Thanks for being part of the BABCNE. We’d love to see your tanned faces at some of or upcoming events. And if you see me, I’m happy to share with you how to bait a hook!

Whether you're expanding your network, seeking new opportunities, or simply looking to engage with the British-American business community, this event is the perfect setting.

Tias's Waterfront.

200 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA 02110

June 26, 5:30 pm. RSVP here!

July 16, 2:00 pm - RSVP for this complimentary webinar here!

You are invited! August 7, 4:00 pm

Complimentary event hosted by BABCNE member.

Discover British Flair & Flavor with After-Hours Networking at The Bee’s Knees British Imports

566 Massachusetts Ave, Acton, MA

Please join us for drinks, British treats and tea, on August 7th at 4pm.

Enter to win a gift basket and receive 15% off your purchase at The Bee’s Knees.

www.thebeeskneesbritishimports.com

Q: Lucinda Sears, Co-owner 978 429 8090

August 7, 4:00 p.m. RSVP here!

Save the date! US-UK Polo Match

August 30, 2025, 5:00 pm

More details to follow shortly.

Team USA will once again take on Team England in one of the most iconic matchups of the Newport International Polo Series.

This historic rivalry goes beyond just a game—it’s a nod to the rich history of polo, from its origins in ancient Persia to England’s role in modernizing the sport and spreading it throughout the world.

The annual showdown between USA and England echoes a shared past, where polo—along with much else—was passed from one nation to another.

Interested in sponsoring, getting more involved? Please reach out to Richard Hawke, Event Organiser and BABCNE Membership Chair: rich@hawke.tv

Announcing the Great British Shakeoff!

September 16, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Blackmoor Bar & Kitchen, Charlestown

Join us for the “Great British SHAKE OFF”, a BABCNE effort to collect original cocktail recipes submitted by our community! Submit your original recipes by September 8, in advance of this special event at Blackmoor Bar & Kitchen, in Charlestown, on September 16, where we will be able to sample the actual concoctions.

Guidelines:

The cocktail can be either alcoholic or not,
needs to be made with common ingredients found at any bar,
can be a clever variation on a classic recipe,
but above all needs a great name that celebrates British-American connections!
Submit your recipe to: info@babcne.org

At this gathering, attendees will be voting on the most original cocktail, which will be served on December 5, at the BABCNE’s

37th, Annual Christmas Luncheon held at the Harvard Club.

September 16, 6:00 pm. RSVP here!

Our thanks to event supporters

Photos courtesy of Hawke Commercial Filmmaking

Over 100 members of six EU business associations, welcomed in summer at the EU Networking evening on May 27, held at the French Library, Boston.

Young Professionals European Social on June 10, at Cisco Brewers Seaport was a fantastic kickoff to the summer. Great energy and people despite the rainy forecast.

This event brought together members of the British, German, French, Scottish, Belgian, and Irish S&YP organizations, and it was inspiring to see so many cross-cultural connections being made here in Boston. Stay tuned for more to come!

Your BABCNE Membership Today

We connect. We inform. We support.

Now is the ideal time to renew your membership—or join for the first time—and take full advantage of what’s ahead in 2025. JOIN US!

Video courtesy of Hawke Commercial Filmmaking

Contact Darlene:

(O) 781 749 0077 x 13

Meet Darlene Hollywood, President, Hollywood Agency and BABCNE Board member

For nearly three decades, Darlene has helped consumer goods, business services, technology, and not-for-profits gain visibility with thoughtful marketing campaigns. As principal of Hollywood Agency, which she founded in 2011, Darlene, with a staff of experienced social media and press pros, sets the strategic direction for how clients’ stories are pitched, placed and measured.

Darlene is a prior president of the Boston Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), one of the nation’s largest chapters. In 2017, the chapter bestowed her with the Diane Davis Beacon Award, its most prestigious honor for extraordinary achievement. That same year, Darlene was nationally recognized as a Champion of PR by PRWeek, the industry’s leading trade publication.

In 2023, Darlene was praised with the John J. Molloy Crystal Bell for Lifetime Achievement by the Publicity Club of New England. An award-winning firm, Hollywood Agency has been recognized with more than 50 awards for its work.

The BABN engages with the US and UK governments on a broad range of policy issues impacting the flow of goods and services between the UK and North America. For more details visit: https://babn.org/about-us/ The BABCNE is a founding member.

You may be interested in viewing the events of the twenty chapters of the network: https://babn.org/events/

BAB Trade Policy Updates

The June Edition of Trade Policy brief, contains information on the following:

US-UK Trade Deal, May 8
Tariffs Update, May
BAB Letter to US Senate Finance Committee

UK-EU Summit, May 19
UK Spending Review, June 11

Read it here

CEO Update

US-UK trade agreement is a positive signal but the real work

is still to come

The announcement on May 8th that the UK and US governments had reached an agreement on trade issues was met with widespread relief from the UK exporting community.

Statement on the US-UK Trade Agreement

Finding your Way

The Trade and Investment Guides to the UK/US is our way of offering a point of reference for all those who want to make the step across the Atlantic, as well as supporting the growth of those who have already done so.

Text Link

King Charles, who delivered the throne speech on May 27, 2025, took a moment to reflect on his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, and the changing world between when she opened Parliament in 1957 and today.

King says 'strong and free' Canada is a force for good in historic throne speech

Charles says he's heartened to see revival of 'national pride, unity and hope' in Canada

CBC News, John Paul Tasker, May 27, 2025

King Charles delivered a historic speech from the throne Tuesday and he used that platform to praise Canada as a force for good that will remain "strong and free" as its relationships with longtime partners are "changing."

Read more here

USA and UK flag_ three dimensional render_ satin texture. speaking english symbol

US and UK announce a trade deal, but steel imports are still being negotiated

AP, Jill Lawless and Will Weissert, June 17, 2025

U.S. President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Monday that they had signed a trade deal that will slash tariffs on U.K. auto and aerospace industry imports — but they are still discussing how to handle steel production.

The pair spoke to reporters at the Group of Seven summit in the Canadian Rockies, with Trump brandishing the pages of what he said was a long-awaited agreement. The rollout was anything but smooth, however, as Trump dropped the papers and at first said his administration had reached an agreement with the European Union when he meant the United Kingdom.

The president nonetheless insisted the pact is “a fair deal for both” and would “produce a lot of jobs, a lot of income.”

“We just signed it,” Trump said, “and it’s done.”

Starmer said it meant “a very good day for both our countries, a real sign of strength.”

Read more here

The British flag. Flag icon. Standard color. Standard size. A rectangular flag. Computer illustration. Digital illustration. Vector illustration.

Britain Allocates Hundreds of Billions to Bolster Its Economy

Rachel Reeves, the chancellor of the Exchequer, broke down public spending plans, including more money for the military, public transport and affordable housing.

The New York Times, Eshe Nelson, June 11, 2025

The British government announced on Wednesday hundreds of billions of pounds in spending on defense, health care and investment in infrastructure and housing, as it laid out its economic priorities for the next few years.

Rachel Reeves, the chancellor of the Exchequer, presented a breakdown of the public finances in Parliament, detailing how much money each government department will have to spend until 2029, around the time of the next general election. It brings to an end months of tense negotiations between Ms. Reeves and other ministers as she seeks to balance competing priorities and navigate economic challenges at home and abroad.

“We are renewing Britain,” Ms. Reeves told lawmakers. “But I know that too many people in too many parts of our country are yet to feel it.”

Read more here

Magnifier glass focus on USD dollar and Yuan banknote with USA and China flag .It is symbol of economic tariffs trade war _tax barrier and tech competition which it effect to global economy concept.

US and China reach a ceasefire in their trade war after talks in London

The US and China's trading relationship – the most important one in the global economy – is back on track. Will the truce last?

MoneyWeek, Emily Hohler, June 13, 2025

After two days of marathon talks in London, the US and China have agreed to “roll back” some of the “punitive measures” they had taken and restore the trade truce agreed in May, says Alan Rappeport in The New York Times. The meetings followed a reportedly friendly call between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping last week. Negotiators, led by US Treasury secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese vice-premier He Lifeng, are expected to seek final approval for the “framework agreement” from both leaders; assuming they approve, it will take immediate effect.

Read more here

What is Garter Day? Meaning of ancient service, unique outfits and strict rules

Garter Day took place on June 16 and the Royal Family was out in force for this ancient parade. The Daily Express explains the full details below.

Daily Express UK, Rebecca Russell, June 16, 2025

The Order of the Garter is an annual parade which was founded by King Edward III in 1348.

It sees members of the Royal Family travel to Windsor to attend a service in St George's Chapel, take part in a procession around the grounds and then senior royals travel back to the castle in a carriage. As the oldest order of chivalry in the UK, there are many rules which dictate who can be inducted into the order and how many members there can be.