Member Article

US market experts to visit Leeds to highlight potential of American export market

Several US-based market experts are visiting Leeds in May to share updates on export and trade opportunities.

Harriet Cross, the British Government’s Consul General to New England, and Kirsten Chambers, Consul and Head of Trade & Investment at the British Consulate General, will be key speakers at the export event in Leeds which aims to encourage Yorkshire businesses to explore the opportunities offered by the US market, particularly in view of current favourable exchange rates.

As well as hearing updates from the US based Consulate team, and learning from the first-hand experience of seasoned exporters from Yorkshire, attendees will also have the chance to meet face-to-face with Boston-based specialist healthcare and life sciences experts from the Department of International Trade.

Taking place at law firm Clarion’s offices on Queen Street, the free breakfast seminar is the latest in a series of events organised by ExportExchange to bring together fledgling exporters with their more experienced peers.

Harriet Cross, the British Government’s Consul General to New England, said: “As I originally hail from Yorkshire, I understand just how much the region has to offer to the US market. With our strong manufacturing heritage, a track record in cutting-edge innovation, and the British reputation for quality, American consumers are very receptive to UK goods, even more so with the favourable exchange rates at present.

“UK firms are increasingly focused on export to the huge US market, and are adopting a more global approach, looking beyond Europe. I believe there is a real opportunity to strengthen trans-Atlantic trade to the benefit of both countries, and we are looking forward to meeting would-be and current exporters from the Leeds City Region in May.”

Paul Snape, programme director at ExportExchange, said: “As the largest economy in the world, the US has massive appeal for UK businesses. The market is already our second largest trading partner after the EU, and, with Brexit looming, there is an appetite to learn more about trading with the US. Having these key US-based market experts here in Leeds is a great opportunity for firms, and we expect a busy morning of introductions and connections that can really help the region’s new and growing exporters.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Emma Kilmurray .