The United Kingdom has historically been a major trading partner with North America. Now that the UK has left the EU, there are more opportunities to consider.

Although sharing the same language, the North American market is different and diverse, and requires a specific and tailored trade strategy depending on the industry and sector. It is important that MSMEs – especially women-owned businesses – on both sides of the Atlantic can see and easily access the mutual opportunities.  

Our webinar on Thursday May 5 2022 included presentations from our keynote speakers Brenda VanHorn, Commercial Counselor, US Embassy in the United Kingdom and Susan Barton – Head of Gender Strategy and Trade Policy, Department for International Trade, United Kingdom.

They talked about facilitation of trade opportunities and shared details of market entry programs and export services from both countries.

The panel included OWIT International President Frida Owinga, OWIT International Co-VP Kezy Mukiri and moderators OWIT UK  President, Noreen Burroughes Cesareo and Sydnie Neysmith, Co-VP for OWIT International.

Following the short presentations, there was an open conversation with Q&A for OWIT members and guests on the call. Participants  also had the opportunity to place their questions directly to Brenda VanHorn and Susan Barton.

As Susan Barton later summarised:
👉SME’s are the essence of the UK economy
👉The UK is a trading nation and the US is a key market
👉Women’s economic empowerment is driven by the SME sector and international trade is a great opportunity.

The SME Dialogue established in 2018 is an ongoing exchange bringing small and medium businesses and stakeholders on both sides of the Atlantic together with government officials to identify ways to deepen US UK trade and investment ties and strengthen cooperation on issues of mutual interest to SMEs.

To date the dialogue has focused on identifying the obstacles faced by SMEs in relation to trade; the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies; as well as the government support available to SMEs.

The 5th UK-US SME Dialogue will take place in Boston on 22nd June, with the 6th Dialogue to be held in Edinburgh at the end of November.

SMEs can get involved by emailing: SMEDialogueRSVP@trade.gov.uk