On Monday, May 20, 2019, the British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia welcomed His Excellency Sir Kim Darroch KCMG, British Ambassador to the United States, to Philadelphia. Ambassador Darroch’s diplomatic career spans three decades, and has been primarily focused on national security issues and European Union policy. From 2004 to 2007, he was EU Advisor to the Prime Minister. Ambassador Darroch served in Brussels as the UK Permanent Representative to the European Union from 2007 to 2011. From January 2012 to September 2015 he served as the Prime Minister’s National Security Advisor, and was Secretary of the National Security Council. Sir Kim was appointed British Ambassador to the United States in January 2016, and this was his first official visit with the Greater Philadelphia international business community.
Michael Pedrick, President of the BABCPHL welcomed guests to the lunch in honor of his Excellency. Michael spoke briefly about the BABCPHL mission and the role the Organization has served for nearly 30 years. He recognized and thanked several VIPs who participated in the program: Louise Nicol, Chief of Staff to Her Majesty’s Ambassador; Laura Hickey, Deputy Consul General, British Consulate New York; Paul Schipul, Vice Consul, Political Affairs at British Consulate General New York; Rebecca Lewis, Deputy Head of Trade & Investment, Overseas Co-Chair DIT Women, Department for International Trade, British Consulate General New York; Gareth Morgan, Head of North America, Welsh Government; Oliver St. Clair Franklin, Honorary British Consul of Greater Philadelphia; Frank Giordano, Honorary Consul of Malta; Efe Izilein Sokol, Senior Representative, Welsh Government; Harold Epps, Commerce Director, Department of Commerce, City of Philadelphia; and Pierre-Olivier Lugez, Manager, International Business, Department of Commerce, City of Philadelphia. Michael introduced Harold who spoke briefly about the Mayor and Commerce Department’s recent business development and retention trip to the UK. Harold talked about the success of the UK visit, and the strong historic and economic ties between the two regions before introducing Ambassador Darroch, our luncheon program keynote speaker.
Ambassor Darroch’s remarks focused on the important trade relationship as well as the current political and economic climate influencing transatlantic ties. His 15 minute discussion included comments about the more than $1trillion bilateral trading market between the UK and the US; the context for Brexit; and the anticipated trade deal with the US. Ambassador Darroch spoke about the strength of the British economy, and where we are now with respect to the complex and difficult Brexit negotiation process. He concluded his remarks by welcoming questions from guests. Ambassador Darroch encouraged an open dialogue forum with attendees. Questions included queries about President Trump’s upcoming visit to the UK; the Good Friday Agreement; the UK/Canadian trade relationship; how the different political parties might reconcile Brexit differences, etc. Ambassador Darroch was eager to meet and speak with government leaders and corporate executives. We were honored to welcome Ambassador Darroch, and to provide an open forum of discussion for him to interact with the international business community.
Special thanks to corporate table supporters: British Honorary Consul of Greater Philadelphia – Oliver St. Clair Franklin; The Department for International Trade; Morgan Lewis & Bockius; Penn Medicine; Virgin Atlantic Airways; and The Welsh Government.
Click here to view photos from the event.
