On Tuesday, March 4, 2014, the British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia hosted a business networking and welcome reception for the NW England trade delegation visiting the State. The BABC was honored to collaborate with the City of Philadelphia and Select Greater Philadelphia on this exclusive welcome program. Seven delegate companies demonstrating a cross section of industry and sector groups, and a representative from the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce participated in the mission. Richard Northcote, North American Market Advisor, UKTI, NW England and President BABC, NW England led the delegation.
Alan Greenberger, Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and Director of Commerce for the City of Philadelphia provided welcome and opening remarks. Alan gave a macro-overview of the region, explaining why Philadelphia is a hospitable geography for UK companies looking to invest in the US. Alice Solomon from Select Greater Philadelphia discussed the organization’s role of assisting companies, free of charge, with data and economic analysis and onsite location services. Both Alan and Alice highlighted two BABC member companies – Aberdeen Asset Management and Mark Group – who are outstanding recent examples of UK-owned entities recently entering the US marketplace and setting up main offices in Philadelphia. Following Alice’s overview of Select’s services, Drew Kondylas, Manager, Membership Sales, Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce spoke about the Chamber’s offerings and history. Howard Silverstone, BABC Marketing & Communications Co-Chair and past President closed the meeting by describing the Group’s mission and offerings as the premier organization promoting the commercial and trade interaction between the Greater Philadelphia region and the UK. Howard joked about how he was only originally intended to remain in Philadelphia for one year, but the attraction of the region and the vibrant, welcoming business community beckoned him to establish permanent residence.
Attendees included an exclusive group of 30 professionals from the UK, the Greater Philadelphia region, and City Officials, as well as representatives from several strategic entities dedicated to promoting international investment and trade. Conversation and networking abounded as the delegates spoke of their objectives for visiting the region and BABC members provided a broad overview of the services they provide. The BABC was honored to collaborate with Alice Solomon of Select Greater Philadelphia and Shinjoo Cho of the City of Philadelphia to facilitate this important welcome reception and business meeting for the visiting UK companies.
Click here to view photos from the event.
