On Thursday, February 27, 2020 the British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia held a by invitation, exclusive lunch meeting with Her Majesty’s Consul General, Antony Phillipson. Neil Boyden Tanner, General Counsel, International Markets, Cigna, and prior BABCPHL President and current US/UK Government Liaison, graciously hosted the event at Cigna’s US Philadelphia headquarters. The objective of the lunch was to provide an open forum for discussion about the current UK economic and political environment, including the January 31 departure from the European Union, the transition period, and the status of the free trade agreement. Attendees represented a diverse group of professionals from both the private and public sectors, including the life sciences/healthcare, financial services, insurance, and manufacturing industries participated in the dialogue. Honorary Consul General for Greater Philadelphia, Oliver Franklin helped guide the conversation, ensuring everyone around the table was able to ask pertinent questions related to their business operations.
Antony is the British Consul General in New York and Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for North America. The Consul General represents the UK government and is typically responsible for consular, visa and trade activities in their city or region. Antony’s mission is to lead the government’s work promoting UK economic, commercial, political and consular interests in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Fairfield County, Connecticut. Antony and his colleagues are eager to engage in state level discussions with both corporates, and government agencies. Antony explained, the economies of both nations are compatible, and their goal is to deepen and strengthen the economic relationship between the US and the UK.
Neil opened the discussion by welcoming Consul General Phillipson to Philadelphia and thanking him for his interest in speaking with BABCPHL members about current issues that might influence strategic planning. Everyone around the table was eager to hear what the Consul General had to say about the current transition period. Questions included the estimated timeline for Brexit with respect to regulatory and compliance issues; healthcare matters, such as patient care and the development of technologies; access to talent; and tariffs. Conversation was dynamic and Consul General Phillipson’s comments were of great interest. This meeting was just the beginning of many discussions that will be had on an ongoing basis as things continue to develop. The parting message is that the Consul General and his team are open to dialogue and look forward to enhancing the economic ties between the US and the UK.
Special thanks to Neil for hosting the lunch at Cigna.
Click through these links for important transatlantic trade information:
Tariffs Consultation – closing March 5
Click here to view photos from the event.
