On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, the British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia (BABCPHL) hosted Business & Diplomacy – Bridging the Atlantic in 2025 & Beyond, an exclusive reception and fireside chat with Oliver Christian, His Majesty’s Consul General to New York and His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for North America. The event marked Oliver’s first trip to the region in his new role. He and special guest speakers from the public and private sectors addressed how the strong historic, political, cultural, and economic ties between the two nations position the US and the UK to collaborate on some of the greatest issues facing us today – economic resilience; peace and security; and energy supply. Speakers discussed the business and diplomatic priorities shared by the US and the UK. It was an extremely timely discussion falling on the heels of historic trade deals signed between the US/UK and UK/EU. There was no shortage of topics to be addressed. Attendees were eager listeners and actively engaged the speakers with numerous questions following the discussion. 

Jason Walker, President, BABCPHL and Managing Partner, Cross Border Financial Planning USA LLC welcomed and thanked everyone for attending, and introduced our host and moderator, Gideon Gradman, Managing Director, Baker Tilly Advisory Group. Gideon kicked off the fireside chat by mentioning the historic special relationship between the US and the UK. The countries are each other’s largest investors and strongest allies. It is vital to share information, create valuable business connections, and discuss current and future trends affecting transatlantic trade. Gideon explained that the US/UK trade deal represents a critical step forward in the relationship between the US and the UK, promoting reciprocal trade between the two nations that are key allies and partners. The deal establishes a new paradigm for US/UK relations and creates a framework to bolster economic security. Gideon introduced our guest of honor, Oliver Christian. Since March 2025, Oliver has served as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for North America and His Majesty’s Consul General. In his role as Consul General, Oliver leads the government’s work promoting UK economic, commercial, political, and consular interests in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Fairfield County, Connecticut. As Trade Commissioner for North America, he oversees all Department for Business and Trade work in the US including growing the overall bilateral trade and investment relationship, improving market access for British companies, including small and medium sized businesses, and  developing finance and trade policy. Oliver also works closely with the wider diplomatic network and UK based colleagues to coordinate HMG activity on the wider prosperity agenda. Oliver offered a broad perspective on the recently announced UK-US partnership deal and talked about the UK Government’s plans and ambitions for the special relationship between the US and the UK going forward. 

After Oliver’s comments, Gideon introduced Danielle Okai, Deputy Chief of Staff for Economic Development, Office of Governor Josh Shapiro to bring the discussion a bit closer to home to the State of Pennsylvania. Danielle highlighted the Governor’s economic development priorities for the State of Pennsylvania and discussed how these matters align with current trade and commercial opportunities between the State of Pennsylvania and the UK. Lastly, Danielle talked about the State’s welcoming environment for foreign direct investment, which was the perfect segue to our speaker from the private sector, Krista Johnson, US President, Johnson Matthey.  

Krista shared the history of Johnson Matthey, how the company began in the UK hundreds of years ago in an assayer’s family home, and how the Company expanded, making its way across the Atlantic Ocean to the State of Pennsylvania, and all over the world. She explained the extensive facilities located throughout our region and the important role the thousands of employees play not only here in the area, offering a highly skilled workforce, but manufacturing environmental and lifesaving components and equipment used throughout the globe in everyday objects and highly specialized tools. Krista talked about her role and responsibilities, as the company’s most senior leader in the United States. In this capacity, Krista represents JM’s diverse businesses, fostering and maintaining relationships with clients, partners, governmental entities, and civil society. She is a dedicated advocate for the approximately 3,000 JM employees, who work diligently to deliver the innovative products and solutions that JM is known for, addressing the challenges of a world striving for both increased and cleaner energy. Krista spoke about some specific actions the two national governments – the US and the UK, and the government at the State level – can take to collaborate and support private sector advancement in the clean energy space, ensuring economic resilience, security, and prosperity. 

Following our distinguished panelists’ presentations, the audience was invited to ask questions. Hands went up all around the room and people inquired about various matters relating to the recent trade deals, subnational collaboration and communication, supply chain, national security, and energy to name just some of the topics addresses. The discussion went on long into the evening, eventually breaking for networking, and food and beverage service in the lovely kitchen and living room area at Baker Tilly’s Center City Philadelphia office. 

Special thanks to our host and lead sponsor, Baker Tilly and to our sponsors, Johnson Matthey and The State of Pennsylvania Department for Community and Economic Development. And thank you to our regional partners, the City of Philadelphia Commerce Department, and the World Affairs Council.  

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