Follow our international journey and stay updated with our latest activities and partnerships.
Towards the end of the year, I was delighted to meet with the Japanese Ambassador and the Mayor of the City of London at the beautiful Foreign and Commonweath offices to celebrate a year of the Accession of the UK to the CPTPP Free Trade Agreement. This is providing significant opportunities for UK companies particularly those in manufacturing looking to many of the ASEAN nations who are also members.
Ireland featured in my work and travels and it was great to work with Socolab in Sligo to put on their first major Creative Industries event with participation from a number of Liverpool organisations – really useful and interesting event with lots to be learned all round.
I also visited Germany for Medica which is a total monster of a show. Very much appreciated the invitation from Mary McGovern of Adtec Healthcare who successfully raised $12m this year – huge congratulations all round!
Manufacturing is also a huge driver of the economy and it was great to get a personal tour of the fabulous facilities owned by Tracoinsa System and Expert Technologies Group in Widnes.
Japan beckoned again mid-year and it was great to be with Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester and Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester Council. Met with HM Ambassador Julia Longbottom at the British Embassy in Tokyo and also met with Marie-Claire Sweeney, Trade Counsellor.
Then Osaka beckoned and it was a real privilege to attend the signing of the MOU between Osaka and Manchester at City Hall Osaka. Following an excellent day at the EXPO, we also had a wonderful reception where I got to meet Mayor Yokoyama of Osaka again as well as Carolyn Davidson, Consul General at the British Consulate in Osaka.
2025 was certainly a memorable and busy year as I was reminded when I got a Linked In overview of the highlights of the year.
