Legal partner is new Transatlantic Chamber president

An employment law specialist who has experience in helping firms realise their transatlantic ambitions is the new president of the Greater Birmingham Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce (GBTCC).

James Tait (pictured), a partner at national law firm Browne Jacobson, was confirmed as successor to Professor Julian Beer during the Transatlantic Chamber 's virtual AGM.

Mr Tait became vice-president of the Chamber in 2018, having already been on the committee for three years.

Although Mr Tait is an employment law specialist, he assists a number of clients with their transatlantic ambitions and also sits on Browne Jacobson 's international committee.

He has been heavily involved in cross-border deals, collaborating with lawyers from across the world, including the United States and Canada.

Mr Tait has written for the local and national press on legal matters affecting businesses following Brexit.

He said: “I am delighted to take over the reins from Julian who has worked very hard with the Chamber over many years now and I thank him for all that he has done for the Transatlantic Chamber. His will be a tough act to follow.

“During my term I intend to build on the support that our committee can give to its members by collaborating more closely with them, work with them to get our membership up and give our members real value for their membership fee, and, travel permitting, work towards a trade mission for a Midlands delegation to the US, following on from our last hugely successful mission to Chicago. I can 't wait to get stuck in. ”

Professor Beer will now move into the role of honorary chair.

After succeeding Harry Reilly as president in 2016, Professor Beer led the organisation through its rebrand from the British American Business Council (BABC) Midlands Chapter to the GBTCC.

He was also instrumental in Birmingham hosting two transatlantic trade conferences at Birmingham City University 's Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

Professor Beer said: “It has been a pleasure being the inaugural president of the Transatlantic Chamber and being the president of its predecessor, the BABC .

“Although the last few years have not been easy in the role and, indeed, for anyone, we have still managed to undertake our Global Trade Conferences and keep relationships with both the US and Canada going, albeit remotely.

“I would like to thank my fellow council and board members for their unswerving contribution and I wish the new president all the best as we open up society and the economy post-pandemic. ”

Former president and honorary chair Harry Reilly is stepping down from the committee, having been involved with the BABC and GBTCC since 2004.

The ex-Land Rover UK managing director played a key role in bringing the transatlantic trade body into the Chamber network.

Click here to find out more about the Transatlantic Chamber.