Practicalities of US expansion outlined at Chamber event

Businesses with ambitions to grow in the United States were given a wealth of information on setting up, investing and trading, during an event hosted by the Greater Birmingham Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce.

Delegates heard about the realities, challenges and opportunities of expanding into the US, including complex issues such as understanding the country 's tax structure and legal system.

The 'Coming to America' event took place at the Birmingham headquarters of HSBC in Centenary Square.

Highlights included addresses from Birmingham City Council leader Cllr Ian Ward who underlined the value of trade between the West Midlands and the US, and Christine Kelley, Trade Attach� from the US Embassy in London, who reiterated the continued importance of the US-UK trade relationship.

Josh Seeberg, president of the Council of American States in Europe (CASE) provided some top tips on understanding the business community.

Established in 1971, CASE 's mission is to promote the US as a premier destination for business, while providing assistance to British and European firms with aspirations to expand into the US market.

West Midlands companies with experience of trading in the US also had the chance to share their experiences - with Transatlantic Chamber president James Tait of law firm Browne Jacobson, Flexeserve 's Warwick Wakefield, Stephan Plant of Sales-I and David Green from The Mighty Shed highlighting some of the practical realities.

Other speakers included London-based US marketing expert Allyson Stewart-Allen, Tom Thorelli of law firm Thorelli & Associates and International Asset Solutions founding partner Antoine Guillaud.

Chris McFarlane-Baxter, head of international divisions at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “It was perhaps appropriate that this celebration of Anglo-American relations was held on 12 October - as this is widely regarded as the date when Christopher Columbus first arrived in the New World in 1492.

“We were delighted to welcome some excellent guest speakers who not only reaffirmed the importance of the trading relationship between our two countries, but also provided valuable insight into the practical realities of expanding, investing and doing business in the United States.

“Huge thanks also to our patrons HSBC, particularly their head of US Desk Joseph Davis, for hosting and supporting. ”

Pictured: Joseph Davis and Chris McFarlane-Baxter