BritishAmerican Business (BAB) has revealed its 2024/25 policy agenda, outlining strategic recommendations to bolster the US-UK economic partnership amid significant political changes in both nations. With the US and UK governments prioritising new industrial, trade, and economic strategies, BAB’s manifesto emphasises key areas essential for maintaining a robust transatlantic corridor.
One central focus of BAB’s agenda is creating attractive, investor-friendly markets. BAB commends the UK’s renewed commitment to economic growth through its forthcoming Industrial Strategy and urges the US to fully implement its infrastructure packages. It also advocates for deeper cooperation in emerging digital sectors, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and workforce skills development. Furthermore, BAB calls for enhanced US-UK business mobility and competitive tax policies that would help both countries remain appealing destinations for global investment.
Trade growth is another crucial pillar in the BAB manifesto. As the UK Government prepares to unveil a new Trade Strategy, BAB believes this should build on the foundation of the Industrial Strategy. In parallel, BAB is urging the US to re-adopt a more outward-facing trade policy to improve market access. A comprehensive US-UK Free Trade Agreement remains a key goal for the organisation and wider business community.
Collaboration between the US and UK in aerospace and defence industries also features prominently in the policy recommendations. BAB highlights the importance of maintaining strong economic and security ties and welcomes the progress made under the Atlantic Declaration regarding space cooperation. BAB is pushing for further government-industry partnerships in key defence initiatives, particularly around the AUKUS pact.
In the realm of sustainability and energy, BAB stresses the importance of policies that foster investment in low-carbon technologies and renewable energy sources. It sees this as crucial for positioning the US and UK as leaders in the global energy transition. The manifesto calls for increased efforts to scale technologies such as Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), nuclear power, and fusion energy, while advocating for streamlined financing and regulatory frameworks.
BAB’s policy priorities follow the July publication of the BritishAmerican Business/Bain & Company Transatlantic Confidence Index, which provided valuable insights into business sentiment across the US and UK. BAB CEO Duncan Edwards underscored the significance of this moment, stating: “This moment of political change presents a significant opportunity for both the US and UK to renew their commitment to a strong economic partnership. Now is the time for policymakers to adopt pro-growth strategies that benefit businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.”
Edwards further affirmed BAB’s commitment to working closely with both governments to ensure progress on these key priorities, stressing the importance of competitive tax, regulation, and employment policies to create a thriving business environment in both nations.
The manifesto offers a clear framework for future collaboration, aiming to cement the US-UK partnership as a cornerstone of global economic stability and growth.
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