Business West, the organisation that runs Bristol Chamber of Commerce, has stressed the city’s 500 year plus relationship with the US as UK businesses look ahead to Donald Trump’s presidency with some trepidation.
The election of the property tycoon and reality TV star turned politician comes as many Bristol firms are still trying to come to terms with the likely impact of Brexit. 
During his election campaign President-elect Trump spoke against free trade and in favour of tariffs, especially on Chinese goods – a stance that has dismayed some British business leaders. However, Mr Trump has said he wants to build on US-UK trade links.
With the US a major trading partner for a number of Bristol firms, Business West has pointed out the historic links and stressed the ‘special relationship’ between the two.
Business West director James Durie said: “Bristol and the South West have a long shared history with North America, dating back as far as John Cabot’s first trade mission in 1497.
“The USA has, and always will be, a major trading partner and friend of the UK – and our city and region in particular.
“Some of the US’s largest and most successful companies are located or operate here and many of our region’s best and brightest count their stateside customers among the very best.
“Business West works with companies of all shapes and sizes in Bristol and the region, in order to help them trade with and export to the USA and across the globe.
“We are a US facing city region that is actively working to increase exports and trade, having for instance recently attended at the White House with President Obama’s deputy assistant Jerry Abramson.
“Furthermore, in partnership with Bristol Port, Bristol Airport and Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees, we are busy campaigning for extended new transportation connections, and we are pushing for a daily flight between Bristol and New York to be re-introduced soon.”
He said Business West and Bristol Chamber of Commerce, along with Destination Bristol, would work tirelessly with US and UK decision makers to “foster growth and prosperity shared between our two nations for the long term”.
