Monday 21st July 2008, 11:23Washington Trade MissionSpent a couple of days in Washington with some leading business people from the Public Service Industry, John Hutton from BERR and Richard Lambert from the CBI, promoting UK export and expertise in public services. It was interesting to get a sense of where the US market (and the US population to an extent) is in a broader context.
I guess it's inevitable that there is the sense of a nation waiting. With the Presedential elections looming, everyone gave me an impression of seeking some form of closure (means something different to everyone) and reinvigoration and a new beginning. The group of people who were there were great value and company and one stand out meeting was Cliff from an think tank. It'd take too long to explain but that was something to watch.
Having reflected on the trip, I'm left with an intriguing sense of opportunity. There's an enormous amount to learn and share in our business markets that can add value both sides of the Atlantic. But, the conditions to engage and listen - from the US side - need to be right. There was a fantastic team from the Dept of Transport who embodied the enthusiasm and leadership, and the willingness to share ideas, that demonstrated to me where the future lies. Next step? I want to invite some of our US colleagues to the UK, Israel, France and Germany so we can develop ideas and benefit both parties. We'll see how we get on.
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