The United Kingdom and Japan have unveiled a far-reaching partnership spanning pharmaceuticals, genomics and advanced technologies, signalling a renewed commitment to deepening cooperation between two of the world’s leading innovation economies. Announced during the British prime minister’s official visit to Japan, the agreement is designed to accelerate drug discovery, strengthen manufacturing capability and reinforce supply chain resilience.

At the heart of the package is a significant investment in advanced therapies. Orchard Therapeutics, the London-based subsidiary of Japanese pharmaceutical company Kyowa Kirin, will invest £11 million in the UK to advance the development of new gene therapies aimed at rare and life-threatening genetic disorders. The funding will support work at the company’s Hammersmith laboratory and is expected to be backed by the UK government’s Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund, underlining the country’s ambition to remain a global leader in cell and gene therapy development.

Dr Bobby Gaspar, Chief Executive of Orchard Therapeutics, described the expansion of infrastructure and in-house capabilities in Hammersmith as essential to ensuring the company remains well positioned to progress innovative cell and gene therapies.

Genomics is another central component of the collaboration. Oxford Nanopore Technologies, a UK pioneer in genomic sequencing, has entered into a multi-year strategic partnership with Japan’s Genesis Healthcare. The alliance will deploy advanced sensing technology capable of replacing several legacy testing methods with a single, high-resolution genomic analysis. The system is intended to speed up clinical screening, particularly for neuromuscular conditions that have historically been under-diagnosed.

Beyond genomics, both governments have committed £9.7 million in joint funding to support three quantum technology projects. These initiatives will explore the use of quantum computing and quantum sensors to address complex drug discovery challenges and enhance secure data transmission. The projects reflect a shared ambition to harness next-generation technologies in areas where conventional computing approaches face limitations.

The agreement also extends into telecommunications infrastructure, with £6 million allocated to strengthen network resilience. The programme will focus on embedding artificial intelligence into mobile systems and rolling out satellite-based, non-terrestrial connectivity to close coverage gaps. In addition to improving access, these measures are designed to bolster protection against cyber threats and mitigate disruption caused by natural disasters.

UK Science Minister Lord Vallance emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration between British and Japanese scientific and commercial partners, noting that the potential rewards include new treatments for diseases once thought untreatable.

Taken together, the measures are expected to contribute £33 billion in additional two-way trade. A key objective is to build more robust pharmaceutical supply chains by aligning regulatory approaches and research priorities, helping ensure that genomic and scientific breakthroughs move more efficiently from laboratory research into clinical application.

The partnership builds on an already strong economic relationship between the two countries. Japan remains one of the UK’s largest inward investors, while the UK–Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and both nations’ participation in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) provide a supportive framework for further growth. Recent years have also seen continued collaboration across clean energy, digital innovation and advanced manufacturing - positioning the UK–Japan relationship as one of the most dynamic and forward-looking bilateral partnerships in the global innovation landscape.

Global Britain Trade Expo 2026 has announced a new featured session focused on one of the most urgent and influential forces behind international expansion, logistics. Titled Charting the Course: Logistics as the Backbone of Global Growth, the session will be led by Rhonda Dearsley, Head of Sales & Marketing at EBISS UK Ltd, and will examine how logistics is now a core driver of successful global trade.

With supply chains under pressure, trade rules evolving and freight markets shifting, logistics has moved beyond an operational support role and into the centre of growth strategy. Businesses entering new markets must be able to move goods reliably, manage compliance and adapt quickly to changing conditions. Without that foundation, expansion efforts can quickly stall.

This session will deliver practical guidance on navigating international freight, managing cross border risk and building resilient, future ready supply chains. Topics include changing routes and cost structures, customs and duty challenges, free trade area complexity and supplier disruption, along with strategies to improve visibility, reliability and compliance across borders.

Designed for first time exporters, active importers and companies expanding into new regions, the session will offer real world insight and usable frameworks that help turn logistics into a competitive advantage rather than a barrier to growth.

Rhonda Dearsley brings extensive experience in international shipping, exhibitions and specialist logistics. EBISS is an award winning provider of event logistics, fine art shipping and general freight services, and she is known for helping businesses solve complex logistics challenges and expand into new markets with confidence.

Registration for Global Britain Trade Expo 2026 is now open, and attendees are encouraged to secure their place for this timely and highly practical session.

Global Britain Trade Expo 2026 has confirmed Daisy Cooper MP, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats and the party’s Treasury Spokesperson, as a headline speaker at this year’s event. Her session, “Rejoin or reimagine? A look at the UK’s relationship to the EU and customs union” will be one of the key discussions of the day, tackling one of the most pressing and divisive questions facing UK trade and economic policy.

As the UK continues to navigate a rapidly shifting global trade environment, questions around market access, customs arrangements and economic cooperation with the European Union remain at the forefront for exporters, manufacturers and service providers alike. Daisy Cooper’s session will explore the practical realities facing UK businesses today and examine what a more pragmatic, future-focused relationship with the EU could look like.

Daisy Cooper MP has represented St Albans since 2019 and currently serves as Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats alongside her role as Treasury Spokesperson. In Parliament, she leads the party’s work on economic policy, public finances and trade, with a focus on driving sustainable growth, boosting investment and supporting British businesses in an increasingly competitive global landscape.

A strong advocate for rebuilding the UK’s trading relationships, Daisy has consistently argued for reducing barriers for exporters and strengthening economic cooperation with key international partners. Her work brings together national economic leadership with a clear understanding of the challenges facing businesses on the ground, from cost pressures and supply chain disruption to labour shortages and infrastructure constraints.

At Global Britain Trade Expo 2026, her session will address whether the UK should seek to rejoin existing European frameworks or instead reimagine its approach to trade with the EU through new forms of cooperation. The discussion will consider the implications of different customs arrangements, regulatory alignment and border processes, and what these choices mean for competitiveness, growth and long-term economic resilience.

Daisy Cooper MP’s appearance adds significant political weight to an already strong speaker line-up and underlines the Expo’s role as a platform for progressive and practical discussion about the UK’s place in the global trading system. Her session is expected to be one of the most talked-about of the event, offering businesses the chance to engage directly with one of the UK’s leading voices on economic and trade policy.

With interest in Global Britain Trade Expo 2026 continuing to grow, early registration is advised for those wishing to attend. Delegate places are limited, and demand for key sessions such as Daisy Cooper MP’s discussion on the UK’s future relationship with the EU is expected to be high. Attendees are encouraged to plan ahead to ensure they can take part in what promises to be one of the most significant conversations of the day.

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As global economic conditions continue to evolve, the trade and investment relationship between the United Kingdom and Finland remains a source of strategic opportunity for businesses on both sides. The latest UK–Finland trade and investment factsheet, published on 2 February 2026, shows that total bilateral trade in goods and services reached £6.2 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q3 2025. This represents a modest decline of 2.9 per cent, or £184 million, compared with the previous year.

While overall trade softened slightly, the underlying figures point to a balanced and resilient partnership. UK exports to Finland totalled £3.2 billion, while imports from Finland stood at £3.1 billion, highlighting a relationship that remains broadly even in value and scope.

Services exports continue to lead

A closer look at exports reveals where momentum is strongest. Of the £3.2 billion exported from the UK to Finland, £1.9 billion, or 58.8 per cent, came from services. Notably, services exports rose by 4.6 per cent, or £82 million, over the year. By contrast, UK goods exports to Finland amounted to £1.3 billion, falling by 8.7 per cent, or £124 million.

This divergence underlines Finland’s growing appetite for UK expertise in areas such as professional services, financial services, legal advisory and specialist consultancy. For UK firms operating in high-value service sectors, Finland continues to offer a receptive and sophisticated market, particularly where digital capability and sector knowledge are key differentiators.

Improving trade balance

The latest figures also show an improvement in the UK’s overall trade position with Finland. In the four quarters to Q3 2025, the UK recorded a trade surplus of £119 million, up from a surplus of £19 million a year earlier.

Although the UK continues to run a deficit in goods trade, reflecting Finland’s strength in manufacturing and industrial exports, this is more than offset by the UK’s surplus in services. Strong two-way flows in advanced machinery, automotive components and specialist manufacturing inputs further demonstrate the complementary nature of the two economies.

Investment links highlight future potential

Investment data points to opportunities for deeper engagement. At the end of 2024, the UK’s foreign direct investment stock in Finland was valued at £18.6 billion, although year-on-year comparisons are limited due to data disclosure constraints. Finnish investment into the UK stood at £590 million, a 12.9 per cent decline, or £87 million, compared with the previous year. Finland currently accounts for less than 0.1 per cent of total UK inward FDI stock.

For UK businesses, this relatively modest level of Finnish investment into the UK, alongside substantial UK investment in Finland, suggests room to strengthen two-way capital flows. Finland’s strengths in clean technology, digital innovation and sustainable industrial solutions align closely with UK capabilities and long-term growth priorities.

Stable outlook supports collaboration

Economic forecasts provide a supportive backdrop. Finland’s GDP growth is projected to rise from 0.5 per cent in 2025 to 1.3 per cent in 2026, while GDP per capita is expected to increase from $56,100 to $59,700 over the same period.

Together, these indicators point to a stable and high-income market with continued demand for specialist goods, services and investment partnerships.

For UK and Finnish firms alike, the message is clear. While trade volumes may fluctuate, the fundamentals of the UK–Finland relationship remain strong, balanced and well suited to deeper collaboration, particularly in services, innovation and long-term investment.

Senior EU figures have signalled a renewed openness to strengthening economic and political cooperation with the UK, including the possibility of closer trade alignment and discussions around a customs union.

Valdis Dombrovskis, the European Commissioner for finance, told the BBC that Brussels would be prepared to engage constructively if the UK wished to pursue deeper trade ties. He said the EU was “ready to engage with an open mind”, as Labour faces growing internal pressure to consider closer cooperation with the bloc.

Speaking following meetings in London with senior ministers, including Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Dombrovskis suggested there was potential to remove most checks on food and agricultural products traded between the UK and the EU. He said this could be achieved if the UK aligned with EU sanitary and phytosanitary standards, an area where negotiations are already advanced.

Dombrovskis also indicated that the UK could still participate in the EU’s €150bn defence loans programme, known as Security Action for Europe (SAFE), despite talks on enhanced access breaking down late last year. While UK firms are currently capped at supplying 35% of the value of defence products under the scheme, he said Brussels remained open to further discussions.

His comments represent the strongest signal yet that the EU is willing to re-engage with the UK amid growing global uncertainty and shifting trade dynamics.

At a joint event in London, Reeves argued that closer UK-EU cooperation was becoming increasingly important, warning that the global order was becoming less predictable. She said the two sides shared common values on trade, the economy and security, and emphasised the need to coordinate responses and “speak with one voice” where possible.

A customs union would remove tariffs on goods traded between the UK and EU, reducing red tape and border friction. However, critics argue it would limit the UK’s ability to strike independent trade deals, as members apply common external tariffs and follow shared standards.

Labour’s election manifesto ruled out rejoining the existing EU customs union or the single market, which requires common rules across sectors. Nevertheless, calls for closer alignment have increased among Labour MPs, with Justice Secretary David Lammy suggesting a customs union could support economic growth.

Dombrovskis said the EU was also open to discussions around aspects of the single market, while stressing that full membership would require acceptance of the four freedoms, including freedom of movement.

The talks took place under the “Quint” format, involving senior UK and EU figures, aimed at coordinating responses to recent global trade and security shocks, including tensions triggered by US President Donald Trump’s tariff threats and comments on Greenland.

Dombrovskis said the EU’s firm response to those threats helped shift negotiations into a more constructive phase.

UK manufacturers are adapting to a far more fragmented global trading environment, according to new research that suggests tariffs and shifting trade rules are reshaping export decisions across the sector. Rather than pulling back from international markets, firms are reassessing risk, rebalancing their exposure, and looking beyond traditional destinations for future growth.

The research, International Trade Trends 2026: UK Manufacturers in Global Markets, produced by Make UK and DHL Express, shows that trade barriers are now a near-universal concern. Eight in ten manufacturers report being affected by tariffs, while 58 per cent say trade rules present a major obstacle to exporting. Half of respondents also point to customs delays, administrative burdens and inconsistent guidance as significant challenges when trading internationally.

Despite these pressures, confidence in the UK’s long-term trade prospects remains relatively high. Almost eight in ten manufacturers say they are optimistic overall. However, concern about global competition is widespread, with 87 per cent citing it as a major issue. Even so, UK firms continue to trade on national reputation, with 85 per cent saying they actively promote the “Britishness” of their products or business when selling overseas.

The United States remains a key export destination, with six in ten UK manufacturers currently trading there. Yet the impact of tariffs is already being felt. One in four manufacturers report balance sheet losses linked to additional costs arising from US tariffs. Anticipating further increases, nearly a quarter of firms say they brought forward exports to the US during the early months of 2025.

At the same time, many manufacturers are actively reducing their exposure to the US market. Almost a quarter say they are pivoting towards non-US destinations, while one in five have already reduced or stopped exporting to the US altogether. A quarter of exporters, however, report that they have continued with their US trade plans without making any changes. Opportunities surely remain for UK-US trade but the optics and stability is now, the for the first time in decades, being questioned.

While the US ranked as the second-most attractive growth market at the time the survey was conducted, more recent sentiment suggests manufacturers are placing greater emphasis on opportunities in Asia and Oceania.

Commenting on the findings, John Cornish, CEO of DHL Express UK, said: “At DHL Express, we see firsthand how important it is for manufacturers to navigate tariffs, customs complexity, and shifting trade rules with confidence. With the strength of British manufacturing and the right support in place, UK exporters remain well positioned to compete globally, even in a more fragmented trading landscape.”

The findings underline Make UK’s call for renewed support to help manufacturers navigate today’s increasingly complex global trading system, as businesses take a more deliberate and strategic approach to international growth.

Find out more about the optimal global export markets for British businesses, and the challenges and opportunities associated, at Global Britain Trade Expo 2026. Click here to book tickets.

Sir Crawford is a Senior Adviser at Bradshaw Advisory. He has held senior leadership roles across governments, international organisations, and academia, advising on complex negotiations and helping shape global trade frameworks. Formerly the UK Chief Trade Negotiator, he served as Second Permanent Secretary at the UK Department for Business and Trade until 2024, having previously been New Zealand's Chief Trade Negotiator and Ambassador to the WTO.

Sir Crawford will address the evolving US-UK business landscape and discuss the implications, opportunities and considerations for British businesses. Full session details soon to be announced.

Global Britain Trade Expo is set to take place at London’s QEII Centre on June 11th 2026. To purchase tickets click here.

The United Kingdom and China are seeking to reframe their economic relationship around stability, long-term planning and practical cooperation, marking a shift away from the more politically charged “Golden Era” promoted a decade ago. UK Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said the relationship has entered a more grounded phase, focused on aligning strategic priorities and encouraging mutual investment.

Speaking in Shanghai on 30 January during Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s official visit to China, Kyle described the current approach as one based on realism and predictability. He said both governments are now taking a broader view of their respective economic strategies, creating space for more constructive engagement. According to Kyle, this pragmatic framework offers a firmer foundation for collaboration than has existed in recent years.

Starmer’s visit, the first by a British prime minister in eight years, underscored the government’s intent to rebuild senior-level dialogue. He arrived in Beijing on 28 January for a four-day programme, accompanied by representatives from more than 60 British companies and institutions spanning pharmaceuticals, culture, clean energy and advanced manufacturing. The delegation included AstraZeneca and the National Theatre, highlighting the breadth of sectors targeted for renewed cooperation.

Kyle pointed to similarities between the UK’s 10-year industrial strategy and China’s current five-year economic plan, arguing that overlapping priorities create opportunities for joint investment. Areas such as life sciences, climate technology and artificial intelligence were identified as sectors where both countries have strong capabilities and global influence.

During the Shanghai leg of the visit, the UK delegation met with Envision Group, a Chinese renewable energy company developing a large-scale energy storage facility in northeast England. The group also visited the Design Innovation Institute Shanghai, reflecting a focus on research-led collaboration and green transition initiatives.

AstraZeneca used the visit to confirm plans to invest USD 15 billion in China over the next five years, expanding its manufacturing, research and development operations. UK officials said the announcement demonstrates the continued importance of China to British companies operating globally, while also reinforcing Britain’s desire to attract inward investment from Chinese firms.

Kyle emphasised that partnerships supporting sustainability and clean growth could deliver tangible benefits for the UK economy, including job creation and export growth. He added that collaboration with Chinese companies could accelerate progress in fast-growing global markets.

Alongside trade and investment, the two governments have also taken steps to ease travel between the countries. The UK government confirmed on 1 February that British passport holders are now eligible for visa-free entry to China for stays of up to 30 days. The policy, agreed during Starmer’s visit, takes effect immediately and represents the first such concession for UK citizens in more than 20 years.

Officials described the move as a confidence-building measure aimed at stimulating business travel, tourism and educational links. The scheme applies to visits for tourism, business meetings, family travel or transit, although longer stays and employment still require a visa.

The change is expected to support growing commercial engagement at a time of slower global growth, with UK and Chinese officials signalling that stability and openness will underpin the next phase of bilateral relations.

To find out more about opportunities for British businesses with China attend Global Britain Trade Expo 2026, 11th June 2026 at London’s QEII Centre.  To purchase tickets click here.

Business leaders and industry representatives expressed optimism about the evolving trade relationship between Britain and China on Thursday, speaking on the sidelines of the Global Britain Trade Expo 2025, an annual trade forum designed to help businesses expand internationally.

Marco Forgione, Director General at The Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade talks about trading internationally and offers advice to UK based entrepreneurs

Clive Bonny, founder, Strategic Management Partners reveals the motivation behind setting up his business and the lessons he has learned along the way.

Earlier this month, hundreds of industry leaders, policy makers, and trade professionals gathered at one of the UK’s most prominent events for international trade and business growth: the eighth annual Global Britain Trade Expo.

The opportunities and optimism of a major industry event like the Global Britain Trade Expo 2025 is infectious. Held in London on the 29th of May 2025, this premier event offered UK businesses, including a delegation from Jersey, a golden opportunity to dive deep into global trade, uncover cutting-edge innovations, and forge pathways for growth.

The United Kingdom and Japan have unveiled a far-reaching partnership spanning pharmaceuticals, genomics and advanced technologies, signalling a renewed commitment to deepening cooperation between two of the world’s leading innovation economies. Announced during the British prime minister’s official visit to Japan, the agreement is designed to accelerate drug discovery, strengthen manufacturing capability and reinforce supply chain resilience.

At the heart of the package is a significant investment in advanced therapies. Orchard Therapeutics, the London-based subsidiary of Japanese pharmaceutical company Kyowa Kirin, will invest £11 million in the UK to advance the development of new gene therapies aimed at rare and life-threatening genetic disorders. The funding will support work at the company’s Hammersmith laboratory and is expected to be backed by the UK government’s Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund, underlining the country’s ambition to remain a global leader in cell and gene therapy development.

Dr Bobby Gaspar, Chief Executive of Orchard Therapeutics, described the expansion of infrastructure and in-house capabilities in Hammersmith as essential to ensuring the company remains well positioned to progress innovative cell and gene therapies.

Genomics is another central component of the collaboration. Oxford Nanopore Technologies, a UK pioneer in genomic sequencing, has entered into a multi-year strategic partnership with Japan’s Genesis Healthcare. The alliance will deploy advanced sensing technology capable of replacing several legacy testing methods with a single, high-resolution genomic analysis. The system is intended to speed up clinical screening, particularly for neuromuscular conditions that have historically been under-diagnosed.

Beyond genomics, both governments have committed £9.7 million in joint funding to support three quantum technology projects. These initiatives will explore the use of quantum computing and quantum sensors to address complex drug discovery challenges and enhance secure data transmission. The projects reflect a shared ambition to harness next-generation technologies in areas where conventional computing approaches face limitations.

The agreement also extends into telecommunications infrastructure, with £6 million allocated to strengthen network resilience. The programme will focus on embedding artificial intelligence into mobile systems and rolling out satellite-based, non-terrestrial connectivity to close coverage gaps. In addition to improving access, these measures are designed to bolster protection against cyber threats and mitigate disruption caused by natural disasters.

UK Science Minister Lord Vallance emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration between British and Japanese scientific and commercial partners, noting that the potential rewards include new treatments for diseases once thought untreatable.

Taken together, the measures are expected to contribute £33 billion in additional two-way trade. A key objective is to build more robust pharmaceutical supply chains by aligning regulatory approaches and research priorities, helping ensure that genomic and scientific breakthroughs move more efficiently from laboratory research into clinical application.

The partnership builds on an already strong economic relationship between the two countries. Japan remains one of the UK’s largest inward investors, while the UK–Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and both nations’ participation in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) provide a supportive framework for further growth. Recent years have also seen continued collaboration across clean energy, digital innovation and advanced manufacturing - positioning the UK–Japan relationship as one of the most dynamic and forward-looking bilateral partnerships in the global innovation landscape.

Global Britain Trade Expo 2026 has announced a new featured session focused on one of the most urgent and influential forces behind international expansion, logistics. Titled Charting the Course: Logistics as the Backbone of Global Growth, the session will be led by Rhonda Dearsley, Head of Sales & Marketing at EBISS UK Ltd, and will examine how logistics is now a core driver of successful global trade.

With supply chains under pressure, trade rules evolving and freight markets shifting, logistics has moved beyond an operational support role and into the centre of growth strategy. Businesses entering new markets must be able to move goods reliably, manage compliance and adapt quickly to changing conditions. Without that foundation, expansion efforts can quickly stall.

This session will deliver practical guidance on navigating international freight, managing cross border risk and building resilient, future ready supply chains. Topics include changing routes and cost structures, customs and duty challenges, free trade area complexity and supplier disruption, along with strategies to improve visibility, reliability and compliance across borders.

Designed for first time exporters, active importers and companies expanding into new regions, the session will offer real world insight and usable frameworks that help turn logistics into a competitive advantage rather than a barrier to growth.

Rhonda Dearsley brings extensive experience in international shipping, exhibitions and specialist logistics. EBISS is an award winning provider of event logistics, fine art shipping and general freight services, and she is known for helping businesses solve complex logistics challenges and expand into new markets with confidence.

Registration for Global Britain Trade Expo 2026 is now open, and attendees are encouraged to secure their place for this timely and highly practical session.

Global Britain Trade Expo 2026 has confirmed Daisy Cooper MP, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats and the party’s Treasury Spokesperson, as a headline speaker at this year’s event. Her session, “Rejoin or reimagine? A look at the UK’s relationship to the EU and customs union” will be one of the key discussions of the day, tackling one of the most pressing and divisive questions facing UK trade and economic policy.

As the UK continues to navigate a rapidly shifting global trade environment, questions around market access, customs arrangements and economic cooperation with the European Union remain at the forefront for exporters, manufacturers and service providers alike. Daisy Cooper’s session will explore the practical realities facing UK businesses today and examine what a more pragmatic, future-focused relationship with the EU could look like.

Daisy Cooper MP has represented St Albans since 2019 and currently serves as Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats alongside her role as Treasury Spokesperson. In Parliament, she leads the party’s work on economic policy, public finances and trade, with a focus on driving sustainable growth, boosting investment and supporting British businesses in an increasingly competitive global landscape.

A strong advocate for rebuilding the UK’s trading relationships, Daisy has consistently argued for reducing barriers for exporters and strengthening economic cooperation with key international partners. Her work brings together national economic leadership with a clear understanding of the challenges facing businesses on the ground, from cost pressures and supply chain disruption to labour shortages and infrastructure constraints.

At Global Britain Trade Expo 2026, her session will address whether the UK should seek to rejoin existing European frameworks or instead reimagine its approach to trade with the EU through new forms of cooperation. The discussion will consider the implications of different customs arrangements, regulatory alignment and border processes, and what these choices mean for competitiveness, growth and long-term economic resilience.

Daisy Cooper MP’s appearance adds significant political weight to an already strong speaker line-up and underlines the Expo’s role as a platform for progressive and practical discussion about the UK’s place in the global trading system. Her session is expected to be one of the most talked-about of the event, offering businesses the chance to engage directly with one of the UK’s leading voices on economic and trade policy.

With interest in Global Britain Trade Expo 2026 continuing to grow, early registration is advised for those wishing to attend. Delegate places are limited, and demand for key sessions such as Daisy Cooper MP’s discussion on the UK’s future relationship with the EU is expected to be high. Attendees are encouraged to plan ahead to ensure they can take part in what promises to be one of the most significant conversations of the day.

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As global economic conditions continue to evolve, the trade and investment relationship between the United Kingdom and Finland remains a source of strategic opportunity for businesses on both sides. The latest UK–Finland trade and investment factsheet, published on 2 February 2026, shows that total bilateral trade in goods and services reached £6.2 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q3 2025. This represents a modest decline of 2.9 per cent, or £184 million, compared with the previous year.

While overall trade softened slightly, the underlying figures point to a balanced and resilient partnership. UK exports to Finland totalled £3.2 billion, while imports from Finland stood at £3.1 billion, highlighting a relationship that remains broadly even in value and scope.

Services exports continue to lead

A closer look at exports reveals where momentum is strongest. Of the £3.2 billion exported from the UK to Finland, £1.9 billion, or 58.8 per cent, came from services. Notably, services exports rose by 4.6 per cent, or £82 million, over the year. By contrast, UK goods exports to Finland amounted to £1.3 billion, falling by 8.7 per cent, or £124 million.

This divergence underlines Finland’s growing appetite for UK expertise in areas such as professional services, financial services, legal advisory and specialist consultancy. For UK firms operating in high-value service sectors, Finland continues to offer a receptive and sophisticated market, particularly where digital capability and sector knowledge are key differentiators.

Improving trade balance

The latest figures also show an improvement in the UK’s overall trade position with Finland. In the four quarters to Q3 2025, the UK recorded a trade surplus of £119 million, up from a surplus of £19 million a year earlier.

Although the UK continues to run a deficit in goods trade, reflecting Finland’s strength in manufacturing and industrial exports, this is more than offset by the UK’s surplus in services. Strong two-way flows in advanced machinery, automotive components and specialist manufacturing inputs further demonstrate the complementary nature of the two economies.

Investment links highlight future potential

Investment data points to opportunities for deeper engagement. At the end of 2024, the UK’s foreign direct investment stock in Finland was valued at £18.6 billion, although year-on-year comparisons are limited due to data disclosure constraints. Finnish investment into the UK stood at £590 million, a 12.9 per cent decline, or £87 million, compared with the previous year. Finland currently accounts for less than 0.1 per cent of total UK inward FDI stock.

For UK businesses, this relatively modest level of Finnish investment into the UK, alongside substantial UK investment in Finland, suggests room to strengthen two-way capital flows. Finland’s strengths in clean technology, digital innovation and sustainable industrial solutions align closely with UK capabilities and long-term growth priorities.

Stable outlook supports collaboration

Economic forecasts provide a supportive backdrop. Finland’s GDP growth is projected to rise from 0.5 per cent in 2025 to 1.3 per cent in 2026, while GDP per capita is expected to increase from $56,100 to $59,700 over the same period.

Together, these indicators point to a stable and high-income market with continued demand for specialist goods, services and investment partnerships.

For UK and Finnish firms alike, the message is clear. While trade volumes may fluctuate, the fundamentals of the UK–Finland relationship remain strong, balanced and well suited to deeper collaboration, particularly in services, innovation and long-term investment.

Senior EU figures have signalled a renewed openness to strengthening economic and political cooperation with the UK, including the possibility of closer trade alignment and discussions around a customs union.

Valdis Dombrovskis, the European Commissioner for finance, told the BBC that Brussels would be prepared to engage constructively if the UK wished to pursue deeper trade ties. He said the EU was “ready to engage with an open mind”, as Labour faces growing internal pressure to consider closer cooperation with the bloc.

Speaking following meetings in London with senior ministers, including Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Dombrovskis suggested there was potential to remove most checks on food and agricultural products traded between the UK and the EU. He said this could be achieved if the UK aligned with EU sanitary and phytosanitary standards, an area where negotiations are already advanced.

Dombrovskis also indicated that the UK could still participate in the EU’s €150bn defence loans programme, known as Security Action for Europe (SAFE), despite talks on enhanced access breaking down late last year. While UK firms are currently capped at supplying 35% of the value of defence products under the scheme, he said Brussels remained open to further discussions.

His comments represent the strongest signal yet that the EU is willing to re-engage with the UK amid growing global uncertainty and shifting trade dynamics.

At a joint event in London, Reeves argued that closer UK-EU cooperation was becoming increasingly important, warning that the global order was becoming less predictable. She said the two sides shared common values on trade, the economy and security, and emphasised the need to coordinate responses and “speak with one voice” where possible.

A customs union would remove tariffs on goods traded between the UK and EU, reducing red tape and border friction. However, critics argue it would limit the UK’s ability to strike independent trade deals, as members apply common external tariffs and follow shared standards.

Labour’s election manifesto ruled out rejoining the existing EU customs union or the single market, which requires common rules across sectors. Nevertheless, calls for closer alignment have increased among Labour MPs, with Justice Secretary David Lammy suggesting a customs union could support economic growth.

Dombrovskis said the EU was also open to discussions around aspects of the single market, while stressing that full membership would require acceptance of the four freedoms, including freedom of movement.

The talks took place under the “Quint” format, involving senior UK and EU figures, aimed at coordinating responses to recent global trade and security shocks, including tensions triggered by US President Donald Trump’s tariff threats and comments on Greenland.

Dombrovskis said the EU’s firm response to those threats helped shift negotiations into a more constructive phase.

UK manufacturers are adapting to a far more fragmented global trading environment, according to new research that suggests tariffs and shifting trade rules are reshaping export decisions across the sector. Rather than pulling back from international markets, firms are reassessing risk, rebalancing their exposure, and looking beyond traditional destinations for future growth.

The research, International Trade Trends 2026: UK Manufacturers in Global Markets, produced by Make UK and DHL Express, shows that trade barriers are now a near-universal concern. Eight in ten manufacturers report being affected by tariffs, while 58 per cent say trade rules present a major obstacle to exporting. Half of respondents also point to customs delays, administrative burdens and inconsistent guidance as significant challenges when trading internationally.

Despite these pressures, confidence in the UK’s long-term trade prospects remains relatively high. Almost eight in ten manufacturers say they are optimistic overall. However, concern about global competition is widespread, with 87 per cent citing it as a major issue. Even so, UK firms continue to trade on national reputation, with 85 per cent saying they actively promote the “Britishness” of their products or business when selling overseas.

The United States remains a key export destination, with six in ten UK manufacturers currently trading there. Yet the impact of tariffs is already being felt. One in four manufacturers report balance sheet losses linked to additional costs arising from US tariffs. Anticipating further increases, nearly a quarter of firms say they brought forward exports to the US during the early months of 2025.

At the same time, many manufacturers are actively reducing their exposure to the US market. Almost a quarter say they are pivoting towards non-US destinations, while one in five have already reduced or stopped exporting to the US altogether. A quarter of exporters, however, report that they have continued with their US trade plans without making any changes. Opportunities surely remain for UK-US trade but the optics and stability is now, the for the first time in decades, being questioned.

While the US ranked as the second-most attractive growth market at the time the survey was conducted, more recent sentiment suggests manufacturers are placing greater emphasis on opportunities in Asia and Oceania.

Commenting on the findings, John Cornish, CEO of DHL Express UK, said: “At DHL Express, we see firsthand how important it is for manufacturers to navigate tariffs, customs complexity, and shifting trade rules with confidence. With the strength of British manufacturing and the right support in place, UK exporters remain well positioned to compete globally, even in a more fragmented trading landscape.”

The findings underline Make UK’s call for renewed support to help manufacturers navigate today’s increasingly complex global trading system, as businesses take a more deliberate and strategic approach to international growth.

Find out more about the optimal global export markets for British businesses, and the challenges and opportunities associated, at Global Britain Trade Expo 2026. Click here to book tickets.

Sir Crawford is a Senior Adviser at Bradshaw Advisory. He has held senior leadership roles across governments, international organisations, and academia, advising on complex negotiations and helping shape global trade frameworks. Formerly the UK Chief Trade Negotiator, he served as Second Permanent Secretary at the UK Department for Business and Trade until 2024, having previously been New Zealand's Chief Trade Negotiator and Ambassador to the WTO.

Sir Crawford will address the evolving US-UK business landscape and discuss the implications, opportunities and considerations for British businesses. Full session details soon to be announced.

Global Britain Trade Expo is set to take place at London’s QEII Centre on June 11th 2026. To purchase tickets click here.

The United Kingdom and China are seeking to reframe their economic relationship around stability, long-term planning and practical cooperation, marking a shift away from the more politically charged “Golden Era” promoted a decade ago. UK Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said the relationship has entered a more grounded phase, focused on aligning strategic priorities and encouraging mutual investment.

Speaking in Shanghai on 30 January during Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s official visit to China, Kyle described the current approach as one based on realism and predictability. He said both governments are now taking a broader view of their respective economic strategies, creating space for more constructive engagement. According to Kyle, this pragmatic framework offers a firmer foundation for collaboration than has existed in recent years.

Starmer’s visit, the first by a British prime minister in eight years, underscored the government’s intent to rebuild senior-level dialogue. He arrived in Beijing on 28 January for a four-day programme, accompanied by representatives from more than 60 British companies and institutions spanning pharmaceuticals, culture, clean energy and advanced manufacturing. The delegation included AstraZeneca and the National Theatre, highlighting the breadth of sectors targeted for renewed cooperation.

Kyle pointed to similarities between the UK’s 10-year industrial strategy and China’s current five-year economic plan, arguing that overlapping priorities create opportunities for joint investment. Areas such as life sciences, climate technology and artificial intelligence were identified as sectors where both countries have strong capabilities and global influence.

During the Shanghai leg of the visit, the UK delegation met with Envision Group, a Chinese renewable energy company developing a large-scale energy storage facility in northeast England. The group also visited the Design Innovation Institute Shanghai, reflecting a focus on research-led collaboration and green transition initiatives.

AstraZeneca used the visit to confirm plans to invest USD 15 billion in China over the next five years, expanding its manufacturing, research and development operations. UK officials said the announcement demonstrates the continued importance of China to British companies operating globally, while also reinforcing Britain’s desire to attract inward investment from Chinese firms.

Kyle emphasised that partnerships supporting sustainability and clean growth could deliver tangible benefits for the UK economy, including job creation and export growth. He added that collaboration with Chinese companies could accelerate progress in fast-growing global markets.

Alongside trade and investment, the two governments have also taken steps to ease travel between the countries. The UK government confirmed on 1 February that British passport holders are now eligible for visa-free entry to China for stays of up to 30 days. The policy, agreed during Starmer’s visit, takes effect immediately and represents the first such concession for UK citizens in more than 20 years.

Officials described the move as a confidence-building measure aimed at stimulating business travel, tourism and educational links. The scheme applies to visits for tourism, business meetings, family travel or transit, although longer stays and employment still require a visa.

The change is expected to support growing commercial engagement at a time of slower global growth, with UK and Chinese officials signalling that stability and openness will underpin the next phase of bilateral relations.

To find out more about opportunities for British businesses with China attend Global Britain Trade Expo 2026, 11th June 2026 at London’s QEII Centre.  To purchase tickets click here.

Business leaders and industry representatives expressed optimism about the evolving trade relationship between Britain and China on Thursday, speaking on the sidelines of the Global Britain Trade Expo 2025, an annual trade forum designed to help businesses expand internationally.

Marco Forgione, Director General at The Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade talks about trading internationally and offers advice to UK based entrepreneurs

Clive Bonny, founder, Strategic Management Partners reveals the motivation behind setting up his business and the lessons he has learned along the way.

Earlier this month, hundreds of industry leaders, policy makers, and trade professionals gathered at one of the UK’s most prominent events for international trade and business growth: the eighth annual Global Britain Trade Expo.

The opportunities and optimism of a major industry event like the Global Britain Trade Expo 2025 is infectious. Held in London on the 29th of May 2025, this premier event offered UK businesses, including a delegation from Jersey, a golden opportunity to dive deep into global trade, uncover cutting-edge innovations, and forge pathways for growth.