#FridayFive from the Executive Director: 21 March 2025

Just like my flight from Heathrow, my #FridayFive has been delayed, but what a cracking week (better late than never)...

1. Encouraging Scottish Trade: I had the pleasure of meeting with the Secretary of State for Scotland, the Rt Hon Ian Murray, as we recorded a podcast on supporting Scottish business. This will be out shortly, and follows the Secretary of State's recent visit to Singapore. Thank you to Team Scotland for such a warm welcome to Dover House in London.

2. Digital Trade and Exports: I had the pleasure of hosting a stellar panel on digital trade at the British Chambers of Commerce international trade conference. Thanks to Mark Taylor – Automated Analytics; Matthew Bradley – Managing Director, CNS (DP World); Christoph Brem – LevelPlane; Jurga Zilinskiene MBE – CEO, CTO and Founder, Guildhawk; Liam Smyth – Director of Trade Facilitation, ChamberCustoms as we talked bad data in; cultural opportunities, regulation, language and adopting technology.

3. Diplomacy and Business: We heard from the Foreign Secretary, Rt Hon David Lammy as he set out a range of measures including: Heads of Missions being closer aligned to British Chambers overseas, sharing of geopolitical insights for UK SMEs; quarterly engagement sessions with businesses; FCDO domestic roadshows. It is brilliant to see how British businesses overseas were seen a key priority in supporting the UK’s engagement bilaterally.

4. International presence: Great to see follow British Chamber leaders from overseas markets as we continue to support British businesses. Lots of renewed energy and enthusiasm across the network. And also friends and fans of the . Richard Muir Mark Lawrence Damian Adams Nicole Wharfe, MBA Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) Abiel Neo Valerina Yeong Ian Fox Katy Holmes

5. Encouraging collaboration: It was brilliant to meet businesses who are looking to expand in another week of championing export opportunities in Singapore and Southeast Asia.

Eddie (Jordan) is remembered in the above, in a week where I was saddened to hear the news about one of my heros who I was lucky to meet. The reality can sometimes be brutal as the world keeps spinning after loss, but another jampacked week reflected on. I look forward to seeing many of you soon.