01 Apr 2026
Glasgow Chamber of Commerce was proud to attend the Driving International Trade Conference 2026, the British Chambers of Commerce’s flagship event for businesses trading internationally. The conference brought together policymakers, global trade experts and business leaders to explore how UK companies can continue to succeed on the world stage at a time of heightened geopolitical and economic uncertainty.
Our Deputy Chief Executive and Commercial Director attended on behalf of members, ensuring the voice of Glasgow business was firmly part of the national conversation. A key moment came when Glasgow Chamber Deputy Chief Executive Richard Muir raised a question to His Excellency, Ambassador Warren A. Stephens, United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom, reflecting the concerns of members looking to trade with confidence despite global volatility.
With trade tariffs, industrial policy shifts and geopolitical challenges making long-term planning more complex, Richard asked what UK businesses should realistically be planning over the next 12–24 months, particularly those preparing to join Glasgow Chamber’s upcoming trade mission to New York and Pittsburgh. His question highlighted the need for clarity, preparedness and practical advice as businesses continue to view the US as a critical growth market. In response, Ambassador Stephens reinforced that the US remains a strong and attractive market for UK exporters and that there is a clear desire to see trade between the UK and US continue to grow.
The conference featured a strong line-up of speakers shaping the UK’s international trade agenda, including Andy Haldane CBE, President of the British Chambers of Commerce and former Chief Economist at the Bank of England, and a past Congress of Business speaker. Lord Stockwood, Minister of State for Investment, called for more practical, real support to help SMEs export, while George Freeman, UK Trade Envoy, highlighted the importance of building strong cross-cultural relationships at home as a foundation for successful international trading partnerships.
Discussions throughout the day reinforced the optimism and resilience of UK exporters. While around 10% of UK businesses export, closer to 40% of British Chambers of Commerce members trade internationally, underlining the strength of the Chamber network. Businesses were encouraged to prepare thoroughly, recognise that major markets often operate regionally, and make full use of the UK’s export support ecosystem, with Chambers playing a central role in turning international ambition into action.
