Los Angeles is preparing to host an unprecedented wave of British business leaders later this month, as the UK launches its largest-ever trade mission to the United States. The visit, branded
“Greater Together LA,” comes on the heels of the recent State Visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, which helped inject fresh momentum into transatlantic relations.
The five-day programme, running from 18 to 22 May, will bring together hundreds of policymakers, executives, investors and creatives from both sides of the Atlantic. Led by Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle, the initiative aims to convert strong diplomatic ties into concrete economic gains across key industries.
Recent developments have already signalled a shift in the UK–US economic relationship. Washington’s decision to scrap tariffs on British whisky—a sector exporting roughly £1 billion annually to the US—has been hailed as a major win for UK producers. The move builds on a prior agreement that has already saved exporters millions.
At the same time, pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca has announced a £300 million investment in the UK, citing growing cooperation between the two countries. A landmark agreement reached in late 2025 eliminated tariffs on UK pharmaceutical exports to the US, securing a significant advantage for an industry worth at least £5 billion a year.
Organisers say Greater Together LA will focus on translating this momentum into tangible business outcomes. High-profile figures from across sectors are set to participate, including Lucian Grainge of Universal Music Group and designer Jony Ive, who are co-hosting the event. The speaker lineup spans aviation, media, technology and entertainment, featuring names such as Sean Doyle of British Airways, Cindy Rose of WPP, and Simon Cowell.
Officials point to the sheer scale of the UK–US economic partnership as a driving force behind the mission. Investment between the two देशोंhas reached approximately £1.2 trillion, supporting more than 2.6 million jobs on each side of the Atlantic.
“The removal of tariffs on whisky shows what this partnership can deliver in real terms,” Kyle said, describing the agreement as a clear benefit for British industry. He added that the Los Angeles mission is about turning longstanding ties into “real commercial outcomes.”
Business leaders echo that sentiment. Ewan Venters, chair of the GREAT Britain campaign’s private sector council, said the strong interest in the delegation reflects the opportunities available in the US market. He emphasized the private sector’s role in reinforcing the UK’s position as a key economic partner for the United States.
The mission also builds on last year’s high-profile US presidential visit to the UK, which resulted in £150 billion in investment commitments and thousands of new jobs. With major partners including American Airlines, PwC and YouTube, organisers are betting that Greater Together LA will further deepen one of the world’s most significant economic relationships.
