Rhode Island trade mission targets Scotland next month

Stefan Pryor, Secretary of Commerce for the American state of Rhode Island, is to head up a trade mission comprising seven US businesses and a team of commerce and tourism officials which is set to visit the UK in September with Edinburgh and Glasgow named among the key target cities.

Also visiting the so-called ‘Northern Powerhouse’ cities of Leeds, Hull and Manchester as well as Edinburgh, the mission will see Rhode Island firms meet with UK business leaders with the aim of growing exports between the state and the North of England and Scotland.

Secretary Pryor and his team will be talking to UK businesses about the latest incentives and support available for British companies planning to set up an operation in Rhode Island, which is increasingly being seen by UK businesses as a first landing place in the US.

Stefan Pryor said: “More and more, international companies are realising the benefits of doing business in Rhode Island – including our competitive tax structure, potent economic development tools, and high quality of life. Companies with UK roots, including Finlays and Virgin Pulse, have chosen to plant their flag in our state, and we look forward to exploring opportunities with other companies that are looking to expand in America.”

US firms on the mission seeking to make contact with potential customers and suppliers, as well as exploring joint venture opportunities, include: environment monitoring specialist AVTECH Software ; Bryant University’s John H. Chaffee Center for International Business; intellectual property law specialist Feeney Law which has built a network of UK lawyers based in London and Leeds; sea floor mapping company Inspire Environmental; precision component manufacturer Mearthane Products Corporation (MPC); StormTree which designs and installs flood water management systems; coffee-roasters Queen Bean Coffee Company; and VPI Logistics which provides a comprehensive distribution service.