US delegation to hear about the strengths of the British economy

The three-day trip will feature a group of around 30 New Orleans delegates from the food, tech and banking industries, as well as representatives of the US city’s business development district and local council.

They will also hear from the likes of Martin Phelan, international director of Northern Powerhouse investment at the Department for International Trade, and Lawrence Slade, chief executive of industry body Energy UK.

Attendees are hoping to gain an insight into London’s experience as a tech and digital infrastructure hub and explore opportunities for investment and international expansion into the UK, as New Orleans continues to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

Organisers say the trip proves London’s continued international allure, despite Brexit.

Mark O’Connell, chief executive and founder of economic development and foreign direct investment advisory OCO Global, said: “London continues to be a highly attractive destination for businesses looking to expand from key markets in the US.”

He said the trade mission will highlight growth opportunities and promote a deeper understanding of the UK economy.

Delegates will receive briefings on the state of the UK economy and key economic regions by the likes of former Bank of England interest rate-setter and PWC economist Andrew Sentance, before touring the Francis Crick Institute biomedical research facility and networking with entrepreneurs in the East End. Among the US group will be representatives from Gulf Coast Bank.