Market Visit to Chicago and Toronto - Advanced Manufacturing & Aerospace

The Midlands Engine initiative aims to boost economic growth across the Midlands including through enhanced trade and investment. The US and Canada represent huge opportunities for UK business. They are experiencing solid economic growth and have many well established links.

The Market Visit
This is a unique opportunity to take part in the inaugural Midlands Engine trade and investment mission, led by a UK Government Minister. For the first time, companies from across both East and West Midlands will be involved in a mission that will raise the profile of the region overseas and its strong manufacturing industry. You are invited to join the visit to Chicago and Toronto, which will focus primarily on Advanced Manufacturing and Aerospace, and will offer great opportunities for companies to gain insights into two of our most important trading partners. The high-profile programme will include events and receptions arranged by the British Consulates-General in Chicago and Toronto for participants and guests, and we aim to generate significant media coverage both in market and in the UK.

Why participate?
Travelling out as part of a Government organised trade contingent will attract greater publicity than a solo visit and help open doors. For companies that are serious about doing business in North America, there is simply no substitute for a personal visit. There will be press coverage and networking events – you will benefit from the support of Trade Advisers before and throughout your visit to ensure that the trip is a success and that you have a clear understanding of the next steps you need to take.

Draft Programme: Advanced Manufacturing & Aerospace (itinerary subject to confirmation)

Sunday 18 September Outbound flights to Chicago
Informal networking evening with delegates

Monday 19 September
09.00 Briefing: Doing business in the USA and an overview of Chicago/Midwest region
10.30 Tour of Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute
12.30 Networking lunch event with Chicago Council on Global Affairs: Britain's Place in
the Global Economy
14.30 Working with distributors in the US and one on one meetings with potential distributors
18.00 Evening business reception at Shakespeare Theatre on Chicago’s iconic Navy Pier,
bringing together the Midlands Engine delegation and potential US partners,
buyers and investors.

Tuesday 20 September
09.00 Boeing - working with large OEMs in the US
12.30 Depart for Chicago O’Hare airport
15.25 Depart Chicago O’Hare on Air Canada flight 7584
18.00 Arrive at Toronto Pearson Airport
19.00 Briefing from Howard Drake, High Commissioner and Kevin McGurgan,
Consul General Toronto and Director General UKTI

Wednesday 21 September
09.00 Morning Briefing: Doing Business in Canada; Carrying on Business in Canada and
Tax Implications; Setting Up In Canada & Regional Productivity Landscape in Canada
12.30 Networking lunch
13.45 Overview of Advanced Engineering & Manufacturing in Canada; R&D,
Commercialisation, International Collaboration, and Case Study;
Procurement & Supply Chain in Canada
17.30 Networking reception for Trade Mission delegates

Thursday 22 September Free for further business meetings before return flight to the UK

Register your interest
Please register your interest online at www.bit.ly/1P7ZeH3 We are expecting interest in this market visit to be very high so please note that your place is not guaranteed until you receive confirmation.
Eligibility
The market visit is open to all Midlands exporters. If you are an SME you may be eligible for a travel grant of £750.
Cost
A management fee of £275 for all delegates will cover in-market event costs. Delegates need to meet their own flight
and accommodation costs.