SoS for International Trade: Bristol is ‘one of UK’s most capable and advanced ports’

Dr Liam Fox, the Secretary of State for International Trade and President of the Board of Trade, praised Bristol Port as a “perfect example of a dynamic, global business” in a keynote speech to workers at the end of the year.  

The MP for North Somerset called for Parliament to deliver Brexit, saying the UK will play a pivotal role in shaping 21st Century trade. 

The Port was chosen as the backdrop for the speech to showcase its international trade links, especially as the closest British port to the east coast of America. The UK and US are due to begin trade negotiations for a new free trade agreement after the UK leaves the EU on 29 March 2019, which is expected to increase trade across the Atlantic. 

CEO, David Brown said: “As a global gateway and the nearest British Port to the US we are in a unique position to enable rapid and reliable trade with America.”    

The Port handles 66% of cargo from outside the EU, and believes Brexit will provide more opportunities. Dr Fox said: “The work done here at Portbury and Avonmouth contributes over £1 billion to the British economy. Now that is something to be proud of.”

The MP also praised the transformation of the Port, adding: “Since the port was privatised almost 30 years ago and reborn as The Bristol Port Company, over £500m has been invested to turn this into one of the most capable and advanced ports in the UK.”

The Bristol Port Company held a number of exporting events with the Department of International Trade and Business West last year including hosting the export hub roadshow which came to the Port’s head office under its “Exporting is Great” slogan. 

The ‘Export Hub’ travels across the UK, inviting businesses of all sizes on board, and offering bespoke training sessions, export champion case studies, and information on global opportunities. The Port’s team joined the Government’s North America Heads of Trade and highlighted how businesses could build success in Transatlantic trade, and as the UK’s nearest port to the east coast of America, Bristol Port provided key insights during a presentation and in Q&A discussions. 

If you would like to discover more about exporting with Bristol’s global gateway, call 0117 982 0000 and speak with the Commercial team or visit www.bristolport.co.uk