Sweden and the UK: Business as Usual

Business as Usual

Last week I had the opportunity to attend an event hosted by the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the United Kingdom:?Welcome to the UK.

Photos courtesy of SCC to the UK

Participants heard from the British Ambassador to Sweden. His main message was that between Sweden and Britain, it is business as usual. The uncertainty inherent in Brexit has not put a damper on business in this regard.

Photos courtesy of SCC to the UK

SEB presented a summary of a survey jointly conducted with Deloitte titled What is in the minds of Swedish and British CFOs?? My main take away is there is confidence on both sides – much much more than when Brexit was first decided.

Visit Sweden and VisitBritain?talked about how Brexit might affect future trends in tourism. Swedes spend TONS of money in the UK and visits?to?London top the list. It seems the Brits need a bit more convincing that Sweden is a lot more than cold and dark.

Vistra, presented a brief guide to the Formation and Evolution of a Business in the UK, and two lawyers from? J A Kemp tried to answer the question What is IP and why should a start-up care?. Somethings seem straightforward while others don’t. Don’t do it alone, get expert advice.

Photos courtesy of SCC to the UK

The evening began and concluded with good old fashion networking. The Chamber has been hosting this event for 11 years. Never has the future of this business relationship felt so uncertain because of Brexit.? Thank goodness for the global Chambers of Commerce. Their expertise and network provide invaluable opportunities to learn and talk. Two fundamentals I can appreciate.

Photos courtesy of SCC to the UK

There I am, 3rd from the right, talking as usual. One highlight of the evening was the engaging conversation with several attendees in from England.