Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy says she is “opening new doors for British talent and creativity” as she heads up the largest ever UK business delegation to visit the US.
The five-day trip to Los Angeles is designed to bolster transatlantic trade at a time of marked international division and economic uncertainty, amid the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran.
Nandy is leading the delegation alongside Minister for Economic Transformation Blair McDougall, after stepping in for Business Secretary Peter Kyle.
More than 250 financial, tech, and cultural leaders are joining the trip, which sees leaders gather at what the government has billed its “major expo”, Greater Together LA, between 18 and 22 May.
“The UK’s creative industries, sporting heritage and world-class tourism are among our greatest national assets – and Greater Together LA is an extraordinary opportunity to showcase them on the world stage,” Nandy said.
“From our music and film sectors to sport and the arts, this delegation will demonstrate the immense cultural and commercial value the UK brings to our partnership with the United States.
“I look forward to deepening those connections and opening new doors for British talent and creativity.”
Connecting museums and appealing to US investors
Greater Together LA is co-hosted by British record executive Sir Lucian Charles Grainge, of Universal Music, and Sir Jony Ive, chancellor of the Royal College of Art and known for his design work at Apple.
Speakers include other leading members of the top ranks of Britain’s creative sectors, including Simon Cowell.
Nandy, meanwhile, is to visit Getty Museum to explore how better to encourage links with British regional museums and galleries, and the Amazon MGM Studios.
“By connecting UK innovators with US investors, the delegation will drive high-quality jobs and economic growth in both countries,” a government release trumpeting the expo states.
