UK Wins The Race To Secure First Trade Deal

Bryan Bletso, Head of International at Irwin Mitchell, has welcomed today’s newly agreed trade deal between the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

Commenting on the development, Bryan Bletso said: “While this agreement may not be as comprehensive as the government initially hoped, it represents a significant step forward. It is a living document—designed to evolve and adapt as needed—and it addresses key issues, particularly around specific tariffs.

“For the UK, this deal brings much-needed certainty in an unpredictable global landscape, empowering UK businesses to plan and act with greater confidence.

“For the US, it serves as a strong signal that the country remains open for business with partners willing to engage constructively. It underscores the shared commitment of both nations to building a robust and dynamic economic relationship.”

George Collins, Head of Irwin Mitchell’s US Desk, recently attended the British American Business Transatlantic Conference and noted the positive momentum leading up to the agreement.

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"Last week, I had the opportunity to hear directly from Duncan Edwards OBE, Chief Executive at British American Business; Emanuel Adam, Chief Policy & Trade Officer at British American Business and James Roscoe MVO, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Washington, DC. The sentiment was overwhelmingly optimistic and that we were very close to agreeing a deal, it’s fantastic to see just one week later that this has translated into a signed deal.

“It was also very insightful to hear about the nature and momentum of the dialogue between the Trump administration and the UK Government and the combined determination to get a deal done, arguably more so than with previous administrations, reinforcing the special relationship between the US and UK. This strong foundation has helped accelerate progress and should serve as a platform for future negotiations.” Georgie Collins, Head of Irwin Mitchell’s US Desk

In a further boost to the UK’s global trade ambitions, the government also signed a historic free trade agreement with India earlier this week. This landmark deal is expected to enhance trade, stimulate investment, and create jobs—further reinforcing the UK’s position as a leading global trading partner.

Irwin Mitchell is a member of numerous international networks including British American Business, and the American Chamber of Commerce in the UK. The law firm produces a regular report  about Foreign Direct Investment and in the latest edition, the USA and India were recognised as the two largest provider of FDI into the UK.