The United Kingdom is making one of its most ambitious global business moves in years, with the government confirming its largest-ever trade mission to the United States. Branded as Greater Together LA, the event will take place in Los Angeles from May 18 to May 22, 2026, bringing together senior political leaders, global corporations, and industry voices around a transatlantic relationship already worth about $1.5 trillion in mutual investment.
With more than 2.6 million jobs supported across both countries and a $437 billion trading relationship, the scale of the US-UK economic partnership is already massive. This mission is designed to build on that foundation, turning existing ties into new business opportunities, partnerships, and long-term investment flows.
The delegation will be led by UK Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle, who has framed the mission as a push to unlock growth by championing shared values such as innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Behind that message, however, is a clear objective — to position the UK as a leading destination for global business in an increasingly competitive environment.
Corporate giants and strategic partners drive the mission
The structure of the event reveals how seriously the UK is approaching this initiative. British Airways and American Airlines have been named as presenting partners, with prominent political and corporate delegates expected to travel to Los Angeles on a specially designated British Airways charter flight. That level of coordination highlights the importance being placed on both visibility and high-level engagement.
Professional services firm PwC UK and technical engineering and construction company TSL are also leading partners, playing active roles in shaping the event. TSL will host a dedicated Business Lounge, specifically designed to facilitate deal-making and real-time business discussions between companies and investors.
PWC will sponsor a two-day thought leadership summit under the theme “Unexpected Connections,” featuring more than 30 headline speakers from sectors aligned with the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy 2025. These sectors include advanced manufacturing, financial services, life sciences, technology, creative industries, and professional and business services — all identified as critical to future economic growth.
The wider partner network further strengthens the commercial focus of the mission. Official partners include digital asset platform Payward, YouTube, and the Wall Street Journal, bringing together finance, technology, and global media influence in a way that reflects the evolving nature of international business.
Why the UK is pushing now
The timing of the mission is significant. As global competition for investment intensifies, countries are increasingly using large-scale trade events to attract capital and strengthen economic alliances. By hosting this expo in Los Angeles — a global hub for entertainment, technology, and innovation — the UK is positioning itself directly in front of industries that shape global markets.
Statements from corporate leaders involved in the mission underline the broader narrative. British Airways CEO Sean Doyle highlighted the long-standing cultural and economic ties between the two nations, while American Airlines CEO Robert Isom described Los Angeles as a centre for creativity and commerce that connects industries worldwide.
PWC UK Senior Partner Marco Amitrano pointed to the evolving nature of the US-UK relationship, driven by investment, innovation, and job creation. Meanwhile, TSL leadership emphasised the role of engineering and infrastructure in supporting sectors such as data centres, pharmaceuticals, and advanced manufacturing — areas that are central to the next phase of industrial growth.
These perspectives reinforce a common theme: the mission is not just about trade figures, but about shaping how the two economies collaborate in the future.
The UK government has made it clear that this is more than a promotional event. The goal is to create a platform where business leaders and policymakers can connect, exchange ideas, and move towards real commercial outcomes. More details about the initiative can be found on the official UK government announcement, which outlines the full scale and ambition of the programme.
As the event approaches, attention is shifting from the headline numbers to the potential outcomes. With $1.5 trillion already invested across both economies, even incremental gains could translate into significant economic impact. The real test for Greater Together LA will be whether it can convert its scale, corporate backing, and political visibility into lasting business partnerships.
For now, the message from the UK is clear. It is not simply maintaining its relationship with the United States — it is actively trying to expand it, using one of the largest trade missions in its history to do so.
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