12 November 2024
On 22 October 2024 our Managing Director, Warran Bolton, and Technical Director, Steven Skolosdra, travelled to Miami alongside other UK companies to attend the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) Tech for Logistics Trade Mission.
The first morning of our market visit began with a Roundtable session with The Miami Downtown Development Authority (DDA) who are an independent agency of the City of Miami funded by a special tax levy on properties within its district boundaries. Their mission is to grow, strengthen, and promote the economic health and vitality of Downtown Miami. As an autonomous agency of the city, the Miami DDA advocates, facilitates, plans, and executes business development, planning, capital improvements, and marketing and communication strategies.
Above Photo Credit: Gaby Bonetti (UK Trade Director for Florida)
Following this we attended a Roundtable with The Miami-Dade Beacon Council, a public-private partnership, who are the official economic development organisation for Miami-Dade County. Led by a professional staff and Board of volunteer community leaders, the organisation facilitates business growth and expansion locally, nationally and internationally.
Later that day we attended a SelectFlorida Briefing. SelectFlorida is the state of Florida’s official international commerce organisation, serving as a catalyst for economic development, economic diversification into targeted industries, and high-wage job creation for Floridians.
Our day concluded with a reception at the British Consulate-General’s Residence. An excellent first day of meetings and networking to explore opportunities in the vibrant logistics technology sector.
Our day began with a visit to Miami International Airport (MIA) for a briefing and Roundtable discussion. The delegates were given a very informative and impressive tour of the airport which is located on 3,230 acres of land near downtown Miami. MIA is America’s busiest airport for international freight and second busiest for international passengers. It is also the leading economic engine for Miami-Dade County and the state of Florida, generating business revenue of $31.9 billion annually.
In the afternoon we attended a Roundtable with the International Trade Consortium (ITC) and Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners at ITC’s offices.
Late afternoon we attended the Why Florida Session with the European American Chamber of Commerce at Greenberg Traurig. The EACC is a transatlantic network of local chapters with a combined membership of over 750 companies in Europe and the United States and a reach of approximately 10,000 high-level executives on both sides of the Atlantic. The session included a seminar around what business leaders need to know when establishing operations in the US, followed by a networking reception which rounded off a fantastic day! Thank you to Christina Sleszynska for organising.
Our trip concluded on the Friday with a PortMiami tour. PortMiami plays a critical role in the current and future economic development of Miami-Dade County and the state of Florida. Supporting more than 334,000 jobs and contributing $42 billion annually. It is also the second largest economic engine in Miami-Dade County. Our group walked through the Port’s expansion plans and identified opportunities for collaboration. The tour and briefing were very informative.
Above Photo Credit: Gaby Bonetti (UK Trade Director for Florida)
It has been incredible to introduce invisu to the American market, meet new businesses and build relationships in the tech sector. We are looking forward to working with companies in the USA soon to help drive the future of logistics.
We would like to thank everyone involved for welcoming us, providing support and making the trade mission so successful and enjoyable.