PM Showcases Trade Deals and Economic Plan to Deliver Growth for Working People.

London:

The Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted a major reception at Downing Street on Monday, bringing together employers, workers, apprentices, and business leaders to highlight how the government’s economic strategy and international trade agreements are creating jobs, boosting wages, and opening new opportunities for working people across the United Kingdom.

The event at 10 Downing Street showcased British businesses benefiting from stronger international partnerships and government-backed export support, while reinforcing the government’s broader message of long-term economic security and resilience amid global uncertainty.

The Prime Minister emphasized that expanding Britain’s global trade relationships is central to strengthening the domestic economy and ensuring prosperity reaches communities across the country.

Businesses Highlight Export Success

Several business leaders attending the reception shared how government support and international trade opportunities have helped their companies expand globally.

Founder of allergy-friendly food company Creative Nature, Julianne Ponan MBE, said the support provided by the Department for Business and Trade had enabled the business to grow from a small startup into an international exporter operating in 18 countries.

She stated: “It is a real honour to be at 10 Downing Street showcasing Creative Nature products alongside so many inspiring British businesses. The support from the Department for Business and Trade through trade missions, the Export Academy and Free Trade Agreements has helped us grow from a kitchen table startup into exporting to 18 countries, proving that UK SMEs can thrive internationally when given the right opportunities and support.”

Similarly, Charlie Knockton, founder of Happy Inside Drinks, praised government-backed trade missions and international business support programs for helping the company expand into overseas markets including China, the UAE, and soon Mexico.

He said: “It is an immense honour to be at 10 Downing Street showcasing Happy Inside drinks alongside so many fantastic British businesses. The support from the Department for Business and Trade through Trade Missions, Meet the Buyer events and our International Trade Advisor has been invaluable — allowing us to scale production, become more competitive in the UK market, and expand into exciting markets including China, the UAE and soon Mexico.”

Industry representatives also highlighted the importance of strengthening domestic business confidence to support export-led sectors such as Scotch whisky and their supply chains.

Government Pursuing Major International Agreements

The reception comes as the government continues efforts to deepen economic ties with international partners and secure new trade agreements aimed at driving long-term growth.

Among the major developments highlighted:

• Commitments made during the first UK-EU summit are estimated to deliver economic benefits worth up to £9 billion by 2040.
• The proposed European Partnership Bill is expected to strengthen trade and investment ties with the European Union, Britain’s largest trading partner.
• The Prime Minister’s recent trade mission to China secured approximately £2.2 billion in export deals, supporting jobs across sectors including energy and manufacturing.
• Membership in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is projected to add around £1 billion annually to real household wages compared with 2021 levels.
• Ongoing negotiations for a trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) could potentially increase UK GDP by around £1.6 billion annually in the long term.

Government officials said these international partnerships are already delivering benefits in local communities by supporting employment, increasing investment, and helping businesses expand into new markets.

Economic Stability Amid Global Uncertainty

The Prime Minister also addressed growing global instability, citing ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine as significant threats to international economic stability and living standards.

Despite these challenges, the government argued that its economic policies have placed the UK in a stronger position to withstand global shocks.

According to government statements, the UK economy had shown “clear signs of strength” before tensions involving Iran escalated further, with indicators including economic growth, rising living standards, and falling unemployment.

The government says upcoming measures in the King’s Speech will continue efforts to rebuild the economy through:

• Greater protections for small businesses,
• Regulatory reforms aimed at boosting innovation,
• Policies designed to encourage business investment and long-term growth.

Focus on Long-Term Growth

The Downing Street event forms part of the government’s broader effort to demonstrate that international engagement and trade expansion can directly benefit working people at home.

By pursuing new global partnerships while strengthening domestic economic resilience, the government says it is laying the foundation for sustainable growth, higher wages, and greater economic security for the future.