LONDON, 15 October 2026

As global economic competition intensifies, Britain and Germany are seeking deeper industrial cooperation, stronger investment partnerships and fewer trade barriers to reinforce their positions in an increasingly uncertain international marketplace.

These priorities shaped the German British Business Summit at London’s historic Mansion House, bringing together diplomats, government representatives and business leaders to examine opportunities beyond Brexit.

Opening the summit, Alex Altmann, Vice President of the British Chamber of Commerce in Germany, acknowledged the resilience of businesses navigating Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic and the energy crisis following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

He praised the determination of business communities to overcome these challenges and emerge stronger, setting the tone for discussions on renewed economic cooperation.

Germany’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Susanne Baumann, subsequently highlighted the strength of bilateral relations and the importance of implementing the Kensington Treaty.

She recalled previous government-business engagements in Berlin that identified opportunities across automotive manufacturing, semiconductors, energy and advanced industrial production.

Delivering the ministerial keynote, Lord Anas Sarwar, Britain’s Minister of State for Trade, addressed the importance of stronger economic relationships and industrial competitiveness amid changing global trading conditions.

His contribution came against growing debate over European responses to Chinese electric vehicle competition and Britain’s potential participation in the EU’s proposed Made in Europe industrial framework.

The summit subsequently examined practical investment opportunities through panel discussions on UK-German defence technology, investing in Germany and economic growth.

A Financial Times-linked investment update and the BCCG-KPMG Business Outlook also featured, with survey findings indicating that 71% of businesses wanted Britain to ease trade barriers, while 73% sought reduced German bureaucracy.

Africa also emerged in a separate conversation following the ministerial address.

In an exchange with BEN Television’s representative, Lord Sarwar welcomed input concerning Africa and indicated that the continent formed part of Britain’s thinking on future trade policies and programmes.

Although specific initiatives were not outlined, the discussion pointed to opportunities for African economies to engage with evolving British and European investment strategies.

The Mansion House gathering reinforced a central message: stronger international partnerships will increasingly depend on turning diplomatic commitments into practical investment, innovation and sustainable economic growth.

BEN Television | London

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