West London Chambers Strengthens Trade Links in Atlanta
Local small and medium sized businesses attend global conference
The West London delegation in Atlanta
October 26, 2026
A group of local businesses have returned from a major trade mission to the United States, where West London Chambers of Commerce led the only European delegation attending the 2026 Go Global Conference in Atlanta. The visit offered small and medium-sized enterprises the chance to meet potential buyers, partners and investors, and explore opportunities for entering the American market.
Held from 30 September to 3 October, the Go Global Conference focuses on international trade and practical business matchmaking. Delegates take part in pre-arranged meetings with suppliers, buyers and investors, giving companies direct access to organisations interested in international partnerships.
For West London Chambers, the mission formed part of a growing relationship between West London and Atlanta. The two business communities have been developing closer ties since the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between West London Chambers of Commerce and Atlanta Black Chambers in 2024, establishing a commitment to strengthen collaboration and trade links.
The delegation’s visit was supported by the British Consulate, with BIST hosting a reception at the residence of the British Consul General. The event brought together West London delegates with senior business leaders and partners from across Atlanta.
Alan Rides, CEO of West London Chambers of Commerce, said the mission aimed to make the US market more accessible for smaller businesses. He noted that both regions are shaped by major international airports — Heathrow in West London and Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta — creating natural gateways for trade. “By going as a delegation, opening doors and putting businesses directly in front of the right people, we can make that opportunity much more accessible,” he said.
Several West London businesses used the mission to test their products and services in the US. Sustainable fashion brand AMARI AMARI, founded by Linda Mngwali, showcased its luxury socks made from natural fibres such as Himalayan cashmere and Egyptian cotton. Linda said the trip provided valuable insight into how a British fashion brand might fit within the US retail landscape and generated interest from potential partners.
SkinRi, represented by founder Lettica Phillips, used the mission to strengthen its connection with US customers and explore new partnerships. Lettica highlighted the importance of meeting representatives from JAMPRO, Jamaica’s national trade and investment agency, noting the relevance of the link to the brand’s Caribbean roots.
SkinRi founder Lettica Phillips
For Avalon Insights, co-founded by Thomas Akintan, the mission offered an opportunity to introduce its human-centred AI training and governance services to US organisations. Thomas said the company was encouraged by Atlanta’s openness to international collaboration and the potential for UK businesses to contribute to the city’s growing technology ecosystem.
Businesses taking part in the mission noted Atlanta’s welcoming approach to international companies and its interest in developing new commercial relationships. The structure of Go Global, centred on curated business-to-business matchmaking rather than traditional conference networking, helped facilitate direct conversations with prospective partners.
The relationship between the two regions will continue next year, with an Atlanta delegation due to visit London for the West London Festival of Business in Brentford in March 2027. The visit will allow Atlanta businesses to meet West London companies on their home ground and build on connections formed during the US mission.
West London Chambers aims to develop a long-term trade corridor between the two business communities. Alan Rides said continuity is essential: “Trade is built on relationships and trust, and our role as a Chamber is to create those relationships and then help our businesses turn them into real commercial opportunities.”
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