Rob Tinline, the UK’s High Commissioner to Canada, embarked on an impactful visit to the West of England on Friday, July 11, as part of an ambitious diplomatic roadshow aimed at deepening ties between UK regions and key global markets. This initiative, spearheaded by Foreign Secretary David Lammy, forms a crucial part of the government’s Plan for Change—a strategic effort to place regional economic growth at the heart of UK foreign policy.
Tinline’s visit focused on the West Country’s burgeoning sectors, including aerospace, sustainable technology, and artificial intelligence, highlighting the region’s immense potential in international trade and collaboration. During his day-long tour, he explored cutting-edge innovation hubs such as the GKN Aerospace Global Technology Centre, a leader in sustainable aviation advancements, and the University of Bath’s Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems, known for engineering breakthroughs.
Further underscoring UK-Canada collaboration, the High Commissioner visited the National Composites Centre to discuss space technology partnerships and toured the University of Bristol’s Isambard AI Supercomputer facility, emphasizing the region’s role in pioneering AI research. The visit culminated in a meeting with Helen Godwin, mayor of the West of England, reaffirming the region’s commitment to expanding economic links with Canada.
READ MORE: Bath and Cambridge Advocate for Tourist Tax Powers to Manage Visitor Impact
READ MORE: Golden Retriever Experience Owner Found Neglecting Dogs in ‘Woefully Inadequate’ Conditions
David Lammy emphasized the importance of this regional engagement: “The West Country has a strong connection to Canada but there’s much more potential to unlock. By sending our High Commissioner to work directly with local businesses, we are ensuring that their expertise is championed on the international stage.”
Tinline expressed enthusiasm about the roadshow: “This first-of-its-kind tour allows us to connect directly with UK communities, just as I do across Canada. It’s about leaving no stone unturned to drive trade growth and investment that benefits every part of the UK.”
The initiative builds on the Foreign Secretary’s vision shared earlier this year with the British Chambers of Commerce to leverage the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s global footprint to advocate for British businesses.
UK-Canada trade currently stands at £27.6 billion, with the South West of England contributing £697 million. This vibrant trade relationship is supported by numerous regional partnerships, such as Bristol-based Rolls-Royce’s involvement in the Royal Canadian Navy’s River-class destroyers through collaboration with Irving Shipbuilding Inc., and healthcare consultancy Archus’s expansion into Canada, now managing 15 active projects.
The West of England is also home to the global headquarters of the Fully Charged Show—an influential home energy and electric vehicle exhibition—which now operates in Vancouver under a service agreement established in 2023. Additionally, local food and beverage brands such as Beyond the Bean, Pukka, Caleno, and Tracklements have made significant inroads into Canadian markets.
Helen Godwin highlighted the strategic importance of the visit: “This roadshow gives the West of England a platform to showcase our world-leading aerospace industry, sustainable aviation efforts, innovative engineering, and AI capabilities. We are open for business and positioned as a prime destination for investment, with a clear focus on future growth.”
The visit underscores the UK government’s commitment to integrating regional strengths into its broader diplomatic and economic strategy, promising exciting opportunities for businesses in the West of England and beyond.