International Trade Group First Wednesday
The evening will focus on the recently concluded UK–Switzerland Enhanced Free Trade Agreement and what it could mean for UK businesses.
The agreement represents a significant development in the trading relationship between two of Europe’s leading services economies. It includes ambitious provisions covering services, digital trade, investment and business mobility, with potential opportunities for businesses in financial and professional services, life sciences, technology and the creative industries.
Alderman Alastair King will draw on his experience representing the City of London and the UK’s financial and professional services sector internationally to consider the practical significance of the agreement and the wider prospects for trade and investment between the UK and Switzerland.
The discussion will be followed by the International Trade Group’s regular networking session, providing an opportunity to meet fellow directors, exporters, advisers and business leaders with an interest in international markets.
This event will be of particular interest to:
-
Directors and business leaders trading with, or considering entering, the Swiss market
-
Financial and professional services firms
-
Technology, life sciences and digital businesses
-
Exporters, investors and international trade advisers
-
Anyone seeking to understand the commercial opportunities arising from the enhanced agreement
Key discussion points:
-
The importance of Switzerland as a UK trade and investment partner
-
What the enhanced Free Trade Agreement contains
-
Opportunities for UK services businesses
-
Digital trade and cross-border data flows
-
Business mobility and access to the Swiss market
-
The role of the City of London in strengthening UK–Swiss commercial relationships
-
What businesses should consider as the agreement moves towards ratification and implementation
Speakers
Alderman Alastair King DL
Alderman Alastair King DL served as the 696th Lord Mayor of the City of London in 2024–25, representing the UK’s financial and professional services sector internationally.
He has more than 25 years of civic service in the City of London, having first been elected as a Common Councillor for the Ward of Queenhithe in 1999. He served as Sheriff of the City of London in 2022–23 and is a Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London.
Alastair has pursued an entrepreneurial career in financial services, including venture capital, corporate finance and asset management. He founded an asset management firm specialising in global fixed income and has served on the boards of several City-based financial services businesses.
He studied law at the University of Kent and holds a Master’s degree in Finance from London Business School.
Join us
Connect with other directors, develop yourself and influence the people that matter.
Free registration with IoD
Stay up-to-date on issues that affect directors and get access to free resources.