Global Tampa Bay Concludes Successful Foreign Direct Investment Mission to the United Kingdom
Global Tampa Bay Concludes Successful Foreign Direct Investment Mission to the United Kingdom
20-member delegation strengthens commercial ties between Tampa Bay and UK business community
TAMPA, Fla. (June 2025) – Global Tampa Bay, a regional economic development alliance, recently led a high-impact foreign direct investment (FDI) mission to London, United Kingdom to build stronger ties with UK-based companies and business leaders. The mission brought together a 20-member delegation of elected officials, business executives, and regional stakeholders, reinforcing Tampa Bay’s position as a premier destination for international investment.
Global Tampa Bay is a collaborative initiative among the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, Pinellas County Economic Development, and the Pasco Economic Development Council.
“The recent Global Tampa Bay foreign direct investment mission to London was remarkably productive, marking a significant stride in expanding our UK-US relations and engagement,” said Dr. Cynthia Johnson, Director, Pinellas County Economic Development. “We engaged in direct and promising discussions with a diverse range of international companies, strategically presenting the Tampa Bay Region as an ideal destination for future investment and solidifying the area’s role as a primary gateway for transatlantic growth. We are confident that we have planted the seeds with these cultivated relationships, which will undoubtedly grow into new foreign direct investment and the creation of high-value jobs for our communities.”
The delegation launched the mission by meeting with 15 members of the British American Business (BAB), the foremost transatlantic business association incorporating the British-American Chamber of Commerce in the US and the American Chamber of Commerce in the UK. Additional engagements included the UK Department for Business and Trade, which provided valuable insights into the country’s Early Biotech and Life Sciences Corridor. The group also held meetings with international firms Gensler and Frazier & Deeter—both with a presence in Tampa Bay—on opportunities for continued collaboration.
In support of regional tourism, the delegation participated in a luncheon hosted by Rooster, the UK-based agency representing Visit St. Pete/Clearwater and Visit Florida. Rooster shared emerging tourism trends and opportunities for enhanced destination marketing.
The mission concluded with a reception at the U.S. Embassy in London, where delegates networked with over 70 UK business leaders interested in expanding to the Tampa Bay region. Christine Kelley, U.S. Commercial Attaché, welcomed the group and emphasized the strategic importance of continued U.S.-UK business partnerships.
“Our team traveled to London to deepen our understanding of international markets and gain fresh insight into future-ready economic strategies,” said Craig Richard, President and CEO of the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council. “From biotech to smart policy, we’re using lessons from this mission to strengthen Tampa Bay’s global competitiveness.”
During the mission, economic development leaders from Tampa Bay also met with 17 London-based companies and trade organizations actively exploring U.S. expansion.
“We continue to see interest in the Tampa Bay region from UK companies seeking to expand into the US Market, so much interest that we were excited to return to London again this year with our local leaders” said Bill Cronin, Pasco EDC President/ CEO. “With two direct routes to London at our doorstep, it is crucial to continue developing our international business connections that will benefit our communities.”
Foreign direct investment in Tampa Bay remains on the rise, particularly among UK-based firms in the Financial & Professional Services and Information Technology sectors. Recent newcomers include Clarify (sales and marketing), Strive Sales (software talent recruitment), and Fusion5 (technology), which launched a manufacturing operation in Pasco County in April 2025. This builds on growing momentum in the region, including Tampa’s recent ranking as the #1 U.S. city for foreign multinationals to do business (Financial Times, June 2025).
About Global Tampa Bay
Global Tampa Bay is a regional collaboration of the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, Pinellas County Economic Development, and the Pasco Economic Development Council. Together, they work to expand international business opportunities, attract foreign investment, and market Tampa Bay globally as a premier business destination. Their efforts are supported by strategic partners including Tampa International Airport and Port Tampa Bay. Learn more at globaltampabay.com.