The British Security Industry Association and its American equivalent, the Security Industry Association (SIA), have jointly signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish the foundations of a long-term working relationship in anticipation of closer trade links between the two countries following Brexit and the election of President Trump.

Signed by the Chief Executives of both Associations at London?s historic Benjamin Franklin House as part of the SIA?s visit to London last month, the MOU formalizes both parties? agreement to ?work collaboratively in the interests of the UK security industry and the US security industry, where to do so would have a measurable beneficial effect on both nations? security industries?.

The MOU signing was part of a week-long visit by the SIA?s Chief Executive, Don Erickson, and its Director of Government Relations, Jake Parker, which saw them also attend the BSIA?s Annual Luncheon to forge connections with key UK security providers, addressing them on the new opportunities brought about by recent political changes in both countries, particularly the beginning of Brexit negotiations in the UK and the election of President Trump.

Felix Parker-Smith, the BSIA?s Public Affairs Executive, is heading up the Association?s preparations for Brexit and comments: ?Although Brexit will have created some uncertainty for some businesses in the UK, it has also opened the door to a multitude of potential new trade deals around the world. Partnerships such as this one between the BSIA and the SIA give confidence to exporters and governments in both nations of the strength of the UK and US markets. Great times lie ahead for both the BSIA and the SIA and I look forward to working with our American colleagues to embrace the opportunities ahead of us.?

In 2016, the US imported more than