The Value of British Brands: Growth and Global Opportunity | IPT
Chair: Rt Hon the Lord Young of Old Windsor GCB GCVO, Member, Lords Finance Select Committee
Speaker: Helen Brocklebank, CEO, Walpole
Speaker: Viktoria Williams, Head of Global Marketing Strategy and Capability, British Airways
Dinner Discussion

Date:

Tuesday 27 January 2026

Venue:

Westminster Hall

Start Time:

19:00

End Time:

21:15

The British brand identity remains a valuable contributor to the UK economy and its ability to remain internationally competitive. Over half of UK exporters say that the British brand helps international sales, according to the British Chambers of Commerce. According to research from Walpole, the UK luxury sector alone contributes £81bn to the economy and supports over 454,000 jobs. The British brand identity is essential in maintaining the UK’s global profile, expanding trade with countries outside the EU and sustaining economic growth.  VisitBritain estimates that the tourism industry in the UK will grow by £4.4 billion each year by 2030, and the British brand remains vital in attracting these tourists in an extremely competitive industry. How can the ‘British brand’ identity be used effectively for both business growth and wider economic benefits?

This event will:

  • Discuss how to best utilise Britain’s cultural identity to attract tourism and promote UK growth.
  • Explore the role of British business in promoting UK brands to drive growth, create more jobs and attract investment into domestic businesses.
  • Consider how to address skill shortages and what opportunities can be created to create pathways into employment.