US trade beckons for Cambridge-North Carolina delegation

Companies are invited to onboard a visit to First Flight Venture Center (FFVC) in Research Triangle Park (RTP), North Carolina, from November 19-21.

The delegation marks the start of a new global engagement strategy designed to help Cambridge-based innovators to expand into international markets, build transatlantic networks and unlock access to investment and customers.

The delegation, sponsored by transatlantic tax specialist Frazier & Deeter and international law firm Mishcon de Reya, will provide attendees with a bespoke programme of support as they begin their expansion into the US.

Participants will benefit from the network and expertise of First Flight Venture Center (FFVC), one of the most respected incubators in the United States, ensuring that each company’s specific goals are addressed.

Through curated introductions, delegates will have the chance to meet potential investors and strategic partners, opening doors to new commercial relationships. The programme will also offer expert guidance on the legal, tax and operational considerations essential for a successful US launch, helping companies to navigate the complexities of international expansion with confidence.

Beyond the formal sessions, the visit will help foster meaningful transatlantic connections creating a foundation for long-term collaboration. Designed to be both focused and flexible, the itinerary allows delegates to arrange additional meetings in other US cities, maximising the value of their time abroad.

This trip is ideal for companies considering a US market launch, whether in the early planning stages or ready to scale. While the programme is sector agnostic, it will be especially beneficial for businesses operating in biotechnology, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, AgriTech, environmental sciences, advanced manufacturing, and AI and data science - sectors in which RTP has global expertise.

North Carolina has emerged as a desirable destination for UK businesses expanding into the US thanks to its convenient location and business friendly environment. Its central East Coast location places half the American population within a day’s drive and daily direct flights from the UK and 5-hour time reduce the complexity of working in the US.

The State’s business-friendly environment includes one of the lowest corporate tax rates in the US at just 2.5 per cent, streamlined permitting and state-level trade agreements with the UK that reduce administrative barriers. The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina actively supports international companies with customised incentive packages and a predictable regulatory framework.

The programme has been carefully designed to deliver tangible value for participating companies. Over the course of three days, participants will engage in masterclasses covering essential topics such as market entry strategies, tax considerations and legal frameworks, with experts from FFVC, Frazier and Deeter and Mishcon de Reya, all tailored to the needs of the delegation. These sessions will be complemented by bespoke investor and partner meetings, arranged by FFVC to align with each delegate’s specific business goals.

In the evenings, delegates will join dinners hosted by US market experts Frazier & Deeter and Mishcon de Reya, offering further opportunities to gain insight and build valuable connections. The visit will conclude with attendance at the FFVC High Flyer Awards Luncheon, RTP’s flagship awards event that brings together the innovation community to build networks and celebrate successes. SJIC CEO Barnaby Perks will accompany the delegation, ensuring participants gain maximum value and visibility throughout the trip.

The visit is scheduled for 19–21 November 2025, with a participation cost of £1,500, which includes the full programme, investor meetings, networking dinners, and the awards luncheon. Interested companies must register with Florence Milner at fmilner@stjohns.co.uk by 30 September 2025 to secure their place.

This visit is the first in a series of global engagements by SJIC. In May 2026, a delegation from FFVC will visit Cambridge to participate in Cambridge Wide Open Week, continuing the momentum and deepening international collaboration.

“This visit marks a pivotal step in our mission to connect Cambridge’s most promising innovators with global opportunities, and we’d like to thank our sponsors Frazier and Deeter and Mishcon de Reya for their support with this exciting initiative,” said Perks.

“By partnering with First Flight Venture Center in North Carolina, we’re creating a powerful launchpad for companies ready to scale into the US market. The bespoke support, strategic introductions, and deep ecosystem insight offered through this delegation will help our entrepreneurs navigate international expansion with confidence and clarity.”