International travel will never be fully replaced by Zoom meetings for business

This is especially true for an open economy like the UK’s which, renowned as it is as an international business hub, is trying to navigate a place in the world as a newly independent trading nation.

As the worst of the Omicron wave subsides, travel is starting up once more, with countries dropping many of the most strongest restrictions. Many of us associate this with holidays and family reuniones, but it is also an important vector for business.

This is especially true for an open economy like the UK’s which, renowned as it is as an international business hub, is trying to navigate a place in the world as a newly independent trading nation. Building and reinforcing international relationships in trade and business is vital for our recovery and future prosperity. In most cases this is far more effective in person than over Teams, Zoom or other virtual platforms.

For me, that means restarting international business trips to the US and Mexico.

The US is our largest trading partner and a natural ally when it comes to fintech and innovation. The UK and US are both home to world leading fintech hubs. London is at the forefront of open banking expertise, while Silicon Valley is the US capital of innovation and home to the world’s most powerful and successful technology companies.