City of Virginia Beach Signs Memorandum of Understanding with U.K. Counties to Boost Transatlantic Trade and Cooperation

November 18, 2024

The City of Virginia Beach formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Norfolk County Council, Suffolk County Council and Essex County Council in the United Kingdom to foster economic collaboration and mutual growth in key sectors, including clean energy, digital technology and engineering.

The signing of the MOU took place prior to a Single Location Promotion (SLP) event held at the U.S. Embassy in London in partnership with the U.S. Commercial Service’s SelectUSA program. The SLP event brought together more than 70 representatives from a diverse range of U.K.-based companies interested in expanding in the United States and Virginia Beach.

The Virginia Beach Economic Development team regularly engages with U.K. companies that span multiple industries, including clean energy, defense, information and communication technology, maritime and life sciences.

The MOU builds upon a relationship established in 2021 between the City of Virginia Beach and the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership and reinforces both parties' commitment to sustainable economic development between the regions.

Deputy City Manager Amanda Jarratt led the Virginia Beach delegation to the U.K.

"This partnership represents a milestone in strengthening our international collaborations," Jarratt said. "There is a huge amount of common ground between the counties and Virginia Beach. Our city is one of the main hubs for the U.S. offshore wind industry, as well as technology sectors like software and cybersecurity. By working closely with our U.K. counterparts, we are building a bridge for innovation, workforce development and investment that will benefit both Virginia Beach and the East of England."

The MOU highlights a commitment to share knowledge and resources in high-impact areas:

Offshore wind development: The partnership will facilitate mutual learning in offshore wind energy, with a focus on deploying offshore wind resources and exchanging expertise as both regions seek to lead in clean energy.
Skills development and education: Through collaborations with technical colleges, universities and workforce programs, the MOU aims to build a skilled local workforce prepared for high-value, sustainable careers.
Investment and trade: By connecting Virginia Beach with Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex counties, the MOU will promote trade visits, business networking events and support for companies seeking new market opportunities in each region.

The MOU further emphasizes the importance of collaboration in business support programs such as SelectUSA and sector-based initiatives that enhance economic development initiatives.