As interactions grew increasingly digital amid the spread of COVID-19 in 2020, Franz Kolb, director of international trade, diplomacy and protocol for the State of Utah’s Governor’s Office of Economic Development, launched the monthly Kainach International Forum to continue to secure and strengthen long-held connections across the globe.  

Named after the Austrian village his father was born in, Kolb describes Kainach as a valley that connected local and international tradespeople, craftsmen, and farmers who traveled across European trade routes.  

“The Kainach International Forum provides a global platform where international thought leaders are able to discuss current trends, challenges and opportunities on the economy, culture, politics and education,” said Kolb.  “Global relationships remain the foundation of success, and it is important to continue to facilitate strategic connections to bring the world closer together during this time.”

On Jan. 18, Kolb kicked off the new year with a discussion on the potential effects Brexit will have on small businesses in Europe and worldwide. The panel of experts included: 

• Will Powles, first secretary of trade policy, Her Majesty’s Consulate General in Los Angeles 
• James Cummings, vice president of business development, London & Partners (Los Angeles)
• Barbara Bagnasacco, attorney, Parsons Behle and Latimer (Salt Lake City)
• Ian Houston, ambassador for the Scottish Business Network, Washington, D.C. 
• Andrew Lewis, MBE of Investcloud, Los Angeles

First secretary, Will Powles, set the stage by explaining how Brexit brought decision-making closer to the people who were affected by those decisions - no longer will the United Kingdom be bound by the laws and regulations of the European Union.  “It’s all about Britain embracing its new role as an outward facing nation,” he said.   

James Cummings punctuated the point by saying, “We want London to continue to be open to international investors, to tourists, to immigrants, to the whole world because London is a global city.” 

Yet, as opportunities emerge, so do challenges. “With the UK leaving the European Union, the free movement of people will no longer be in place,” said Barbara Bagnasacco. “A new visa system will be put into place for Euoropeans.”  

She went on to explain another potential setback: new customs regulations, making international business under Brexit more expensive, despite the free trade agreement reached between the European Union and the United Kingdom.

 “A lot of commentators are pointing to the red tape as one of the major challenges for small businesses … because this will increase (the) cost of selling goods to the UK and vice versa,” she said.  

New customs regulations are particularly affecting fisherman in Scotland according to Ian Houston with many unable to sell their fish to the European Union.  “It’s really important for people to understand the cultural impact of communities and how the fishing sectors within Scotland are so deeply entrenched into Scotland as an identity...so when it comes to these questions...there is real frustration,” he said. 

In 2016, 62 percent of Scots voted to remain in the European Union and, according to Houston, have been nervously and grudgingly digesting the decision to leave ever since.  Despite the bright outlook in London, details of Brexit still remain foggy for some small businesses throughout the region.  Only time will reveal the full outcomes and implications of the peoples’ decision.

The next Kainach International Forum, “The New United States of America,” will occur on Feb. 15 at 10:30 a.m. MT, and will explore the international perspectives on the anticipated changes from the incoming Biden administration.

The Kainach International Forum is grateful to the World Trade Association of Utah and the World Trade Association of Greece for promoting these free events.