Mayor Brandon Johnson recently led a business and tourism mission to London, aiming to strengthen Chicago's global partnerships. The trip focused on attracting international investment and fostering collaborations in areas such as food innovation, clean energy, and quantum computing.
"Chicago is to quantum what Silicon Valley was to tech," said a UK partner during discussions about the city's leadership in this emerging technology. Mayor Johnson held a Business Climate Roundtable with 20 climate and clean tech companies interested in expanding to Chicago. Deputy Mayor Merritt engaged with a leading quantum company considering expansion into the city.
London is Chicago’s fourth-largest foreign direct investment partner, hosting numerous UK-based companies that employ over 90,000 Illinoisans. During the visit, Pirkx, a wellbeing startup from London, announced plans to establish its U.S. headquarters in Chicago.
“Our trip to London exceeded my expectations,” stated Mayor Brandon Johnson. He expressed gratitude towards London officials for their collaboration and emphasized new opportunities for growth and innovation between the two cities.
Key outcomes of the mission included Lagfin & Campari's commitment of over $200 million by 2025 for projects in Chicago. Pirkx also announced its U.S. headquarters launch set for early 2025 with an expected workforce of up to 50 people.
The delegation discussed developing a large-scale food hub on Chicago’s South Side and increasing international sporting events in the city. They met with representatives from the English Premier League following successful attendance at a recent event in Chicago.
Phil Clement, President & CEO of World Business Chicago remarked on the productivity of meetings held during the mission: “Our meetings in London were incredibly productive... The announcement by Pirkx opening its U.S. headquarters in Chicago was particularly rewarding."
The team returned optimistic about future opportunities stemming from this mission and anticipates welcoming a delegation from London in early 2025.