Business leaders call for 'period of stability' as Trump closes in on victory

Business leaders in Greater Birmingham today called for a period of calm and stability as Donald Trump closed in on victory in the US election.

Trump is on course for a return to the White House, with the former president projected to have won key swing states Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia.

He declared victory in front of his supporters in Florida, although votes in key states are still being counted.

The implications of the result were discussed this morning at a US election briefing hosted by Greater Birmingham Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce, held at the Chamber's 54 Hagley Road headquarters.

Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, of which the Transatlantic Chamber is part, said: “Business has the ability to transcend politics. However, it is vitally important that firms involved in transatlantic trade are able to operate in an environment of stability and certainty.

“The US remains the UK’s largest trading partner and a crucial ally in times of geopolitical uncertainty.

“Through the Greater Birmingham Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce, we remain committed to expanding transatlantic trade by strengthening ties and identifying new opportunities for local firms.

“We will be working hard to understand the implications of the eventual election result for our members who trade with the US.”