Obama secures landslide as North West businesses vote in The Heath’s mock presidential election

President elect Barack Obama received a ringing endorsement from North West businessmen and women who mirrored US voters in their own ‘fun’ mock election held at a “Profit in America” Convention at The Heath Business and Technical Park in Runcorn.

Organised by Halton Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise on presidential polling day, the convention attracted more than 150 companies which are hoping to expand their business across the Atlantic.

And as all eyes were focused on America on election day, delegates were given their own chance to choose the next US president in a secret ballot during the event. The result of the mock election saw Democrat Barack Obama secure a landslide victory over Republican rival John McCain.

The vote, giving 87.6% support to Obama and just 12.4% to McCain, was announced at the start of a live video link-up with the Greater Richmond Partnership in Virginia – creating an electric atmosphere for an international exchange of opinions and questions.

Eric Hudson, Halton Chamber’s Executive Vice Chair, who organised the event, was delighted with the way Britain and the United States had joined together to create real, tangible business opportunities on such a momentous day. Several of the Greater Richmond Partnership business experts had travelled over to Runcorn especially to lead workshops and discuss commercial openings and dozens of firms had taken away positive leads.

Mr Hudson said: “It has been a fantastic event. All the delegates entered into the spirit of the mock election and it brought an extra touch of excitement to the day. It really helped to concentrate our minds on the future direction of the USA. I am delighted that so many companies took advantage of the event to explore links with the Greater Richmond Partnership. Firms on the Eastern Seaboard of America are very keen to trade with us here in the UK.

“Today was not just about talking. It was about making connections which could lead to thousands of pounds worth of trade between Halton and North West England and Richmond, Virginia. I believe in the coming months we will start to see the results of today bear fruit with new orders and contracts.”

The event was formally launched by Greater Richmond Partnership President and CEO Greg Wingfield in a keynote speech in the morning and then delegates were able to attend presentations, an exhibition, business leaders’ lunch and five workshops showcasing science, technology and communications opportunities, advanced manufacturing opportunities, creative media opportunities, the legal implications of doing business in the USA and financing your growth in the US.

Mr Wingfield added: “It is very appropriate that the Greater Richmond delegation is at the convention at The Heath today, particularly during one of the most historic days in America. As we embrace the new change of leadership, we know the United States will continue to be a great place to do business.”

Dr Peter Cook, Managing Director of SOG Ltd, which owns and manages The Heath, said the event had been a huge success. “Promoting business opportunities and encouraging innovation is exactly what The Heath is all about. We are delighted to have provided a platform for this commercial gathering of British and American business entrepreneurs and we look forward to seeing a significant growth in trade between our two nations.”