His Excellency Dr Salih Husain Ali Al‑Tamimi, Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the United Kingdom, visited the Lord Mayor’s Parlour for a high‑level meeting with Professor Paul Cadman, Group CEO of the One Thousand Trades Group, to explore opportunities for collaboration across life sciences, defence, manufacturing, AI and biotechnology.
The meeting highlights Birmingham’s growing international profile and the region’s increasing role in global innovation, research and industrial strategy.
His Excellency, accompanied by several members of the Iraqi Embassy team, received a detailed presentation outlining the One Thousand Trades Group’s capabilities across public affairs, digital marketing, strategic communications, West Midlands News, UK News Group, and its wider ecosystem supporting advanced industry sectors.
Discussions focused on two major programmes:
- Life Sciences Week, taking place 21–25 September this year, hosted across Birmingham’s leading institutions.
- The Defence Procurement Conference, scheduled for 2027, bringing together international partners, defence suppliers, government stakeholders and industry leaders.
The delegation explored opportunities for deeper cooperation between the UK and Iraq, including:
- Defence alignment and procurement pathwaysLife sciences and biotechnology innovation.
- Advanced manufacturing and industrial capability.
- AI development and digital transformation.
- Cross‑border investment and trade.
- Support for Iraqi professionals and students in the UK.
- Engagement with five major universities across the West Midlands.
The importance of Birmingham and the wider region was emphasised throughout the meeting, highlighting its role as a centre for research excellence, industrial innovation and international partnership. Both parties agreed to align future communications and continue dialogue on shared priorities.
During the meeting, His Excellency was formally invited to attend the Gala Dinner on 21 September at the University of Birmingham, marking the opening of Life Sciences Week. The invitation reflects the growing diplomatic and economic ties between the UK and Iraq and the significance of the Ambassador’s engagement with regional leadership.
Professor Paul Cadman, Group CEO of the One Thousand Trades Group, expressed his appreciation: “We were honoured to welcome His Excellency Dr Al‑Tamimi and members of the Embassy team. Birmingham is increasingly recognised as a global centre for innovation, and the discussion highlighted the strong alignment between the UK and Iraq across science, defence, industry and education.”
Cadman also thanked colleagues Richard Fallon, Amy Deakin and Tilton Storer for their support in preparing and delivering the engagement.
The One Thousand Trades Group will continue to work with international partners, regional institutions and government stakeholders to strengthen Birmingham’s position as a leader in life sciences, defence innovation and cross‑border collaboration.
