Business leaders from across Greater Essex will gather at London Stansted Airport later this month for a major international event designed to strengthen trade and investment links between the UK and Nigeria.
Following the Nigerian President’s state visit with King Charles, Beyond London will take place on Wednesday 25 March 2026 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, London Stansted Airport, bringing together senior business leaders, policymakers and investors from both countries to explore opportunities for partnership and international market expansion.
The event will connect around 40 UK businesses with key Nigerian diplomats and investors, alongside trade advisers, public sector representatives and international market experts, creating a platform for dialogue, collaboration and growth.
Delivered by Enterprise Trade and Knowledge (ETK Group) and the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce, with support from the Greater Essex Business Board, Essex Chambers of Commerce’s Inward Investment Team and Freeport East, the event helps to position Greater Essex as a strategic hub for international trade and an alternative choice to London.
Through B2B matchmaking and discussions focused on international market entry and cross-border collaboration, the forum will specifically help sector leaders across priority industries including advanced manufacturing, green energy, life sciences, digital technology, logistics, construction and education.
Nigeria is one of Africa’s largest economies and a key growth market for international trade. By bringing together businesses and decision-makers from both countries, the event aims to strengthen commercial relationships while highlighting the role regional UK economies can play in building global partnerships.
Bolaji Sofoluwe MBE, Managing Director of ETK Group, said: “The Beyond London event reflects the growing importance of regional UK economies in building international trade relationships. Essex has a dynamic and diverse business community, and events like this help create the connections that allow businesses to explore new markets and partnerships.”
She added: “Nigeria is one of Africa’s largest and most dynamic economies, and there are significant opportunities for collaboration across sectors including agriculture, technology, manufacturing, and services. Our goal is to create a practical platform where businesses can meet, exchange ideas, and begin building the relationships that lead to long term commercial partnerships.”
Mike Hardaker, Chief Airport Asset & Development Officer at London Stansted Airport, said: “London Stansted Airport is proud to sit at the heart of a thriving regional economy, and we are committed to supporting the businesses and communities that make Essex such a dynamic place to live and work.
“As a key international gateway for the East of England, we are passionate about helping businesses across the region reach new markets and build international relationships, and we are delighted to support initiatives that strengthen Greater Essex’s role in global trade.”
