Clarke: Amid a backdrop of national uncertainty in the U.K. catalyzed by Brexit, London & Partners—London Mayor Sadiq Khan's official agency for both business and tourism—launched the City-to-City Business Welcome Program in March to build a global network of cities that are collaborating to help businesses transition and expand from one destination to another. L&P wanted to tell the world that London was “open for business,” so it created this program to formalize metro-to-metro relationships. The services between London and other cities in the program, including Amsterdam, Paris and Berlin, vary on a case- by-case basis.
The U.K. is one of San Diego's most important trading partners, with U.K.-owned companies responsible for employing more than 10,000 locally. At a time of national political uncertainty in the US, it is more important than ever for metros like San Diego to forge their own trade partnerships. That is why Congressman Scott Peters and World Trade Center San Diego led a delegation of more than 25 San Diego business and civic executives on a trade mission to the U.K. in mid-October. When we were developing our trade mission programming, our first call was to L&P. The program had just launched; we knew this was something of which World Trade Center San Diego wanted to be a part.

As part of the program, London-based companies looking to establish a presence in San Diego will have access to up three months of complimentary co-working space at WeWork San Diego's downtown office. Select companies will also have access to CONNECT's signature programming, including Springboard and Capital Match. World Trade Center San Diego will also continue to work directly with London-based companies to facilitate introductions to our network and ensure companies are aware of other programming—this is something we offer to any company looking to establish or expand a presence in the region.

As an added perk, San Diego Tourism Authority has also offered complimentary tickets to select San Diego attractions for companies in the program. And, San Diego-based startups looking to expand into London will have access to a suite of services offered by L&P and its partners, including temporary office space and other services.

GlobeSt.com: What implications does this program have for the real estate industry here?

Clarke: In today's competitive market, companies are globalizing faster and doing business with international counterparts more frequently. We wanted to make it easier for London-based companies to set up in San Diego by eliminating barriers to entry. One of the largest barriers to entry is the committing to a lease for an extended period of time. The three months of complimentary flexible space at WeWork San Diego offers London-based companies the ability to test the market, before they fully commit.

While every company is different, we think in due time that most London companies in the program will continue to expand in San Diego. They will eventually need space to grow and will branch off into additional buildings and developments. Given the anticipated tech-focus of many of these companies, some of these transactions will happen Downtown, but based on each company's needs and customers, we also see this expanding farther out in the county. London-based companies that tap into the Mexican market might look at locations in Chula Vista, and companies that serve the life-sciences ecosystem may look more toward Torrey Pines.

GlobeSt.com: How do other countries view San Diego's business climate?

Clarke: San Diego was officially the first West Coast city to enter the program—a sign that the region is viewed favorable by its international counterparts. However, we still have a long way to go when it comes to cementing our global identity. We announced the program at WeWork Waterhouse Square to a packed crowd of entrepreneurs and investors interested in the San Diego market. They knew that San Diego was a place with a strong biotech sector and emerging tech scene, and wanted to learn more. They also knew that San Diego is a place where we are creating life-saving and life-changing technologies and wanted to be a part of leading a mission-driven career. In September, San Diego Regional EDC—World Trade Center San Diego's parent organization—launched San Diego: Life. Changing., a campaign to attract talent and communicate our value proposition. San Diego companies have rallied behind this initiative to tell our story and help attract entrepreneurs from global cities such as London.

GlobeSt.com: What else should our readers know about this program?

Clarke: The program works both ways. Via World Trade Center San Diego's agreement with London & Partners, San Diego-based companies looking to tap into the U.K. market will also have access to a suite of services in London, including complimentary office space and legal assistance. Those who are interested in learning more about the program should click here. Additionally, although this program focuses on London-based companies, World Trade Center San Diego offers complimentary services to companies looking to establish a presence in San Diego or San Diego-based companies looking to tap into international markets. Click here to learn more.

SAN DIEGO—The first West Coast city to enter London's City-to-City Business Welcome Program, San Diego still has a long way to go when it comes to cementing its global identity, Nikia Clarke, Ph.D, World Trade Center San Diego's executive director and VP, economic development for San Diego Regional EDC, tells GlobeSt.com.

San Diego officially joined the program during a recent trade mission to the U.K., organized by World Trade Center San Diego and led by Congressman Scott Peters. The announcement was made during an event at WeWork Waterhouse Square and featured a panel with San Diego tech leaders.

We spoke with Clarke about the program, how it impacts real estate here and how San Diego's real estate market is viewed globally.