United States United Kingdom

"The relationship between Britain and the United States is not just a precious friendship; it is a way of life."

Mark J Finlay is a proud British and American citizen - and for 58 years has been actively traversing the Atlantic, as a child from London to Seattle, Washington State, and in business predominantly from Washington, D.C. and New York City to London.

Nobody can offer the unique blend of knowledge and relationships in commerce and government than Mark has been blessed to develop.

His team, offers actionable insights to leaders in business and government, and assists corporations to establish a firm footing, and to build a strong presence.

Prime Minister Winston Churchill famously said, "The British and Americans are two peoples separated by a common language," and whilst Mark has oft echoed that remark, and helped leaders on both sides of the Atlantic to 'translate' and to better understand and appreciate one another, he jokingly says,

"I 'resemble' the Rt. Hon. Sir Tony Blair's remark,

"The relationship between Britain and the United States is not just a precious friendship; it is a way of life.""

Secure geopolitical support - London and Washington, D.C.

The Mother of Parliaments, Westminster

Mark J. Finlay enjoys deep relationships with leaders in all parties representing the people of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in the United Kingdom's parliament - and indeed in the regional assemblies and parliaments in Belfast, Cardiff, and Edinburgh.

The Palace of Westminster is referred to as the "mother of parliaments,"

given its historical, cultural, and political significance and the foundational role it played in the evolution of parliamentary governance worldwide.

The United Kingdom is a Constitutional Monarchy: The UK has a constitutional monarchy where the monarch (currently King Charles III) who serves as the head of state, while the Prime Minister serves as the head of government. While the monarch's powers are largely ceremonial and symbolic, 'the Crown' is a cornerstone of British identity.

Parliamentary Sovereignty: The UK Parliament is the supreme legal authority, capable of creating or ending any law. The Place of Westminster is home to two houses: the House of Commons (elected members) and the House of Lords (appointed and hereditary members).

Prime Minister: The Prime Minister is the majority party leader in the House of Commons, responsible for running the government, making policy decisions, and representing the UK domestically and internationally.

Cabinet: The Prime Minister's executive team, composed of senior government ministers - most being heads of various departments.

Judicial Independence: The judiciary is separate from the legislature and the executive, ensuring that laws are interpreted without political bias.

The United States Congress, Capitol Hill

Mark has similarly developed close friendships with members of congress in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, representing each of the fifty states, in all their beauty and diversity.

The United States' form of government borrows several key principles and structures from Westminster, the Mother of Parliaments, not least its Bicameral Legislature. The U.S. Congress - Senate and the House of Representatives; and the UK Parliament - House of Commons and House of Lords - bicameral structure ensure checks and balances within the legislative process.

Common Law System: The U.S. legal system is based on English common law, which relies on precedents and judicial decisions, making it a fundamental part of the American legal framework.

The Rule of Law: The principle that law applies equally to all individuals and that government actions must adhere to established laws.

Representation: The concept of elected representatives serving the people is central to both systems.

Judicial Review: The practice of courts interpreting laws and ensuring they comply with the constitution has roots in English legal traditions, although it was formalized in the U.S. with the Constitution and later cases.

Constitutionality of Laws: While the British system does not have a single written constitution, but the idea of a constitutionally governed state influenced the framing of the U.S. Constitution and The Bill of Rights.

An Enduring Relationship

The relationship between our nations, our leaders, and our peoples has survived the test of time, enduring through centuries and seasons.

Mark he believes the phases in this historical partnership can be characterized as follows:

Establish: the formation of the historical connections and ties between the two nations.
Evolve: the gradual adaptation to changing circumstances.
Conflict: the growing independence and confidence of the 'Colony' sparking the War of Independence.
Resolve: the reconciliation of differences after conflict and determination to establish a true friendship.
Alliances: the formal partnerships that emerged during World War I and World War II.
Collaborate: the cooperative efforts in military, political, and cultural arenas.
Trade: the growing economic activity and partnerships.
Strengthen: the reinforcement of the ties through refreshed treaties, agreements, and shared values.

A 5 ½ Point Plan for Business Development - in the USA and UK

Protocol, ethics, values and responsibility

Whether we chose to depict the stunning ceiling of the Palace of Westminster's Central Lobby, or Constantino Brumidi's 'Apotheosis of Washington'' that towers above the rotunda under Capitol Hill's iconic dome, our intention is to illustrate that we feel blessed to have access to the leaders of our nations.

Access is a privilege, not a right, and ought to be exercised carefully and reverently, with utmost respect for protocol, for ethics, and responsibility.

Our aim, at all times, is to uphold the highest traditions and values that are central to each society and to the bonds that exist between them.

Our mission is your mission

We believe our mission is to further the delivery of your mission goals, and to open up a world of opportunities for you to engage with super-connected, trusted, pre-validated relationships.

Nobody can field a team with greater multi-sectoral, multi-jurisdictional capabilities than ours - and certainly not one that is equally familiar with municipal, regional, state, and national governments in the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

Our professional team is ready to deploy in markets around the world.

Helping you, "understand the times and know what to do"

We encourage you, subscribe to diplomatique ™ dispatches to gain monthly actionable insights into latest developments - threats and opportunities - in key markets, not only in the United Kingdom and the United States, but also in Europe, the Baltic-Nordic countries, the Balkans, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Sub-continent, SE Asia, Oceania, China and Russia.

diplomatique™ dispatches will bring you real-time intel and analysis from statesmen - men and women who have served our nation as diplomats and warriors; from current and former world-leaders; from experienced business people, who continue to deliver projects and positive impact in diverse markets.

Our team of wise counsellors bring understanding, observations, reflections, indeed revelations to enhance your awareness and assist you in decision making and developing cogent responses to the increasingly challenging questions being asked of you by colleagues, customers, investors, regulators, regulators, and, of course the media whose demands for transparency that verge on intrusion and encroach upon personal boundaries.

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Allies - together AUKUS, NATO

The US and UK have developed unique Interoperability Capabilities. This term refers to the ability of military forces from both countries to operate together effectively. The UK and US have made significant investments in ensuring that their armed forces can seamlessly integrate during joint operations.

Mark J. Finlay was privileged to come aboard the Royal Navy's flagship HMS Queen Elizabeth, off Annapolis, MD - when she paid an operational and courtesy visit to Washington, D.C. - and learned about the U.S. Marine Corps that deploy from @HMSQNLZ. Amongst others, the U.S. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211 (VMFA-211) — known as the Wake Island Avengers — completed a six-month deployment on board as a unit of the U.K. Carrier Strike Group. Indeed, up to 250 U.S. Marines and U.S Navy Sailors have sailed aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth and similarly aboard her sister ship, HMS Prince of Wales.

While this military cooperation is unprecedented, the level of Defense Cooperation, industrial partnership, and Intelligence Sharing are of even greater significance. This arena will increasingly present more and more commercial opportunity.

As with other 'industrial sectors' Mark and his team can assist companies seeking to understand UK and US defense procurement opportunities.

From Rosyth, Scotland to safe harbors

For almost a decade, @MarkJFinlay was responsible for the redevelopment and regeneration of HMS Rosyth, Scotland - the UK's former nuclear submarine base on the Firth of Forth - remediating and transforming it into a modern business environment, a working commercial port - now with Free Port status - and, home to the UK's Carrier Fleet.

The picture above shows HMS Queen Elizabeth leaving her home port, slipping under the iconic Forth Bridges, and sailing into deployment at the head of the U.K. Carrier Strike Group.

On her last tour she reportedly Travelled nearly sailed 13,000 nautical miles, generated enough power to supply the UK for 45mins, served 84,500 meals, achieved 944 deck landings, and entertained 1000 guests.

People might not realise the role the military plays as ambassadors of our nation's engineering and logistics capabilities, providing graphic demonstration of our ingenuity, sustainability, and creativity.

We hope and pray for the safety of all the men and women of our military services and for peace in our times, and we welcome opportunities to assist partners to play their parts and demonstrate their capabilities in the USA, the UK, and beyond.

Historically the world epicenter of real estate, stock & capital London

Mark J. Finlay has spent considerable time in London, where he has developed buildings, managed investment portfolios and tapped into the abundant resources of its vibrant financial services sector - known for its cluster of institutional and private equity investment and its innovation in insurance and risk management related to real estate and construction.

Mark comments that London occupies a strategic position in both time and space, serving as a bridge between the time zones of Southeast Asia and the Americas, point out that this unique placement supports a sunrise-to-sunset trading infrastructure and is renowned for its dynamic and diverse financial services and insurance industries.

Of course Finlay pays tribute to London's rich history, strong regulatory framework, and its unmatched network of talent and expertise. The roots of London's financial prowess date back to the 17th century when it emerged as a center for international trade. The establishment of the London Stock Exchange in 1801, along with various capital and commodity exchange markets and Lloyd’s of London—the world’s leading insurance market—solidified its position.

Finlay believes regulatory bodies such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Bank of England, and the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) enrich this landscape, providing a strong framework that fosters transparency and stability, thereby instilling confidence among investors and institutions. While Lloyd's began operations in 1689, it was the Lloyd’s Act of 1871 that propelled its evolution into the preeminent hub of the global insurance industry, known for its unique syndicate system and innovative solutions for complex risks that span various industries and geographies.

However, Finlay believes London must not rely solely on its historical standing and reputation and it must continual to innovate and to assess whether it is prepared to meet the evolving needs of society. For instance, as an authority in Latent Defect Insurance (LDI) within global insurance and reinsurance markets, he has raised concerns regarding the insufficient underwriting capacity necessary to support the UK Government's housing targets. Finlay says, "any deficiency stifles competition and inflates rates, ultimately harming homeowners and disadvantaging small building contracting firms—often family-owned businesses—that are vital to the new homes market."

In recognition of his extensive expertise, Mark J. Finlay is considering an invitation by industry leaders to lead a comprehensive review of the Provision of Latent Defect Insurance (LDI) and Structural Warranties for New Homes in the United Kingdom. Finlay is considering the scope of The Finlay Review that he believes would be required to provide a report and recommendations - examining any barriers to market entry by new insurers, and identifying any necessary procedural improvements that will focus on the interests of UK homeowners.

The Finlay Review: of the Provision of Latent Defect Insurance (LDI) and Structural Warranties for New Homes in the United Kingdom