Representatives from a Cumbrian firm mounted a mission to the USA to reassure clients and partners after months of uncertainty over tariffs.
Burlington Stone, the county’s largest natural stone construction materials specialist, decided to send a delegation to the Coverings Expo in Orlando.
It is the biggest international stone and tile exhibition in North America.
There, they engaged directly with longstanding US partners and industry stakeholders, delivering a clear message of reassurance, stability, and continued investment in the American market — despite ongoing uncertainty caused by the newly imposed 10% US tariff on UK construction material imports.
The Honourable Lucy Cavendish, who led the visit, said: “Our objective in Orlando was to demonstrate leadership in the face of uncertainty.
“As custodians of a globally respected British industry, we have a responsibility to represent not just our company, but the wider UK construction materials sector.
“We believe in the value of our product, the strength of our relationships, and the enduring demand for British quality.
“Our visit reaffirmed those beliefs and reassured our partners that Burlington Stone — and Cumbria — remains open for business.”
Allen Gibb, Burlington’s chief executive, said: “Our decision to travel to the US was driven by a need to provide clarity and certainty in a complex trade environment.
We met face-to-face with our key partners and communicated three simple messages: we’re here for the long term, we’re absorbing the tariff costs ourselves, and Cumbrian slate continues to set the global benchmark for quality and aesthetics.”
The company’s proactive approach was met with resoundingly positive feedback, it said.
US business manager Phil Harding added: “We’ve been exporting Cumbrian slate to the US for over half a century. It’s a product beloved by American architects and designers for its durability, timeless beauty, and rich heritage.
“This visit was about reinforcing our commitment to our clients and cutting through the noise of speculation.
“The response from our US partners was unanimous — they value our transparency and look forward to strengthening our relationship.”
The UK’s natural stone export sector has faced a shifting landscape in recent years, with tariff fluctuations and economic volatility prompting concern across the construction and architectural supply chain, the firm said.
