A last-minute invitation came in casually. A UK government summit in LA, a US delegate seat, three days. I said yes. I had no idea what I was walking into.
#GreaterTogetherLA, convened by the UK government and held May 19-21 in Los Angeles, brought together 500 of the UK and US’s most prominent business leaders, diplomats, founders, creatives, athletes, and investors around a straightforward idea: the next chapter of UK/US growth belongs to people who can turn imagination into action. The theme was “Unexpected Connections.” By the end of three days, that framing had earned itself several times over.
The Guest List
The program was led by Lisa Nandy (UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport) and Blair McDougall (Minister for Small Business and Economic Transformation), and co-hosted by Sir Lucian Grainge (Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Group) and Sir Jony Ive (LoveFrom). The combination of government and creative minds set the tone for everything that followed.
Sir Christian Turner (British Ambassador to the United States), and Minister Blair McDougall (Minister for Small Business and Economic Transformation) set the tone early with remarks on the commercial ties between the UK and the US, and how much of that opportunity runs through small and medium-sized businesses. That framing resonated with me because it’s the market DreamHost has been building for nearly 30 years.
There were conversations with Sir Lucian Grainge (Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Group), Simon Cowell (television producer and talent executive), Sir Paul Smith (fashion designer), Leona Lewis (singer and recording artist), and Dame Donna Langley (Chairman, Universal Filmed Entertainment Group) about media, entertainment, and what gets built when creative instinct meets discipline. Osi Umenyiora (former NFL player and broadcaster) talked about resilience and what it takes to push through the hard stretches, both professionally and personally. Real talk that stays with you.
Founders building life-changing tech. Companies shaping major architecture. The people behind some of the world’s largest data centers. Organizations helping young people enter the workplace with skills, and maybe more importantly, a clearer sense of what they’re capable of.
Oh, and yes, there was a digital greeting from His Majesty the King, speaking directly to the US and UK delegates about two of the most influential nations in the world. Not something you typically expect on a Wednesday morning.
Where We Fit In
The UK is one of our key markets where we already have a strong customer base, and we’ve been building relationships with groups like West London Business and Manchester Digital. McDougall’s remarks landed close to home. A lot of what he described, SMBs trying to get online, grow, and compete across borders, is exactly the problem DreamHost was built to solve, and has been solving for nearly 30 years. Those conversations with UK government and business leaders are ongoing, and weeks like this one have a way of lighting a fire under ideas that have been sitting in the back of your mind for months, sometimes years.
Fifteen-Year Customers in a Diplomat’s Room
I met more DreamHost customers than I expected. People who’ve been with us for 10, 15+ years, across completely different industries, are still rooting for the company.
“You’re DreamHost? No way! I use you!”
Hearing that more than once, in a room full of diplomats and industry leaders, was honestly emotional. It was a reminder that people respond to passion and consistency, and that a company with a humble, almost 30-year origin story can still earn that kind of loyalty.
The cherry on top: comparing buffet favorites with Sir Gareth Southgate OBE (former England manager). Bacon dates versus mini beef wellingtons. A very serious diplomatic exchange.
DreamHost’s Next Few Chapters
The UK government’s stated goal was to celebrate what UK/US partnerships have already achieved and shape what comes next. If this week was any indication, we’re well-positioned to be part of that.
We’ve known for a while that the UK is a key market for DreamHost. This week was a good reminder of why we’ve been investing here, and what we’re building toward.