Twin city partnership opens doors for local businesses to connect, collaborate, and grow internationally
Interested in learning more or getting involved?
Complete our quick Expression of Interest form by May 30
— no commitment, just curiosity encouraged.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 2, 2025
[Barrie, ON] The Barrie Chamber of Commerce is proud to officially launch the Barrie–Harrogate Twin City Exchange, an international business initiative connecting Barrie, Ontario with its twin city of Harrogate, England.
As global dynamics continue to shift and tariff concerns rise, Canadian businesses are encouraged to explore new international markets. At the Barrie Chamber of Commerce, we believe that meaningful action begins with meaningful relationships — and this initiative is built on exactly that.
Barrie shares a formal twin city relationship with Harrogate, United Kingdom — a thriving business community with many shared values and complementary strengths. Two years ago, we had the privilege of hosting a trade mission from the Harrogate Business Improvement District (BID), which sparked authentic dialogue and laid the groundwork for future partnerships.
"The twin city relationship between Barrie, Ontario, Canada, and Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England, was formalized on June 7, 2013. The signing ceremony took place at Ripley Castle in Harrogate, with Barrie's Mayor Jeff Lehman and Harrogate's Mayor Michael Newby officiating. This date was chosen to commemorate the 172nd anniversary of the death of Sir Robert Barrie, after whom the city of Barrie is named. Sir Robert Barrie had significant ties to Harrogate, having married Lady Julia Wharton-Ingilby of Ripley in 1816, and both are interred in All Saints Chapel near Ripley Castle."
We’re excited to take the next step forward — now in partnership with Harrogate BID, the Harrogate Chamber of Commerce, and the Downtown Barrie BIA — bringing together business leaders from both sides of the Atlantic to foster lasting relationships and real opportunities.
Whether you're a small business, manufacturer, service provider, or entrepreneur, this initiative is your chance to:
- Explore new markets in the UK
- Form import/export partnerships
- Share knowledge and business practices
- Or simply connect with peers abroad
This is about more than trade — it’s about building a bridge between communities and encouraging each other’s success through shared values and vision.
As the closest European nation to Eastern Canada after the U.S., the UK is a natural and strategic choice for Canadian business growth. Together, our partners are here to help make introductions, open doors, and support your next steps — whatever they may be.
Let’s grow global, together — one connection at a time.
Warm Regards,
Paul Markle, ACE
Chief Executive Officer
121 Commerce Park Drive, Unit A
Barrie, Ontario , L4N 8X1
(O) 705 - 721 - 5000 ext. 5
(C) 249-288-3540
Interested in learning more or getting involved?
Complete our quick Expression of Interest form by May 30
— no commitment, just curiosity encouraged.
About the Barrie Chamber of Commerce
The Barrie Chamber of Commerce is a dynamic organization dedicated to fostering a vibrant, thriving business community in Barrie and the surrounding areas. As a voice for local businesses, we advocate on behalf of our members at all levels of government, championing policies that drive economic growth and contribute to our region's overall prosperity. Through meaningful events, networking opportunities, educational resources, and support for business development, we empower our members to succeed and grow. With a proud history of serving the community, the Barrie Chamber of Commerce remains committed to making Barrie a great place to live, work, and do business.