A new “special relationship” is being formed between Britain and America as the two nations’ manufacturing industries partner up to boost transatlantic trade.

Britain’s EEF, which represents 20,000 manufacturing and engineering businesses, and its US counterpart the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), have agreed a deal aimed at promoting and raising awareness of trade opportunities in companies in their sectors.

The partnership is seen as especially important as the UK seeks new trade deals in the wake of the Brexit vote and battles to be “at the front of the queue” with the US.