Bridging Communities: An Interview with Kassim Ramji– HM Consul General Milan & Director of Department for Business and Trade, Italy

It’s not every day you meet a diplomat who lights up when talking about football clubs, learning Italian, or discovering his new favorite trattoria. But that’s exactly what makes Kassim Ramji—HM Consul General in Milan and Director of the Department for Business and Trade in Italy—such a compelling and approachable figure.

Having arrived just last September, Ramji’s first days on the job were anything but ordinary. “The Prime Minister landed almost the same day I did,” he recalls with a laugh. “We kicked things off with a business breakfast at the ambassador’s residence, and then we had the King and Queen here on a state visit. It’s been an amazing—if intense—start.”

We sat down and had tea with the Consul General to discuss life in Milan, his priorities for UK-Italy relations, and how British nationals can make the most of their time in Italy—especially in this post-Brexit era.

Before starting my post in Milan, I spent the month of August in Siena—and what an unforgettable experience that was. Through a unique opportunity, I was welcomed into one of the contrade—the tight-knit, neighborhood-based communities that are the heart and soul of Siena’s famous Palio horse race. I was assigned to the Contrada della Torre, and they truly took me under their wing. From the shared meals to the spirited traditions, it gave me a deep appreciation of Italian community life and its incredible warmth.

That experience set the tone for my move to Milan. While Tuscany and Lombardy are very different, the hospitality and sense of community continue here in its own distinct way. Milan has a vibrant energy, and I’ve found it to be a city full of openness and opportunity. The transition felt very natural—it immediately felt like home. There’s something wonderfully dynamic about Milan’s pace, its style, and the way people engage with the world. I’ve been incredibly lucky to start my time in Italy this way.

What’s surprised you most about Italian culture or day-to-day life?

Honestly? How stylish everyone is. I knew Milan was a fashion capital, but I’m still amazed by how people take such pride in their appearance. It reflects a deeper pride in how they live their lives here—everything is done with care and intention.

On a more personal note, I’m passionate about food and drink, so discovering local spots has been a joy. There’s a fantastic restaurant near my home, run by a gentleman named Daniele—he’s become a friend. It’s those local interactions that make Milan feel like home.

What advice would you give to British nationals trying to build a life here?

I’d say: get involved. For me, it’s always been through sport. When I lived in Belgium and Spain, joining a local football club was how I integrated. Here in Milan, I haven’t found my club yet—but it’s on the list!

It doesn’t have to be sport. Whether it’s language exchanges, professional networks, or local organizations, being part of the community makes all the difference. It transforms your experience from living abroad to actually living.

And how is your Italian coming along?

It’s a work in progress, but I absolutely love languages—and Italian is such a beautiful one. I studied Spanish at university, which gave me a good foundation, and thankfully, the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) provides excellent preparation before overseas postings. I had the chance to take Italian classes before arriving, which helped a lot in getting up to speed.

That said, there’s always that leap between being conversational and truly fluent, and I’m still working on that. I continue taking lessons here and make a real effort to use Italian every day. My local café owner has been incredibly patient with my efforts—it’s those small daily interactions that really build confidence. I’m hopeful that by the end of my posting, I’ll be speaking comfortably and naturally. It’s one of my personal goals for my time here.

The recent Royal Visit to Rome made headlines—what did it mean for UK-Italy relations?

It was a truly historic moment. What stood out to me was the genuine warmth Italians showed toward the King and Queen—but also the reciprocal affection. I hadn’t quite grasped just how fascinated Italians are by the British Royal Family.

One personal highlight was in Piazza del Popolo in Ravenna, where the King and Queen attended a regional food and culture festival. We organized UK-Italy pairings—like Parmesan with Scotch whisky—which were surprisingly well received! The Royals were so engaged, greeting everyone and enjoying the moment. It was one of those once-in-a-career experiences for me.

With £52.8 billion in UK-Italy trade, what are your key focus sectors for collaboration?

The UK-Italy trade relationship is strong and getting stronger. Italy is our ninth largest trading partner, and we’re eager to build on that. We’re focusing on sectors identified in the UK’s forthcoming industrial strategy—areas like offshore wind, carbon capture and storage, and artificial intelligence.

One great example is Eni, the Italian energy giant, which recently made a major commitment to a UK carbon capture project in Liverpool Bay in the North-West of England. That’s the kind of collaboration we’re fostering—high impact, high innovation.

Any upcoming trade missions or delegations readers should know about?

Absolutely. My team is constantly working to support UK businesses, including through trade missions and events. This June, we’re heading to Pitti in Florence with a delegation of more than 40 British companies—many in the fashion and heritage craft sectors. Later in the year, we’ll have our flagship UK-Italy business conference, the Pontignano Conference, which brings together leaders from government, academia, and business.

Since Brexit, many UK nationals face uncertainty with residency, visas, or pensions. What support can the Consulate offer?

The best way to get support is to look online – our Living in Guide holds a wealth of information for British nationals living in or wanting to move to Italy – from residency processes to working in Italy to driving in Italy: Living in Italy – GOV.UK.   It also outlines the different ways to contact the Consulate should you need to.

The recent UK-EU Summit has drawn attention across Europe. From your perspective, what were the key outcomes, and how might they impact UK citizens living in the EU, particularly here in Italy?

The Summit in London on 19 May was a really important step in resetting our relations with European partners and working together to deliver safety, security and prosperity. The Security and Defence Partnership is a key outcome at the geopolitical level. The Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement is also important for the UK-EU trading relationship in the agri-food sector.

But there are a host of other aspects of the deal that will positively affect UK citizens living in Italy – from expanding access to e-gates for UK passport holders to pursuing the mutual recognition of professional qualifications.

What does a typical day look like for you?

It would be difficult to define a typical day, as no two are ever quite the same. In my dual role as Consul General and Director of the Department for Business and Trade, I engage with a wide range of responsibilities that span diplomacy, commercial strategy, and community engagement.

One day might involve meetings with Italian investors in CityLife, while the next could see me supporting British athletes preparing for the Winter Olympics. My remit covers all of Northern Italy, allowing me to travel frequently to cities like Genoa and Bologna—each offering unique opportunities to deepen UK-Italy collaboration.

The variety is truly one of the most rewarding aspects of the role. It’s a privilege to serve in a position where the work is both impactful and constantly evolving.

What are your personal and professional goals during your time here?

Professionally, I want to see the UK-Italy relationship continue to thrive—especially in terms of trade and investment. The recent state visit helped elevate that, and we want to keep the momentum going.

Personally, I’d love to become fluent in Italian and score a goal or two with a local football team. But more than anything, I want to be part of the community. Milan already feels like home, and I’m excited to keep building on that.

Looking Ahead

As we wrapped up our chat, Kassim mentioned his excitement for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, a milestone that will bring together athletes, visitors, and cultural exchange on a global scale. It’s clear that both his heart and mission are firmly rooted in fostering connections—between people, between countries, and across every sector.

Whether it’s Scotch with Parmesan or diplomacy with a human touch, Kassim Ramji brings a sense of warmth and authenticity to the role—qualities that Easy Milano readers will surely appreciate.

For updates on British Consular services, upcoming trade events, and post-Brexit guidance, visit GOV.UK or follow the British Consulate Milan @UKinItaly and @tradegovukITA

Interview by Amie Louie for Easy Milano. Photos taken at the British Consulate General in Milan, Italy