Mayor Brandon Johnson announces British tech startup expanding operations to Chicago during his trip to London ahead of Bears game [Video]

CHICAGO (WLS) — A British tech startup is expanding its operations to Chicago. Mayor Brandon Johnson made the announcement Friday as part of his business development mission to London.

The announcement comes as questions continue to swirl around the timing of the mayor’s trip.

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At the Quad Communities Development Corporation, Executive Director Rhonda McFarland and her colleagues were cheering the news about London-based Pirkx coming to Chicago.

“We know that acquiring benefits that are valuable to your employees are quite costly and challenging,” McFarland said.

Pirkx provides wellness services to small businesses, acting similar to a co-op to keep prices affordable.

During a live stream from London and Chicago, Mayor Johnson praised the company’s decision. World Business Chicago, which is paying for the mayor’s trip, actually began recruiting Pirkx in …