A WAVE of defiance is sweeping across the US as industry leaders make it ''business as usual'' in the wake of the terror attacks which have left the New York stock markets closed for a third day.

Speaking from Pittsburgh where he is forging trade links, Neil Fountain, chief executive of Manchester inward investment service MIDAS, said the mood in the US business community was similar to the determination shown in Manchester at the time of the IRA bomb.

''If you look back, this is a parallel, in a sense, to the IRA bomb in Manchester, although that obviously wasn't as bad as this. That did not stop business activity. That was a one-off attack by terrorists and I think this will be perceived in the same way here.''

Neil was in the Pennsylvanian city at the time of the plane hijackings and was caught up in the drama as it unfolded.

He was among those evacuated from the 25th floor of a high-rise building in Pittsburgh as reports broke of a hijacked passenger plane crashing just 80 miles to the south east as the World Trade Centre in New York was devastated by two other planes.

Along with Manchester Incubation Partnership colleague Zoe Talks and two lawyers from Davies Wallis Foyster, he is in the region to help set up a tailored match-making service for expanding businesses seeking partners. The delegation is continuing with the interrupted schedule of business meetings.

The delegation forms part of the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance which is setting up a special forum to identify up to 30 companies wanting to build US links through alliances, offices or franchises.

It is due to return to Manchester tomorrow, but may be among those delayed by America's self-imposed international no-fly zone.

However, subject to air travel other trips are planned for later this month and October.

In an interview with the MEN, Neil said: ''People here are shocked. Clearly, it's a devastating experience for those who have been involved, particularly, those with families and friends in New York or Washington. The general feeling emerging is one of disbelief and a determination to deal with the perpertrators.

''As far as businesses is concerned, I don't think it will affect the British-American activity.

''George Bush said on TV that if this kind of thing impacts on economic life in America, then, that's meeting the objectives of the terrorists.

''So, the determination of the government is that it will not undermine the politcal or economic structures of the country.''

Asked whether he felt British business people would now be more cautious about transAtlantic travelling to set up new links, he said: ''There may be short-term caution.

''It is a question of balancing the odds. International business depends on air travel at the end of the day.''

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