BABC-Georgia News

Data Privacy, Data Security, and Cyber Crime event.

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 14:34:55 GMT

This week BABC-GA hosted a panel discussion on Data Privacy, Data Security, and Cyber Crime. We put together a strong panel of industry and government leaders to discuss a topic that should be at the top of minds for all executives. Thank you to our wonderful panelists, Chris Moore (DIT UK), Jay Indrakumar (CTO WellStreet), Chris Holcombe (Director Cyber Security at WellStreet), Allen Look (Look IT Consulting), and Barry Hensley (VP Cyber Threat Prevention at SecureWorks).

Our conversation focused mainly on how to defend against cyber crime and bad actors as Mr. Hensley rightly pointed out that you “cannot build a perfectly secure network but you can certainly defend against threat”. In addition, the panel and attendees learned about how to navigate around the lack of unified global regulatory policy in this space and how it is vital for organizations to develop their own standards to ensure protection of their systems.

Thank you to our sponsors for bringing these informative and valuable events to life, Centelli, Vertical Capital Advisors LLC and Arnal Golden Gregory for the great venue.

Christmas Jingle & Mingle

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 03:40:42 GMT

We had so much fun celebrating the end of an impactful and successful year at the BABC of GA, with all our members and friends and of course our wonderful host, Her Majesty's Consul General, Rachel Galloway.

Here are just a few of the good times that were captured by our BABC photographer Jawaniecika Bryant of Inspire to Elevate Media. To view more images please reach out to Jawaniecika directly.

A huge thanks goes to Kim Gunbie for organizing the event to make it a success. Equal gratitude and thanks goes to our wonderful sponsors and friends at Delta and Virgin Atlantic for giving us the prizes of the night (airline tickets of course!) and thanks to everyone who came and enjoyed the evening.

We want to wish all our friends a Happy Holiday season and we look forward to ringing in the new year with more events to meet at.

Business Breakfast with UK Consul General Rachel Galloway

Sat, 29 Oct 2022 17:15:07 GMT

On Thursday, Oct 27, UK Consul General, Rachel Galloway and BABC hosted an amazing breakfast conversation discussing the current global economic environment, US/UK continued trade talks, and fossil fuel energy shifts in policies specifically within the UK.

Many thanks to Consul for sharing her global experience and answering questions from the many industry leaders in attendance. The event was attended by over 30 BABC members and non-members representing a diverse list of businesses based in Georgia and/or the UK.

Thanks to SOHO Media Group and Centelli for sponsoring this fantastic event.

Head to our events page to register for the next BABC event.

BABC Of Georgia Member Deb Hunter; Trending at #1 on Spotify

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 19:07:17 GMT

Spending most of her life in Tennessee and Georgia, Deb is an avid traveler with a keen sense of adventure visiting more than eighty countries. Deb’s fascination with the history of Tudor England began at an early age going back to her university years when she graduated with a B.A. in History. She has bad a very successful business career and is only now able to return to her passion for the past due to a stage 4 cancer diagnosis in 2018.

Her All Things Tudor podcast blows the dust off the history books and brings the world of the Tudors back to life. Deb Hunter is a Pulitzer nominated, USA Today bestselling author, historian, and podcaster. She was elected an Associate Fellow of the U.K.’s Royal Historical Society in 2022. She actively promotes the craft of historical writing through affiliations with many professional groups including the American Historical Association, the Organization of American Historians, the Dangerous Women Project for the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, and Royal Oak Foundation, the US affiliate of the UK’s National Trust.

Most recently, the All Things Tudor podcast hosted several historians behind the PBS series The Boleyn’s: A Scandalous Family. Recently the podcast is trending at #1 on Spotify in the Tudor History category, and has been downloaded in 70+ countries since its launch in January 2022. Her Facebook group of the same name is the largest Tudor history site on the platform with 36,000+ members.

In addition, Deb is currently partnering with The Met, to serve as a media partner for their exhibition, The Tudors: Art and Majesty in Renaissance England which launched in October 2022. As much as her disability allows, she has upcoming virtual projects scheduled with History Hit, Chalke Valley History Festival-the U.K.’s largest history event, and she will be working with the Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville on their upcoming production of Six, a British musical comedy that is a modern retelling of the lives of the six wives of Henry VIII presented as a pop concert and BABC Atlanta.

To subscribe to the All Things Tudor podcast and to stay updated on Deb, visit the links below:

Website: www.AllThingsTudor.com

Podcast: https://podfollow.com/all-things-tudor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theDebATL

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theDebATL

Twitter: https://twitter.com/theDebATL

Welcoming Our 2022-23 Board of Directors

Executive Director — Tue, 26 Apr 2022 12:37:53 GMT

At our Annual General Meeting on April 19, the following people were elected to the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee. Please help us welcome these incredible volunteers!

BABN News & Events 4/24 - 4/30

Executive Director — Sun, 24 Apr 2022 12:44:16 GMT

RESOURCES AND NEWS

April 24, 2022: BritishAmerican Business Welcomes 2nd Round of UK/US Trade Dialogues on the Future of Atlantic Trade

Events 4/24 - 4/30:

WASHINGTON DC

Russia/Ukraine: A Strategic and Legal Assessment Featuring Former US Ambassador to Ukraine William B. Taylor NEW TO LIST

April 26, 2022

11:00 am CST

As the Ukraine crisis rages on, hope for a diplomatic resolution continues. In this truly special program, Ambassador William B. Taylor, former chargé d’affaires at the US embassy in Kyiv (2019–2020) and former US Ambassador to Ukraine (2006–2009), will join Arnold & Porter’s former US State Department officials to share insights on the diplomatic options, the repercussions on the global trade system and the potential for war crime retributions.

TEXAS

“The Purpose Driven Business - what does this really mean?”

April 25, 2022

11:00 am - 12:00 pm CST

We’re delighted to invite you to BABC Texas member, Q5's Conversation with Q5 Webinar. Chaired by Claire Hamlin, with expert speakers Kate Adams, Advisor on Organisation Purpose, Performance & People to Execs & Boards and NED at the British Paralympic Association, Mary Pizzey, Research & Programmes Director at ReGenerate and Marcus Southon, Senior Sustainability Manager at Cazoo.

PHILADELPHIA

Business Opportunities in the UK Music Industry
April 26, 2022
11:00 am – 12:00 pm ESTJoin us to learn about the UK music industry and what business opportunities U.S. companies and artists can find in this market. Webinar will cover an industry overview (popular genres, music trends), IP/copyrights/music licensing, and important festivals and music events. The targeted audience are A2IM members, U.S. music companies/organizations including record labels, musicians, artist managers, publishing companies, manufacturers of vinyl records and music instruments, etc.

TEXAS

Let's Talk...Intellectual Property with AA Thornton and Conley Rose

April 27, 2022

11:00 am - 12:00 pm CST

Join Marianne Privett from AA Thornton and Elexis Jones from Conley Rose for an informal conversation around intellectual property (IP) law. Marianne and Elexis have known each other and worked together since 2010. Marianne is based in the UK and Elexi is in Texas. They both work with clients in the UK and US and have found that it helps to have a local connection when working in each other’s jurisdictions.
This event is intended as a discussion so following a brief introduction to IP law, the team will take questions from attendees.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

32nd BABC Economic Forecast Luncheon

April 27, 2022

11:30 am - 2:00 pm PST

We will be live and back in person to bring you the latest updates on the global and local economies from our esteemed panel of economists and experts.
Moderated by Richard Waters, West Coast Editor for the Financial Times, our panelists will be delving into the global and local economies and sharing their expertise on the path forward for business as we emerge from the global pandemic.

WASHINGTON DC

The Queen and the USA: The Book, the Authors and the Platinum Jubilee

April 27, 2022

6:00 - 7:30 pm

Join us for a fascinating discussion with authors H. Edward Mann and Jaques J. Moore, Jr. moderated by BBC journalist Jane O'Brien.

BRITISH AMERICAN BUSINESS

Private Rooftop Networking Reception Welcoming CAF American Donor Fund

April 27, 2022

6:00 -7:30 pm EST

BritishAmerican Business is delighted to invite you to a private indoor/outdoor networking reception celebrating CAF American Donor Fund’s launch in New York City at the luxurious Elsie Rooftop.
Join us for a curated evening of cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while taking in the views on a wrap-around terrace overlooking Midtown Manhattan.
CAF American Donor Fund has facilitated $1bn in philanthropic donations since their launch 22 years ago in London, and will be opening their New York doors this April.

MIAMI

European Chambers Cocktail Networking Reception: Understanding Blockchain and Its Uses

April 27, 2022

6:00 - 9:00 pm EST

Explain most common uses of blockchain such as cryptocurrencies and the presence in Miami.

BRITISH AMERICAN BUSINESS

London Networking Reception

April 28, 2022
6:00 – 7:30 pm BST
We invite you to join us for informal drinks and networking at the brand new home of Office Freedom in their sleek and modern co-working office space run by HubHub, ideally situated in the City.

PHILADELPHIA

11th Annual New Jersey Networking Event & Dinner

April 28, 2022
6:00 – 8:00 pm EST
The British Chip Shop
Please join us for the 11th Annual British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia signature New Jersey networking event and dinner at The British Chip Shop in Haddonfield, New Jersey. The evening will offer traditional British pub food and specialty beer along with valuable networking opportunities and excellent giveaways.

TORONTO

BCBC Business Excellence Awards Gala

April 28, 2022

6:30 - 9:30 pm EST

The Awards Gala recognizes and honours businesses and business leaders that have made significant contributions to the economic health of the Belgian-Canadian business community. The Gala is more than a celebration, it is a chance for us to reconnect, to come together and to shine a light on those who have thrived and innovated over the course of the last 12 months.

OHIO

March Link Club - Robert Kennedy, Director of Airports for the Cleveland Airport Systems NEW TO LIST

April 29, 2022

11:30 am - 1:30 pm

The BACC’s Link Club Luncheon’s provide another great opportunity to connect with the international business community here in Ohio. Our events allow both our members and their guests to meet new friends and colleagues whilst sharing knowledge, perspectives, and opportunities both here and abroad. Robert will discuss airport operations, strategic planning for the future, and about upcoming direct routes to Europe.

The Royal Week: 16-22 April

Executive Director — Sat, 23 Apr 2022 00:47:27 GMT

Highlights of this week’s Royal activities, events and engagements.

Read all of the news HERE.

Royal Week 2-8 April 2022

Executive Director — Sat, 09 Apr 2022 09:28:26 GMT

Read more about the highlights of this week’s Royal activities, events and engagements.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

The Countess of Wessex announced as Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

Executive Director — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 09:30:39 GMT

The Countess of Wessex has become the new Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), a role previously held by The Duke of Edinburgh for over fifty years.

Click HERE for more.

Royal Week 19-25 March 2022

Executive Director — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 07:36:52 GMT

Read more about the highlights of this week’s Royal activities, events and engagements.

READ MORE HERE

Earl of Wessex becomes Patron of The Production Guild of Great Britain

Executive Director — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 16:30:00 GMT

The Earl of Wessex has become Royal Patron of The Production Guild of Great Britain (PGGB), the UK’s leading membership organisation for professionals working in film and television drama production.

To mark the new patronage, His Royal Highness today visited Twickenham Film Studios in West London, the UK’s oldest film studio. His Royal Highness met production crew at the studios to hear about their experiences of working in the industry, and the support provided by the PGGB, as he takes up his new role as Patron.

The Earl also joined Oscar winner Tim Cavagin, who won for sound editing Bohemian Rhapsody, at the studio’s mixing desk to learn more about the craft and importance of sound editing in film and TV production.

READ MORE HERE

Royal Week 12-18 March 2022

Executive Director — Fri, 18 Mar 2022 07:40:34 GMT

Read more about the highlights of this week’s Royal activities, events and engagements.

READ MORE HERE

Commonwealth Day 2022

Executive Director — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 10:30:00 GMT

Commonwealth Day is an annual celebration observed by people all over the Commonwealth in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, the Pacific and Europe.

The theme for Commonwealth Day 2022 will centre around the theme for the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting – 'Delivering a Common Future' – which highlights how the 54 member countries in the Commonwealth family are ‘innovating, connecting and transforming’ to help achieve goals like fighting climate change, promoting good governance and boosting trade.

READ MORE HERE

BAB Policy and Trade Update | January 2022

Executive Director — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 15:00:05 GMT

Welcome to the BABN’s first Policy and Trade Update of 2022.

The start of the new year was accompanied by changing customs rules for goods moving between the EU and Great Britain, encouraging progress on the Section 232 tariff dispute, and easing Covid-19 travel restrictions. Also included below are key updates for transatlantic trade and investment, including new guidance for businesses from BEIS, and updates on new rules under the National Security and Investment Act.

The events and initiatives in the wider BAB Network have ramped up again after the holidays, reflecting many of the key priorities of our members, including a focus on sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and current policy developments on both sides of the Atlantic. See below for additional information and upcoming events.

Read the rest of the update HERE.

BAB Network Events January 2022

Executive Director — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 13:53:41 GMT

CEO-Leadership Speaker Series with Badar Khan, President, National Grid U.S.

January 13, 2022
2:00 - 3:00 pm EST
Virtual "Town Hall" Meeting

In early November 2021, COP 26 took place in Glasgow, Scotland and at the same time the Infrastructure Bill was signed by Congress here in the US. What does this mean for the TransAtlantic environment and associated business opportunities in 2022. Hear some inside perspectives from a key executive of a prominent UK/US energy company. Badar Khan, President, National Grid US will answer questions during an exciting fireside chat with Joe Tirone, Chair of BABA DC’s Energy & Environment Committee. To make this event highly interactive, it will be held in virtual ‘Town Hall’ type format; and all attendees will be given the opportunity to raise their questions as well.

BAB Academy: What is Corporate Purpose?

Monday, January 24, 2022
11:00 am – 12:30 pm EST | 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm GMT

The BritishAmerican Business (BAB) Academy is a new series of workshops covering different business skills for high potential individuals aspiring to be general managers and who are rising stars in their organisations. The Academy offers a unique snapshot of key business functions and provides skills to help young professionals grow into general management roles.

BAB Network Events 11/1-11/6

Executive Director — Tue, 02 Nov 2021 10:26:51 GMT

Check out these great events from our friends across the BAB Network!

ORANGE COUNTY

A Conversation with Scott Gottlieb MD – “Uncontrolled Spread: Why COVID-19 Defeated Us and How We Can Defeat the Next Pandemic NEW TO LIST

November 1, 2021

6:30 - 9:00 pm PST

Location: Sandhu Conference Center Chapman University, 571 North Grand Street, Orange, CA

The World Affairs Council of Orange County is excited to announce our upcoming lecture event at Sandhu Conference Center in Chapman University. Please join us in welcoming Former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, MD to discuss his New York Times bestselling book, “Uncontrolled Spread: Why COVID-19 Crushed US and How We Can Defeat the Next Pandemic.” Enjoy hors d’oeuvres while listening to Dr. Scott Gottlieb identify the reasons why the US was caught unprepared for the pandemic and how the country can improve its strategic planning to prepare for future viral threats. A copy of Dr. Scott Gottlieb’s book is included with registration, and be sure to stick around to the end of the event for a book signing

BIRMINGHAM

Covid-19, it’s impact on young people, communities, and careers
November 2, 2021

9:00 - 10:00 am GMT
Location: BMet College, Matthew Boulton Campus

Come and join us for a panel discussion where the author of this report, Fabio Thomas, Insight Manager at Beatfreeks, will take us through the findings. We will also be joined by representatives from the regional business community, sharing their insights on how we can work together to support this generation.

BRITISH AMERICAN BUSINESS

Executive Roundtable on The Future of Life Sciences
Tuesday, November 2, 2021
11:00 am – 12:00 pm EST / 3:00 – 4:00 pm GMTBAB is delighted to host a virtual roundtable featuring Faisal Khalid, Head of Healthcare Banking, Santander, N.A. and Susan Schriver, who lead’s Boston Consulting Group’s commercial biopharma work globally with a focus on commercial and corporate strategy issues. The speakers will lead a discussion on emerging trends in the life sciences sector and pharma industry.

BIRMINGHAM

The Sustainable Business Summit
November 3, 2021

8:45 am - 12:30 pm GMT
Location: Conference Aston

Join this once a year Summit to acquire the know-how for building a more environmentally sustainable and resilient business.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Untethered Talent: The Future of International Hires!

November 3, 2021

11:00 am -12:00 pm PST / 2:00 - 3:00 pm EST

Join ZEDRA’s Kiki Stannard and Bird & Bird’s Jonathan Goldsworthy on their myth-busting mission exploring your choices for employing talent post-pandemic and the commercial, cultural, HR, employment law and tax considerations that come with an untethered workforce.This session is designed for company founders, C-suite executives, HR Directors and Global Mobility professionals who are considering hiring overseas in the next 12 to 24 month

MICHIGAN

Protecting Software Intellectual Property in Electric and Autonomous Vehicle Technologies

November 3, 2021

12:00 - 1:30 pm EST

This webinar will explore the various mechanisms for protecting software intellectual property for vehicle electrification and automation technologies, including various pitfalls and best practices.

TEXAS

Discover British American Business with Tamra Eker NEW TO LIST

November 4, 2021

10:30 - 11:30 am CST / 11:30 am - 12:30 pm EST

Join us to meet Tamra Eker, Managing Director BritishAmerican Business (BAB), and the new President of the BritishAmerican Business Network to learn about their advocacy work and the benefits of belonging to the BABC network. Following a short introductory presentation, Tamra will take questions from attendees.

BRITISH AMERICAN BUSINESS

Transatlantic Corridor Business Travel - The Immigration Outlook for UK & USA Labor Mobility Thursday, November 4, 2021
12:00 – 1:00 pm EST / 4:00 – 5:00 pm GMT

BAB is delighted to bring together a panel of UK and U.S. immigration experts and government representatives to discuss the transition back to transatlantic travel, and to look at longer term immigration policies for skilled workers and inward investment. We will hear from legal immigration advisors from Magrath Sheldrick and Gibney, Anthony & Flaherty LLP for a UK and U.S. perspective on the international mobility of executives, entrepreneurs and innovators. Also joining the panel is the Chair of the Migration Advisory Committee (an independent, non-statutory, non-time limited, non-departmental public body that advises the UK government on migration issues), and we welcome back the Minister Counselor for Consular Affairs, U.S. Embassy, London.

ORANGE COUNTY

“First Thursday” Networking – Beers, Business and Banter NEW TO LIST

November 4, 2021

5:00 - 7:00 pm EST

Location: Muldoon’s Irish Pub, 202 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

The Great British-American Virtual Pub Quiz 2021 in Partnership with BBS

November 4, 2021

6:00 - 7:30 pm PST / 9:00 - 10:30 pm EST

Once again, we'll be bringing the British-American community together through trivia over Zoom. Our quizmaster, Peter Brook, will be hosting the evening and we hope to see you there.

Save the Dates

PACIFIC NORTHWEST

Opportunities in the Affordable Direct Pay Healthcare Marke t NEW TO LIST

November 9, 2021

8:00 am PST

Michelle Cherewatenko will outline how the SimpleCare program allows providers to offer direct pay healthcare services and products at a reasonable price to work outside traditional limited health insurance coverage and limitations while providing a commonsense solution to increased affordability and accessibility to quality healthcare for all.

BRITISH AMERICAN BUSINESS

BAB Accelerate: Transatlantic Entrepreneurship

November 9, 2021
11:00 am – 12:00 pm EST / 4:00 – 5:00 pm GMT

Hosted during Global Entrepreneurship Week, BritishAmerican Business will bring together a panel of seasoned entrepreneurs to discuss their journeys of expansion and growth and the challenges they have faced, especially in the midst of a global pandemic.

PHILADELPHIA

Faegre Drinker – Navigating the Patchwork of Global Environmental, Social, and Governance Obligations NEW TO LIST

November 10, 2021

11:30 am - 1:00 pm EST

Global companies are dealing with heightened obligations to disclose company practices relating to environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters. In the United States, the Biden administration has shown a willingness to continue many of the trade policies implemented by its predecessor, but for reasons that are often grounded in a progressive social and economic agenda. By contrast, with respect to its agenda for the environment, the Biden administration has advanced its own policy positions on climate change and environmental regulations. In jurisdictions outside of the United States, these obligations to address ESG concerns rise to the level of legislative mandates. Factored into the mix, investors are also increasingly asking for transparency into these matters as well as positive indications that companies are improving past performance. In this edition of the International Business Briefing webinar series, Faegre Drinker’s panel will address the scope of ESG obligations, developing trends and share practical experience of how companies are coping with overlapping obligations.

TORONTO

Trust in the Age of Misinformation NEW TO LIST
November 10, 2021

12:00 - 4:30 pm EST

Join CIMA President Paul Ash, FCMA, CGMA and leading professionals as they discuss ways to build and maintain trust. After last year’s successful conference on Dealing with Ethical Dilemmas, we will continue the dialog on ethics with exploring the topic of Trust.

TEXAS

Battling the Sky-High Costs of Healthcare NEW TO LIST

November 11, 2021

8:30 - 10:00 am CST

There is one thing that most people agree on: the cost of healthcare and health insurance in the US is out of control. The same medical procedure cost can vary by thousands of dollars even with the same insurance carrier and provider. What if knowing the cost of your healthcare could make us all healthier and save money in the process? In our meeting, we will be discussing Transparency & Healthcare Consumerism with Mike Andrade and Chrissy Benton, Benefits Warriors from BenefitU. Learn about tools that will enable you to make transparent health care a reality – in your own family as well as in your business. This is a hybrid event! Attendees can choose to join in person or attend virtually.

Evolving Enterprise Through #DoDigital NEW TO LIST

November 15, 2021

11:00 am - 12:00 pm GMT / 7:00 - 8:00 am EST

Despite the need for digital to play an essential role in every business, in every job role, only 1 in 10 businesses have taken action to address the widening skills gap that a fifth of businesses in Staffordshire have reported. Join us to discuss the importance of digital transformation to an SME and learn from the Growth Hub about how they can support you through that journey.

PHILADELPHIA

2021 Mid-Atlantic Regional Summit NEW TO LIST

November 15, 2021

12:00 - 1:30 pm EST

Join us for a dynamic virtual conference with Senator Chris Coons and special guests on the positive impact of global affairs programs in Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic region.

PACIFIC NORTHWEST

How Changing US Department of Defense Cybersecurity Requirements Affect US & UK Companies NEW TO LIST

November 16, 2021
9:00 - 10:30 am PST
Jerry Leishman and Andy Watkin-Child will host a panel discussion, and provide an overview of the recent changes with cybersecurity requirements issued by the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. President Biden's executive order. You will learn how the cybersecurity landscape and mandatory requirements are changing for companies seeking to do business with the U.S. Department of Defense. Participants will learn the essential planning steps necessary to navigate the increasingly complex U.S. cybersecurity environment and leverage an early adopter approach to get secure and compliant, stay compliant, and win new business.

PHILADELPHIA

EisnerAmper – TRANSFORMATION NATION: Driving Intelligent Growth

November 17, 2021

2:00 - 4:30 pm EST

Join EisnerAmper for a practical look at how businesses are transforming to meet the challenges and greet the opportunities of a market in motion, positioning themselves to drive intelligent growth.

SCOTLAND

Doing Business in the USA Webinar

November 18, 2021

2:00 - 5:00 pm GMT / 9:00 am - 12:00 pm EST

Meet USA trade experts for a virtual 'whistle-stop' tour of Scotland's top export destination. As we steer out of a COVID-19 world, we will offer you advice on opportunities for your products and services. You will also gain practical tips and guidance which will help you to set up, grow and develop your business from those who have made that journey and continue to do so.

BritishAmerican Business Gala Lunch

November 19, 2021
12:00 – 3:00 pm GMT
Location: etc. Venues, County Hall, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 7PB

BAB’s Gala lunch is a highlight in the London events programme, bringing together senior members of the U.S. and UK Government and representatives from the largest companies on earth operating in the transatlantic space to honour, celebrate and rally behind the special relationship.

PACIFIC NORTHWEST

Exporting to the UK NEW TO LIST

November 23, 2021

8:00 am PST

Export Unlocked will guide you on building your Export Strategy to the UK and defining what you want to achieve with how you will get there using their in-depth knowledge on importing into the UK. You may have already entered international markets and now want an increased market reach into the UK. Export Unlocked will help you begin to understand the UK markets you want to enter, determine if it’s viable for your business and then what are the NEXT STEPS. Particularly in terms of customs compliance, duty, customs formalities and associated costs to begin exporting to the UK.

BIRMINGHAM

Join Facebook training on how to create loyalty and create AD's from your Facebook NEW TO LIST

November 29, 2021

11:00 am - 12:00 pm GMT / 7:00 - 8:00 am EST

Learn how to increase customer loyalty in digital marketing and with the use of Facebook products and offers, how to create a strong brand presence and reach a broader audience by implementing best practices for Feed, Stories, IGTV, Reels, Hashtags and Lives, how to use Statistics to see what works for your audience and Instagram Direct to strengthen customer loyalty, reach more people beyond your followers by creating ads directly from your Facebook Page and grow your audience on Instagram with Instagram Promotions

OHIO

Passport Professionals NEW TO LIST

December 7, 2021

5:30 - 7:30 pm EST

A great opportunity to connect with the International Business, Shipping, Logistics, Mobility, Advocacy and Ex Pat/New American Community here in Greater Cleveland. Close out the year surrounded by new friends and colleagues and look for the friendly faces from all around the world.

Wrights Fish & Chips

Executive Director — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 13:03:20 GMT

Exciting news for one of our newest BABC-Georgia members...we wish you the best of luck in this new location!

If you haven't yet tried the delicious chippy in Cumming, you must do so ASAP!

Wrights-Fish-Chips-release.pdf

BAB Network Events 10/4-10/10

Executive Director — Tue, 05 Oct 2021 10:43:10 GMT

MICHIGAN

A2TECH360

October 1 - 8, 2021

Ann Arbor SPARK’s a2Tech360 is a week of events celebrating Ann Arbor’s spirit of innovation through experiences, conversations, and connections that strengthen and expand the region’s vibrant ecosystem. The events are tailored to a variety of interests and audiences, including entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, businesses, academic institutions, non-profits, job seekers, and the general public.

PACIFIC NORTHWEST

Future of Work & Hybrid working: navigating legal risks to fast track business growth - Hosted by Osborne Clarke
Wednesday, October 6, 2021
9:00 - 10:00 AM EST
In this webinar, the panel will be discussing some of the key legal risks and challenges posed by the transition to a hybrid working model and looking at how best to navigate these risks to fast track future growth.

BIRMINGHAM

Progressing to a Net Zero Business through Energy

October 6, 2021

10:00 - 11:30 AM GMT / 6:00 - 7:30 AM EST

This webinar will discuss the how-to and best practice for decarbonising and reducing business energy use. From simple steps to technological investments, through to strategic insight, join to improve your wherewithal to achieve practical, cost-saving and carbon-cutting energy measures.

Build a Brand to Get you Noticed

October 7, 2021

10:00 - 11:30 AM GMT / 6:00 - 7:30 AM EST

This Innovate UK EDGE webinar will highlight elements to bear in mind as you consider how to build your business’s brand identity. It will feature insights from an established brand as well as a marketing expert who specialises in working with innovative SMEs to make their branding more effective.

BRITISH AMERICAN BUSINESS

The Future of Work Part II: Uncovering New Talent & Re-skilling for a New World

Thursday, October 7, 2021

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST / 4:00 – 5:00 PM BSTBAB brings together a panel of business leaders to explore the oncoming changes to the talent landscape, the evolving in-demand skills for your company to succeed in the future of work, and innovative approaches to stay ahead in the race for the best talent.

ORANGE COUNTY

First Thursday Networking - Beers, Business and Banter

October 7, 2021

5:00 - 7:00 PM PST

Partner Event: Emerging Powers and the World Trading System with Professor Gregory Shaffer

October 7, 2021

5:30 - 8:00 PM PST

BritishAmerican Business Welcomes Decision to Remove Travel Ban on UK Travellers to the US

Executive Director — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 08:07:01 GMT

BritishAmerican Business Welcomes Decision to Remove Travel Ban on UK Travellers to the US

20 September 2021

Contact: Dominic Parker, Senior Communications & Media Manager dparker@babinc.org020 7290 9882 | +44 7500 115352

London - Today, the US announced it will remove travel restrictions for vaccinated EU and UK citizens. BritishAmerican Business (BAB) welcomes this decision, which will help both economies bounce back from the disruption felt throughout the pandemic.

Commenting on the decision, BAB CEO Duncan Edwards said: “Over the past 18 months, BritishAmerican Business has worked with our partners in the transatlantic business community, as well as with government officials both in the UK and the US, to find ways to safely resume transatlantic travel. We welcomed the UK’s decision this summer to remove restrictions for US travellers and have since been encouraging the US government to reciprocate.

“Throughout this 18-month period, we have spoken to hundreds of companies on both sides of the Atlantic about the negative impact that the US travel ban has had on them. Small and medium-sized businesses were particularly affected, in many cases unable to send people across the Atlantic to close business deals or expand operations. Today’s announcement brings much needed relief and support for the US-UK economic partnership.”

ENDS

About BritishAmerican Business

BritishAmerican Business is the leading transatlantic trade association incorporating the British-American Chamber of Commerce in the US and the American Chamber of Commerce in the UK.

We are committed to strengthening the economic corridor between the United States and the United Kingdom by supporting policies and action that protect and enhance the environment for transatlantic trade and investment.

We convene and serve a growing network of companies and business leaders through networking opportunities, bespoke programming and marketing platforms.

We actively promote trade and investment and support those who make the transatlantic corridor part of their business growth ambition.

For more information, please visit www.babinc.org

Buy American Act

Executive Director — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 08:34:49 GMT

TO: BABA Members & Colleagues

FROM: UK Department for International Trade

August 24, 2021

As you may be aware, the U.S. have proposed changes to their federal government procurement regulations to strengthen Buy American purchasing preferences. It is not expected that this will significantly impact UK businesses bidding for U.S. federal government contracts. UK businesses continue to have access to a waiver from Buy American preferences that the U.S. applies for end-products from designated countries (including the UK) covered by the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA).

However, if you have concerns, we encourage you to contact the Department for International Trade (DIT) and recommend that you comment on the U.S. public consultation, open until September 28^th. Instructions for doing so are at the end of this email.

The White House has provided a factsheet detailing the policy rationale for the amendments. Supplementary information and annexes detailing the amendments in full can be found here.

Summary

U.S. federal government departments and agencies are required by Part 25 of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) to purchase goods and construction materials that are ‘domestic end-products.’ These are known as Buy American rules. For manufactured end products, the Buy American rules currently use a two-part test to define a domestic end-product – (i) the article must be manufactured in the U.S.; and (ii) the cost of domestic components must exceed 55 percent of the total cost of all components (the domestic content threshold). Certain exceptions or waivers to applying Buy American preferences are available to federal government agencies, for criterion such as unreasonable cost (domestic price preferences must be applied first) or unavailability of supplies on the U.S. market.

The U.S. government is consulting on changes to Part 25 of the FAR to strengthen Buy American purchasing preferences. The proposed changes are:

A phased increase to the domestic content threshold for most goods from 55%, to 75% over 7 years.
An enhanced domestic price preference for certain products that are considered critical for security of supply chains (e.g. essential medical products). The federal government will be drawing up a list of critical products over the coming months.
New post contract award reporting requirements for use of domestic content for those critical products.

However, the U.S. waives the application of Buy American purchasing requirements for end-products that are from designated countries, for procurements covered by the U.S.’ international trade obligations in the WTO GPA. The UK is a member of the GPA and is considered a designated country by the U.S. for federal procurement purposes. The coverage of the GPA includes all U.S. federal departments and their subordinate agencies, as well as most goods with a couple of exceptions, for contracts valued above the threshold of $182,000.

As a result, we do not expect these new measures to significantly impact UK businesses bidding for U.S. federal government contracts covered by the GPA. However, please do let us know if you have concerns or if this is not your experience. We are particularly interested in understanding:

What is your experience when attempting to access the U.S. federal government procurement market, including documentation concerning the Buy American Act and Trade Agreements Act?
Have you observed any recent changes concerning the procurement process for U.S. federal government contracts?

Separately, DIT is also interested in improving the UK’s trade environment at a U.S. State level, including state-level and sub-central government procurement. We would be interested in hearing your experiences of U.S. state-level procurement.

Written concerns regarding the proposed rule change and these questions can be sent to: Joelle Jefferis (joelle.jefferis@trade.gov.uk) and Peter Abbosh (peter.abbosh@trade.gov.uk).

U.S. Public Consultation

The U.S. General Services Administration is holding a virtual public meeting, August 26^th9:00 – 15:00 EST (14:00 – 20:00 BST). You can request attendance and a speaking slot, and/or submit written comment by contacting mahruba.uddowla@gsa.gov, citing FAR Case 2021-008.

Consul General Andrew Staunton - Garden Party

Executive Director — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 07:35:11 GMT

BAB Network Events 7/25 - 7/31

Executive Director — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 09:06:51 GMT

Please take a look at events from our friends at other BAB Chapters:

BABA WASHINGTON, DC

UK and US Insolvency Issues
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST
The event is focused on the status of insolvency in the US and UK. Covid has greatly impacted certain industries and insolvency has been a topic of focus since the beginning of the pandemic. However, actual insolvency issues have developed quite differently than expected in many markets. This panel will be a combined group of US and UK insolvency practitioners sharing experiences and expectations for the near future.

Summer Senses Series 2021 - With Golf Coach Hank Haney
July 28, 2021
3:00 PM
Golf coach to the stars Hank Haney will share his tips on how to better utilize touch in your short game. Hank has taught over 200 PGA Tour professionals, including Tiger Woods and Mark O’Meara so get ready to ask him your golf questions!

TEXAS

"Survive & Thrive": A conversation with Stuart R. Broadley, FEI & CEO EIC, and Kirsty McCormack, SVP Market Insights bp

Tuesday, July 28, 2021
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CST / 12:00 - 1:00 PM EST

In a wide-ranging discussion with the executive author of the report and interviewer of all 61 participant companies, Stuart Broadley will highlight the top growth strategies currently deployed in the sector, including collaboration, culture, digital, diversification, energy transition, export, innovation, optimisation, service & solutions, technology, transformation, sustainability, scale up and resilience.

BIRMINGHAM

Funded Support to Tackle Recruitment Challenges

July 29, 2021

12:00 - 1:00 PM UTC / 7:00 - 8:00 AM EST
Are you trying to recruit but struggling to find candidates with the right training and experience? Would you like the opportunity to build a bespoke recruitment programme but don’t have the time or resources? Is your business facing retention challenges? Answer yes to one or more of these and a Sector Based Academy Programme could help. Join BMet College, West Midlands Combined Authority and Sigma Financial to find out more about how this government funded recruitment model could help your business.

BritishAmerican Business Launches 2021/22 Trade and Investment Guide to the U.S.

Executive Director — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 08:06:52 GMT

Today, BritishAmerican Business is proud to announce the launch of the latest edition of its bi-annual Trade and Investment Guide to the U.S.

Updated for 2021/22, BAB's Trade and Investment Guide for the U.S. is a key resource for ambitious companies to find practical advice, guidance and insight when expanding and growing within the transatlantic corridor.

Whether it be on the taxes you can expect and how you can file them, to the types of visas you may need to move workers across the Atlantic, or great places to do business, this Guide features insights, advice, sources, case studies, initiatives, and relevant contacts from government, business bodies, service providers, and economic development agencies; all of which can be useful in helping you hit the ground running as your business grows internationally.

This year's Guide is a must-read for any business looking across the Atlantic to expand The U.S. offers fantastic opportunities for growth for businesses of all sizes, whether you wish to export your goods or services, or set up a physical base, this Guide can serve as your one-stop-shop for advice to help get you started.

We hope you enjoy reading it, and look forward to hearing your transatlantic story soon! #GoTransatlantic

Use the links below to read the publication online.

Click Here to Read Finding Your Way - The Trade and Investment Guide to the U.S.

Printable Version

BAB Network Events 7/11 - 7/17

Executive Director — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 13:39:49 GMT

PACIFIC NORTHWEST

PNAA 1st Annual Aerospace Technical Conference

Tuesday July 13, 2021
8:00AM - 5:00 PM PST

As aerospace begins to rebound, we have created this one-day in-person conference to dive deeply into the technical aspects of aerospace manufacturing and the upcoming technologies that can transform your production system to meet the needs and demands of the future, keeping you relevant and competitive.

MICHIGAN

CUSBA & AmCham Toronto Present: USMCA/CUSMA/T-MEC at One Year
Tuesday, July 13, 2021
1:00 - 2:30 PM EST

BIRMINGHAM

Trading with EU Partners - Ireland

July 14, 2021

10:00 - 11:00 AM BST / 5:00 - 6:00 AM EST

TEXAS

Webinar from EY - What are the challenges and opportunities of eDiscovery automation
July 14, 2021
10:00 - 11:00 AM CST / 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Fintech Trends of the Future

July 14, 2021

8:00 - 9:30 AM PST / 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST

US Investors are Confident in the UK, but Concerns Over Future UK-EU Relations Persist

Executive Director — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 13:34:34 GMT

US INVESTORS ARE CONFIDENT IN THE UK, BUT CONCERNS OVER FUTURE UK-EU RELATIONS PERSIST

A new survey published today by BritishAmerican Business and Bain & Company finds that business confidence is high for US companies in the UK, but future confidence may largely depend on the UK’s relationship with the EU.

LONDON – July,12, 2021 – Today, BritishAmerican Business and Bain & Company launched the inaugural Transatlantic Confidence Index. The Index measures the confidence of US companies active in the UK, including their views on investing in UK operations over the next two to three years and in the overall health of the UK’s relationship with both the US and the EU.

BritishAmerican Business and Bain & Company surveyed 68 large cap American companies representing a combined 3,500 years of business experience and employing more than 275,000 individuals across every region of the UK.

READ MORE HERE

BAB Statement on Reports of Global Tax Plan to Allow UK to De-Apply Digital Services Tax

Executive Director — Fri, 09 Jul 2021 13:00:32 GMT

BAB Statement on Reports of Global Tax Plan to Allow UK to De-Apply Digital Services Tax

9 July 2021
Contact: Dominic Parker, Communications & Media Manager dparker@babinc.org | 020 7290 9882 | +44 7500 115352

London/New York – In response to today’s report that G20 finance ministers are preparing to approve a global tax plan that would allow for the UK to de-apply the Digital Services Tax (DST), BAB’s Director for Policy & Trade, Emanuel Adam, said:

“If what the reporting suggests is true, we would very much welcome that. Since the UK first discussed the introduction of a Digital Services Tax, BAB has argued that the issue would be best addressed through a multilateral solution that guarantees a high level of consistency across markets (see BAB’s White Paper here).

It would be timely to have a solution to be found at this time given the threat of U.S. punitive tariffs on UK products, whose introduction is currently paused. As we always said and continue to say, punitive tariffs don’t make good trade policy. Agreements between governments to solve a global issue does.”

BAB Statement on Quarantine-Free Travel to the UK for Fully Vaccinated Travellers from Amber List Countries

Executive Director — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 12:37:12 GMT

BAB Statement on Quarantine-Free Travel to the UK for Fully Vaccinated Travellers from Amber List Countries

8 July 2021
Contact: Dominic Parker, Communications & Media Manager dparker@babinc.org | 020 7290 9882 | +44 7500 115352

London/New York – In response to the news that fully vaccinated passengers returning from amber list countries to the UK won’t have to quarantine after 19 July, BritishAmerican Business published the following statement:

“This is a step in the right direction and we welcome the UK Government’s decision to remove quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated residents returning to the UK from amber list countries.

“We do note, however, that U.S. residents, whether they are citizens or British residents who were vaccinated in the U.S., would not be able to take advantage of the change from the 19th of July. This once again highlights the need for our travel-related certificates to be mutually recognised and interoperable.

“We strongly support the Government’s stated ambition to extend the approach to all vaccinated passengers from the U.S. later this summer. We will continue to work with both the U.S. and UK Governments to find ways to safely reopen our travel corridor which currently remains effectively closed for business on both sides.”

BAB Network Events 5/9-5/15

Executive Director — Mon, 10 May 2021 19:17:24 GMT

Please take a look at all of these fabulous events from our friends at other BAB Chapters:

BRITISH AMERICAN BUSINESS

The Future of Everything Festival

May 11-13, 2021

9:00 AM EST - 5:00 PM EST

Join The Wall Street Journal’s Future Of Everything Festival from May 11-13, 2021 online. You’ll hear from the most revolutionary minds in business, technology, culture and more to explore the ideas forming what comes next, and get a first look at the seismic shifts happening in how we live, work and play. Hear from speakers like Ray Dalio, Gabrielle Union, Bill Ackman, Rachael Ray, Dwyane Wade and more. BAB is proud to be a media partner for the Future of Everything Festival.

Trade and Geopolitics in 2021 and Beyond: from Fish to Chips

Wednesday, May 12, 2021
2:00 – 3:00 PM BST / 9:00 – 10:00 AM EST

A New ESG Era: Impacts & Trends in 2021

May 13, 2021

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST

PHILADELPHIA

Update from PHL and Hub Carrier, American Airlines
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
2:30 – 4:00 PM EST

SAVE THE DATE

TRIANGLE NC / CAROLINAS

Scottish Chambers Virtual Trade Mission to NC

May 18, 2021 & May 19, 2021
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST

This trade mission aims to promote business opportunities in North Carolina for Scottish companies, as well as to provide a platform for valuable business and cultural connections to be established between Scotland and NC.

PACIFIC NORTHWEST

Complying with DoD Cybersecurity Requirements – Where to Start
Tuesday, May 18, 2021

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM PST / 12:00 - 3:00 PM EST

BABA-WASHINGTON D.C.

I am vaccinated. Now, may I travel? And to where? And where will I stay?
Tuesday, May 18, 2021

2:00 - 3:00 PM EST

MICHIGAN

Buying, Selling or Not So Sure? Transaction Service Basics for Business Owners - Session 2: The Art of the Deal

May 20, 2021

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST
Clayton & McKervey will be hosting a 4-part transaction series with the Michigan Manufacturers Association.

BRITISH AMERICAN BUSINESS

2021 Virtual Transatlantic Business Awards

May 20, 2021

6:00 pm – 7:15 pm EDT

BIRMINGHAM

Research and Development Tax Incentives Webinar

May 25, 2021

10:00 - 11:00 AM GMT / 6:00 - 7:00 AM EST

BRITISH AMERICAN BUSINESS

LEAP FORWARD: The 2021 European-American Business Trends Series - Live Healthier

May 27, 2021

12:00 – 1:30 PM EST

Biotechnology, gene therapy and the use of artificial intelligence are changing the face of healthcare, with European and American firms at the forefront of research, development, and commercialization. Start-up ventures now compete around the world with entrenched players to develop the next lifesaving treatment. Policy and ethical issues are stirring considerable debate in European-American life sciences circles, while many are seeing investment opportunities that attract global capital.

Flexibility and The Future Of Work: Changes, Choices and Expectations - Will There Be a New Normal?
Wednesday, June 2, 2021
2:00 – 3:00 PM EDT / 9:00 – 10:00 AM BSTThe pandemic has accelerated a seismic shift in the way the world works and the demand for flexibility. The world of work as we know it is changing dramatically, driven by technology, demographic shifts and the changing expectations of talent. As the future of work evolves, companies must respond now to harness new technologies and effectively lead and engage the workforce of today and tomorrow.

PHILADELPHIA

30th Anniversary Celebration Featuring Ambassador Pierce & A Taste of Wales
Tuesday, June 8, 2021
4:00 - 5:00 PM EST

The British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia has been connecting professionals and building transatlantic business ties between the US and the UK for three decades. You are cordially invited to this first in a series of three programs honoring our 30th anniversary.

MICHIGAN

Buying, Selling or Not So Sure? Transaction Service Basics for Business Owners - It’s All About Due Diligence NEW TO LIST

June 10, 2021

1:30 - 2:30 PM EST
Clayton & McKervey will be hosting a 4-part transaction series with the Michigan Manufacturers Association.

MIAMI

JOIN US TO CELEBRATE HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY! NEW TO LIST

June 10, 2021

4:30 - 6:00 pm EST

BRITISH AMERICAN BUSINESS

Accelerate: UserTesting the Market
Monday, June 14, 2021

4:00 – 5:00 PM BST / 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST

MICHIGAN

Buying, Selling or Not So Sure? Transaction Service Basics for Business Owners - Post Closing…Now What? NEW TO LIST

June 24, 2021

8:30 - 9:30 AM EST
Clayton & McKervey will be hosting a 4-part transaction series with the Michigan Manufacturers Association.

President Biden, Brexit and what’s next for British-American Business Council

Executive Director — Mon, 26 Apr 2021 17:41:10 GMT

[British-American Business Council (BABC) Board Member and KPMG U.S. Principal Paul Harnick recently joined KPMG U.S.-U.K. Corridor Leader Howard Wiener and KPMG U.K.’s Michelle Quest for a discussion on the potential impact of the new U.S. administration’s policies and Brexit on BABC members’ business.]

http://babcphl.com/2021/01/kpmg/

BAB Network Events 4/25 - 5/1

Executive Director — Mon, 26 Apr 2021 16:54:12 GMT

Please take a look at all of these interesting events from our friends at other BAB Chapters:

TRIANGLE NC

Partner Event: SelectUSA Road to the Summit

April 28, 2021

8:00 - 9:30 AM EST

TEXAS

How to Increase Supplier Diversity

Wednesday April 28, 2021

11:00 AM EST / 10:00 AM CST

Would you like to increase your supplier diversity and have greater access to minority-owned or small and medium businesses? Blue Wave Corporation is working with major international companies, NGO’s and governments to develop minority-owned and small and medium businesses by helping them to understand and comply with the standards and requirements of major international corporations, state-owned companies, and government entities.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Brits and Aussies in the Bay! - Immigration, International Tax, UK Pensions /Superannuation and More
April 28, 2021
3:45 - 5:15 PM PST / 6:45 - 8:15 PM EST

BIRMINGHAM

Revitalising the Economy with the Rt Hon Pat McFadden MP, Shadow Economic Secretary

Thursday, April 29, 2021

2:30 - 3:30 PM GMT / 10:30 - 11:30 AM EST

BRITISH AMERICAN BUSINESS

Accelerate: Incorporating the ESG Agenda to Drive Growth

April 29, 2021

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST

For businesses looking to grow and operate across the US, UK, and globally, placing a focus on organizational purpose and sustainability is no longer an option, but rather a gauge of success

OHIO

GlobalView 2021 webinar series: Conducting Business in the United Kingdom
Thursday, April 29, 2021
11:00 AM EST / 4:00 PM GMT

CHICAGO

The Future of Travel

Friday, April 30, 2021

12:00 - 1:00 PM CST / 1:00 - 2:00 PM EST

BRITISH AMERICAN BUSINESS

World Trade Week NYC 2021

May 1-31, 2021

World Trade Week NYC is part of an annual nationwide celebration of international trade observed by business and trade-related organizations across the United States during May.

PPP Loan Round 2 – Should You Apply?

Executive Director — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 18:53:54 GMT

Authored by Jim Biehl, Tax Accountant, on January 14, 2021

A new round of PPP loans (PPP2) was ushered in with the passage of the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Venues Act (Economic Aid Act) on December 27, 2020. In addition to the 2nd draw loans, eligible businesses that did not receive a PPP loan in the first round of funding have an opportunity to apply for a PPP loan.

Eligible borrowers include small businesses, nonprofit organizations, cooperatives, veteran’s organizations, certain self-employed individuals, sole proprietors, and independent contractors that meet the following criteria:

300 employees or less; and
Experienced a 25% reduction in gross receipts for one calendar quarter (2020 vs 2019)

Borrowers with original PPP loans (PPP1) may be eligible for PPP2 provided they meet the eligibility requirements and have used the full amount of their original PPP loan.

Eligible Loan Amounts

The formula to determine the eligible loan amount is not unlike PPP1, at 2.5 times the average monthly 2019 payroll, but there is now an option to base the computation on the average monthly payroll for a one-year period before the date of the loan. The PPP2 loans/grants are limited to $2 million.

Applicants with a NAICS code starting with 72 (restaurants, hotels, etc.) are eligible to utilize 3.5 times the average monthly payroll amount and the cap is $4 million.

Additional eligibility requirements, terms and conditions:

300 or fewer employees, including affiliates; NAICS 72 entities – per physical location

Loans 100% guaranteed by the government

No collateral is required

The interest rate at 1%

The maturity is 5 years

Expanded list of eligible businesses to include 501c(6) organizations

Ineligible businesses (lobbying, certain businesses with ties to China and/or Hong Kong, live venues with grants, public entities)

Affiliation rules require all employees are counted, including those of foreign affiliates. In the first round of funding these rules were not clear until guidance was issued in May. Borrowers are required to follow all guidance issued at the time of application; therefore, it is important to understand how guidance may have changed since the first application if you believe you are qualified.

Loan Forgiveness

Loans can be forgiven and turned into a grant, like the PPP1 program, provided borrowers spend at least 60% of the PPP funds on payroll costs and maintain employee headcount and compensation, but the new rules expand the definition of “payroll costs” to include group benefits such as life insurance, disability, vision and dental. In addition, the new rules expand the definition of “non-payroll costs” to include payments for software, cloud computing services, property damage costs (due to looting during 2020 not covered by insurance), certain supplier costs and costs for worker protection expenditures.

Finally, as required under PPP1, the borrower will need to certify in good faith that the “current economic uncertainty makes this loan request necessary to support the ongoing operations of the applicant”. However, although the SBA has maintained that it will not question/audit the necessity certification of borrowers who have aggregate loans not exceeding $2 million, the additional PPP2 funds could result in a borrower exceeding the threshold, thereby requiring submission of Form 3509 and subjecting them to SBA audit, and additional SBA scrutiny. Therefore, we recommend you review your situation with your CPA and attorney prior to applying for PPP2 funds.

As additional guidance is issued on PPP2, we will be sure to keep you informed. For additional information, call us at 248.208.8860 or click here to contact us. We look forward to speaking with you soon.

Our team is always ready to help.

Please contact us for more information.

James Biehl

Shareholder, Manufacturing & Distribution

Contact Jim | Read Jim's bio

State and Local Tax Planning: What You Need to Know

Executive Director — Tue, 12 Jan 2021 18:58:28 GMT

Authored by Miroslav Georgiev on January 12, 2021

In a world that is becoming more global, many companies have focused their resources on dealing with new international markets. While important, it is also imperative businesses do not take their eyes off the ball at home.

Every year state and local taxes play a larger role in the corporate tax season. Combined with the fact that companies are doing business in more places than ever before, the result is that no tax consideration can be missed when preparing taxes. Evolving tax codes, recent court cases, and the impacts of COVID-19 are only a small portion of the full picture.

To help make that picture a little fuller, we have put together eight state and local tax planning considerations that companies should be sure they cover before tax season.

State and Local Tax Planning Considerations

1. Nexus

Every sale, every employee, every asset. Understanding nexus is an important first step when assessing state and local tax considerations. It includes a comprehensive list of every connection that a business has with a state or municipality, including sales, payroll, inventory, rent, and fixed assets. Nexus considerations will help ensure awareness if the business trips any thresholds for various types of taxes at the state and city levels such as sales and use taxes, income taxes, and taxes not based on income.

2. COVID-19

It’s on every company’s mind this year: will my filing be different because of COVID-19? When it applies to state and local taxes, the answer is: maybe. If a company is working remotely and its people decide to move out-of-state, it probably creates nexus for the company and potentially adds an additional tax obligation. But because many of the workers are only temporarily remote, many states have waived taxable presence for them, many others have simply not addressed the matter at all, and a small group of states have prescribed details on how remote workers affect apportionment. The clearest way to understand whether COVID-19 will affect tax liabilities is to check the impact on a state-by-state basis.

3. Sales Tax

$100,000 or 200 separate transactions. After the Supreme Court’s decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair, that is the threshold that a business’ sales need to meet in a given state in order for their online sales to be taxable. While not every state has adopted the ruling’s implications, most have adopted similar thresholds.

4. Income Tax

More and more states and cities are taxing out-of-state businesses on income earned in the state based on the economic nexus standard introduced by Wayfair. While the proportion is relatively low right now, it is a trend that Clayton & McKervey is watching. Hawaii, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington have all adopted economic nexus thresholds for income tax purposes, as have the cities of Philadelphia and San Francisco.

5. Apportionment

After a business reaches the threshold to establish nexus with more than one state, they must apply the tax codes in each to apportion their tax burden. Depending on the state and the industry, every apportionment will be different, but generally applies some matrix of property, sales tax, and payroll. Cost of performance and market-based sourcing are two common methods states apply when sourcing service revenue. Knowing which applies to a given state is critical. Cost of performance has service revenue sourced to the state where the income was performed. On the other hand, market-based sourcing—quickly becoming the standard-bearer—has service revenue sourced to the state where the service was received. While more states are moving towards the latter, ensuring that a nexus report includes the proper sourcing revenue principles is crucial to correctly calculating tax liabilities.

6. Pass-Through Considerations

As pass-through entities, partnerships, LLCs, and S-corporations each have separate tax rules than a C-corporation. When applying state and local code, the two relevant returns are composite and withholding. Composite returns generally fulfill the filing requirement of out-of-state partners and shareholders, and include the apportioned income as a single entity. It is a restrictive method because not all states allow for composite returns and not all taxpayers are eligible to use the format, but in the cases where those restrictions do not apply, composite returns are preferred. On the other hand, generally state withholding tax returns do not satisfy the filing requirements for partners and shareholders, who each must file their own returns with the state taxing authority.

Whichever method is applied, both are considered distributions to partners or shareholders, and journal entries may be necessary to remove from state tax expense accounts. When these taxes are treated as distributions to individual owners, the federal deductibility is limited by the SALT Cap. This is the $10,000 limitation on the amount that can be claimed for state and local taxes on Schedule A of Form 1040. Several states are considering legislation that would levy the tax at the pass-through entity level instead of the individual level upon an entity’s election. If the tax is levied on the entity instead of the individual, the entity would be able to deduct the tax for federal purposes and it would no longer be treated as a distribution. Business owners will need to keep an eye out to take advantage of these opportunities when a state adopts the appropriate legislation.

7. Voluntary Disclosure Agreements (VDAs)

When companies establish nexus with a state, oftentimes they unintentionally omit registering or filing appropriate tax returns for the period starting when taxable presence began. As such, they are liable for fees and even legal liabilities from state taxing authorities and the IRS. Understanding the often-innocent mistake, many states have set up voluntary disclosure programs that allow companies to retroactively acknowledge and pay outstanding taxes owed when the company was operating in the state. Most states and cities offer them, and they are designed to encourage compliance by eliminating large portions of penalties, limiting the look back period for past due returns, and providing audit protections.

8. Amnesty Programs

Similar to VDAs, amnesty programs allow penalty-free payment of outstanding taxes. Time windows and eligibility vary by state, but companies should always take advantage of the program if need be.

State and local tax planning obligations are a complex aspect of tax season that companies are increasingly having to deal with and spend resources on. Understanding the subtleties of each state and municipality can be challenging, but the tax team at Clayton & McKervey can help businesses of any size make sense of tax season. For additional information, call us at 248.208.8860 or click here to contact us. We look forward to speaking with you soon.

Happy Christmas from Ambassador Pierce!

Executive Director — Fri, 11 Dec 2020 17:40:16 GMT

Please check out the video below from Dame Karen Pierce, DCMG, British Ambassador to the United States:

BABA Christmas Message.mp4

London-Atlanta Tech Links Remain Strong Amid Pandemic, Brexit

Executive Director — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 20:56:46 GMT

SEPTEMBER 16, 2020 | TREVOR WILLIAMS of Global Atlanta

The particulars of across-the-pond collaboration may look vastly different, but links between Atlanta and London remain strong even as headwinds from the pandemic and Brexit continue to buffet companies on both sides.

Some prominent Atlanta tech executives invested in London outlined how recent changes have disrupted their operations but not derailed their growth plans during a panel discussion Wednesday hosted by London and Partners, the city’s business recruitment agency.

For SalesLoft Executive Vice President Nate Remmes, the move to remote work in both locales has made it tough to hire new staff and keep existing workers engaged, but it hasn’t yet meaningfully shifted the talent balance away from prominent tech hubs.

“You’re paying for what you get,” he said of the general premium in major cities like London, which tend to offer the connectivity, funding pools and innovation ecosystems that draw in top talent. “We have access to talent everywhere now because we’re all equally on a level playing field. That still hasn’t changed where we been finding our talent and that’s still been in Atlanta, London, San Francisco and New York.”

Talent was also key consideration for Atlanta-based Cardlytics, which set up shop near London’s Victoria Station after studying commuting patterns of its younger workers during a soft landing in the U.K. (For a time, Cardlytics worked out of the offices of loyalty brand Nectar before setting up its own shingle.)

Now, the publicly traded marketing technology platform deals with high-level banking executives as it helps them target consumer offers to their account holders.

Maintaining close ties amid a health-related travel ban and building a culture when 20 percent of U.K.-based employees have never been into the office, is a pressing challenge, said Co-founder and Chairman Scott Grimes.

Because of that, he believes that when the pandemic recedes, in-person travel will continue to once again become vital to cross-border business.

“It’s a cost of the world where in right now,” Mr. Grimes said of travel restrictions. “But we want to get back to the point where we can easily get over to London, easily interact with our team and our clients.”

For Joan Thomas, who represents Leeds-based consultancy Resolve Gets Results Ltd. inLondon, the challenge has not so much come with foreign travel but with the inability to hold in person meetings with clients within the U.K.

“Sometimes that is what takes a deal over the finish line,” said Ms. Thomas.

Mr. Remmes agreed, adding that migration to remote working and curtailing corporate travel were simple; the difficulty lies with managing employees differently based on their mode of connecting.

“The thing we fear is when you get into a world where half of the people are remote and half of the people are in the office, and you have to worry about optimizing for two different environments across two different communication chains,” he said.

Whatever happens with intra-company communications, the group suggested that Atlanta continue to having a macro conversation with London about its own advantages.

Mr. Grimes said Atlanta is well-known in London’s fintech and payments circles, but outside of that, knowledge “drops off” drastically. Mr. Remmes agreed, saying he usually has to do some “explaining” to British partners who expect a U.S. software firm to be based in more traditional American tech hubs.

The problem, said U.K. Consul General in Atlanta Andrew Staunton, tends to be one of awareness.

That’s why he has undertaken a personal “Think Southeast” initiative in both directions, prodding Brits to consider the region he covers in the Southeast U.S. while also pointing Atlanta firms to London as a “gateway to the rest of the world.”

Indeed, British companies showed during a second panel that by many accounts Atlanta is experienced as a pleasant surprise, both from cost and lifestyle perspectives.

Ashley Marie Cashion, the single U.S. employee for what3words, reconsidered her move to Silicon Vally after about a year of flights to the East Coast to pitch emergency services, car makers and logistics firms on the product, which assigns a simple three-word label to every 10×10-foot square on the Earth’s surface, enabling more precise location tracking.

Atlanta was a “happy medium” between West Coast and London time zones, plus it offered the world’s busiest airport. That helps the mom of a 1-year-old get back home quickly while also being able to afford the cost of childcare, which she called “basically unbearable” in California.

“In the South, in Atlanta, this is somewhere where family is really important, and that is something that is important for me too. You can go somewhere for a day,” she said, noting frequent consultations with automakers in Detroit via a shorter flight from Atlanta. “In Europe, we were really used to that.”

For Michael Campbell, vice president of sales for API software firm Tyk, Atlanta is an easy place to achieve work-life balance that is in demand among new hires. The University of Georgia graduate said the city’s weatehr and tree canopy are always great selling points for his British colleagues, as well as the fact that many U.K. firms have already seen success here.

“You don’t have to be on the frontier. There are people who have done it before,” Mr. Campbell said.

For Nicole Baxby, Georgia’s university talent is a differentiator. Not only are the state’s schools churning out great engineers in general, but they’ve also embraced fintech as a discipline and are partnering with companies to customize degree programs to ensure a strong talent pipeline in a state known as “Transaction Alley.”

Ms. Baxby is now with Featurespace, an AI-based fraud detection company born out of the University of Cambridge, but before that, she worked with Columbus-based TSYS in the U.K.; the company has now merged with Global Payments, a Featurespace customer. Even her alma mater, Columbus State University in the shadow of TSYS, has as fintech track in its computer science department.

Christian Nelson, chief strategy officer of U.K.-based TruRating, said his company has found great success integrating with key payment processors in Atlanta while still running a global team and connecting with the main user of its feedback-focused product: the restaurant and hospitality sector.

The COVID-19 pandemic, he said, has actually helped knit together its offices in Toronto, Sydney, London and Atlanta in new ways, causing leadership to grow even more attentive to the mental and emotional needs of staff during a trying time.

As for hurdles to greater exchange, Ms. Baxby cited communication, a nod to the old adage that the U.K. and U.S. are “two countries separated by a common language.” In general, she said, Brits tend to be less direct than Americans, and both sides must carefully consider the way they deliver words to avoid offense, she said.

“I always tell my British counterparts — sometimes I just need you to just say what you mean. I know you’re being really nice, but just rip the Band-Aid off,” she said.

Still, companies including TruRating and Featurespace have seen success sending over British founders to establish their base here.

As for future challenges on the U.K. side, Cardlytics and SalesLoft are watching closely how the the country hammers out its trading relationship with the EU. Having left the bloc officially in January, the U.K. is in the midst of a transition period through the end of this year.

A potential U.K.-U.S. trade deal now in its fourth round of negotiations, Mr. Grimes and Mr. Remmes said, pales in importance to getting the relationship with continental Europe right.

The U.K. company panel was moderated by Kristin Slink, fintech catalyst at the Advanced Technology Development Center at Georgia Tech.

The London-Atlanta event was sponsored by Atlanta accounting and advisory firm Aprio and U.K.-based Moore Kingston Smith, with which Aprio launched a partnership in August to bring its R&D tax credit practice to the country.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

How to limit business liability for COVID claims

Executive Director — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 22:11:49 GMT

The Georgia COVID-19 Pandemic Business Safety Act went into effect upon the Governor’s signature on Wednesday, August 5. This is the bill that limits potential liability for claims based on the transmission of COVID-19 at a business’s premises. The law protects Georgia businesses, including healthcare providers, from any claim for contracting COVID-19 unless a plaintiff can show gross negligence, willful and wanton misconduct, reckless infliction of harm, or intentional infliction of harm. This protection is automatic. An additional step is available if a business would like to create the rebuttable presumption of assumption of the risk by posting signs in at least 1-inch Arial font at all entrances with this language:

Warning

Under Georgia law, there is no liability for an injury or death of an individual entering these premises if such injury or death results from the inherent risks of contracting COVID-19. You are assuming this risk by entering these premises.

The signs should not have any other content, meaning this is the only message conveyed on the signs. It is a good idea for the business to take pictures of the posted warnings to document that it has complied with this requirement.

If you have any questions, you can contact Board Member Steve Dorvee.

Building on a Solid Foundation

Executive Director — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 23:33:33 GMT

The Business Case for a UK-U.S. Free Trade Agreement

Full Document

UK’s Costa Coffee launches in the US

Executive Director — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 13:01:32 GMT

President's Letter - Summer 2020

Executive Director — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 23:28:18 GMT

PRESIDENT’S LETTER: JUNE/JULY 2020

To our BABC Members and Friends,

Over the last two months, we have all experienced the personal and professional impacts of COVID-19. We have all been challenged in ways we could never have imagined. Fortunately, we responded quickly to this unprecedented time and adapted accordingly.

The BABC of Georgia provided a full calendar of virtual events during the month of May. The current pandemic has not slowed us down. We have been able to offer a vast selection of webinars on some very interesting and educational topics.

Our VP, Simon Jenner, hosted a webinar on E-Communication and the advantages to communicating a message with speed, but also how this speedy communication, without thought, can be detrimental to your personal life and career.

One of our newest Corporate Members, Security Centers International, hosted an event on Crime Trends and Cyber Security Threats during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was an eye opener to learn that while statistics on serious and violent crime are down, statistics in other areas like burglaries, auto theft and vandalism were on the increase. The webinar also included the psychological impact this period of isolation is having on human behavior.

On a lighter note, we were excited to host, for the very first time, our virtual Afternoon Tea. Some of our guests even wore hats to really get in the Afternoon Tea atmosphere. To add to the fun, our Event’s Chair, Kafi London, had prepared some trivia questions on the history of this quintessentially British occasion. Do you know when and by whom Afternoon Tea was first introduced? Do you know the difference between Cornish and Devon Cream Tea?

We are also thrilled to have developed stronger ties with the BABC Network. The various Chapters have been sharing and participating in each other’s events. Some of our webinar participants included BABC members from Boston, Philadelphia and Miami. This new approach to virtual functioning has not only allowed our members to stay connected during this time, it is now opening up opportunities for them to showcase their expertise with fellow BABC members around the United States.

On May 5th negotiations were launched towards a UK-US Free Trade Agreement and further rounds of talks will take place every six weeks. UK Government analysis shows that a trade deal with the US could lead to a $19 billion increase in trade which would be mutually beneficial to the UK and the US. The UK’s relationship with Georgia is already a strong one and we look to seeing that foundation being built upon.

From September, the BABC in Philadelphia will be partnering with their Department for International Trade (DIT) Board Members and the Welsh Government, to offer the BABC Network a series of quarterly webinar briefings on the US-UK Trade discussions. These webinars will be open to all our members in order to keep you updated on the talks.

During these Summer months we will not be slowing down our provision of virtual events, because we understand the need to Connect, Learn and Grow. Our selection will include COVID-19 and the Future of Financial Markets and a Women’s Series discussion on Practical and Tactical Strategies to Re-evaluate and Reimage Your Future.

Our Beer, Business and Banter this month will be a Pop Quiz Edition. So, I encourage you to brush up on your trivia. Who knows, those questions about Afternoon Tea might just come up!

If you have a topic you would like to share with our members, please be sure to let us know and we will be delighted to add your webinar to our Calendar of Events.

Despite these uncertain times, we are currently in the process of planning our late Summer, Autumn and Winter in-person events, beginning with our Annual Garden Party. We hope to have a date decided upon in the next coming weeks. So, get your hats and fascinators ready!

In the meantime, I wish all our members and friends a safe, healthy and POWER-filled Summer and I look forward to seeing you in a couple of months.

With warm regards,

Jennifer Riis-Poulsen

President

US-UK Free Trade Agreement

Executive Director — Tue, 05 May 2020 17:20:42 GMT

Today the UK’s International Trade Secretary, Elizabeth Truss, and the US Trade Representative, Robert Lighthizer, launched negotiations towards a UK-US Free Trade Agreement. This negotiation round will take place over the next two weeks. Further rounds will take place approximately every six weeks.

The UK and the US are already each other’s biggest investors, creating high-skilled jobs and stimulating growth in our respective economies. UK Government analysis shows that a US trade deal could lead to a $19 billion increase in trade which will be mutually beneficial to the UK and the US, including individual States across the United States. A UK-US FTA will also aim to secure comprehensive, far-reaching and mutually beneficial tariff reductions.

President's Letter - May 2020

Executive Director — Sat, 02 May 2020 13:31:48 GMT

PRESIDENT’S LETTER: MAY 2020

I am truly honored to be serving as President of the BABC Georgia. This is a year of new beginnings for us. And we look forward to sharing with you in the coming months the changes and improvements that we will be implementing for the benefit of our organization and members.

Nonetheless, the past few weeks have been unsettling. The way we work, play and interact has changed for us all. Phrases like social distancing and shelter-in-place are now part of our everyday lives. It has been said that the whole world is in the same boat. That is not quite how I would put it. I would say the whole world is going through the same storm, but in different boats. Our experiences during this time differ from person to person and business to business. What does unite us is our shared human ability to adapt and rise up above the challenges presented. Necessity has shown us new approaches around virtual functioning, using other means to establish that vital sense of human connection. For this reason, the BABC Georgia has implemented a robust selection of webinars designed to meet the needs of business and enhance our sense of community, while meeting our renewed commitment to our membership.

Despite the lockdown, we have not slowed our efforts in building the BABC Georgia into something stronger and better. Our Strategic Planning Committee, inaugurated last year, has been working for months to more closely align our organization with Atlanta’s status as a leading national and increasingly international hub. Accordingly, we are proud to introduce our members to the British American Business Chamber and the British American Banter Club. The Business Chamber™ will be focused on matters of business relevance and also networking opportunities, while the Banter Club™ will be centered on cultural events and social occasions important to our community.

The Business Chamber will include our Speaker Series, Educational Series, Women’s Series, Spotlight Series, and Department for International Trade (DIT) and British Consulate events. Both the Business Chamber and Banter Club will continue to enjoy our Beer, Business and Banter gatherings, our Afternoon Tea and roster of social occasions. The BABC’s calendar will be anchored by our four annual signature events, to which all members are invited. In the Spring, we will be presenting the Great British Sports and more (planned for 2021). The Garden Party will be held in the Summer. In the Autumn we will host the newly returned Oglethorpe Awards Dinner. The Winter will be reserved for our famous Christmas Luncheon. A renewed focus on our working relationship with DIT will be important to our mission in promoting closer trans-Atlantic ties.

We value each of our members and thank you for your understanding during this unprecedented time. We do encourage you to participate in our virtual events, where you can CONNECT, LEARN and GROW. This month includes E-communication – Pitfalls, Horror Stories and Better Approaches(https://www.babcga.org/event-3816099), How to Improve Your Home Office and Your Mental Office (https://www.babcga.org/event-3822794), What to do if you still have travel plans booked for the next coming months (https://www.babcga.org/event-3816124) and for the very first time, our virtual Afternoon Tea (https://www.babcga.org/event-3804644). If anyone has a topic they would like to share please contact exec@babcga.org and we will be happy to work with you on a webinar for our Calendar of Events.

I look forward to the day when we can resume our in-person activities and meet face-to-face. In the meantime, I hope that each day is a safe, healthy and POWER-filled one for you and your families.

Jennifer Riis-Poulsen

President

BABC Georgia

Signature Event: Annual Christmas Luncheon

Executive Director — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 17:54:40 GMT

Great times had by all at BABC-Georgia's Annual Christmas Luncheon! This is one of our favourite events each year, and 2019 did not disappoint!

Guests enjoyed a fabulous traditional Christmas feast while being serenaded by an incredible musician. Raffle prizes galore, including round trip airfare on Virgin Atlantic! One of the very best parts, that we look forward to all year, is our special BABC rendition of 12 Days of Christmas. Each table joins in and hams it up as they sing their day. Check out the video here...it's hilarious! Prizes are awarded to the table with the best animations/loudest proclamations.

See all the photos HERE.

Women's Series: Giving Tuesday

Executive Director — Wed, 20 Nov 2019 18:10:09 GMT

What a humbling and eye-opening experience, we can be proud of what we achieved in such little time : we salvaged over 10,000 pounds of food, and made boxes of 8283 meals, in addition to donating $1000! We cannot thank everyone enough!

It was incredible to work with all of our Women's Series partners across Atlanta and combine efforts to make a significant impact for Atlanta Community Food Bank!

Check out the photos HERE.

Downton Abbey Advanced Screening

Executive Director — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 17:04:44 GMT

The Lords and Ladies were dressed to the nines and enjoyed cocktails and networking before the movie! Special thanks to Consul General Andrew Staunton for joining us.

We were given an advanced copy and were able to arrange an early screening of the film. The Springs Cinema & Taphouse provided excellent appetizers and themed cocktails, and we held a raffle after the film with incredible prizes.

This is a great example of the unique programming that BABC-Georgia offers. We hope you'll join us for our future events!

Check out the photos HERE

More Than Networking: Relationship Building

Executive Director — Sun, 01 Sep 2019 12:00:22 GMT

“Don't make transactions, make relationships” -Vijay Bahl

Bruce Cotterman and Vijay Bahl both joined the BABC in 2013. In 2017, what had started simply as networking with like-minded businesspeople grew into Bruce helping Vijay and his clients walk through the often-complicated world of visa applications and immigration affairs.

Anyone who has had to work with USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services) will know the importance of a 'Do it once but do it right' approach. Even in cases where it is a simple family petition for a spouse or parent, the crossing the T's & dotting the I's is imperative. Add the complexity of applying for business status with employment opportunities and partnering with professionals becomes a necessity.

Vijay, who is Broker/Owner, of Lotus Property Investments LLC, needed someone with familiarity to help with EB-5 applications in his growing business. As an experienced EB-5 business plan developer, Bruce, founder of global management business advisory service BAS Group LLC, was a great fit. The partnership allowed Vijay to provide more EB-5 services across the U.S. with a focus in Georgia. For more than two years, the duo has serviced clients seeking EB-5 business plans, ranging across the globe from Bahrain to Vietnam.

Their story is a perfect example of the partnerships that can develop through being active in the BABC. Often, working as an Expat or a representative for a foreign company can be isolating. Having the support system of others that face the same challenges as you do, or who can address a specific need you may have, is invaluable.

Both Bruce and Vijay say the reward is having a variety of satisfied clients that trust in the services they are offering, from the moment they realize there is someone there to help them. “Each client is our favorite as their country, business concept, foreign investors, timing and approach differs - with each being interesting as well as challenging,” emphasizes Bruce.

A Successful EB-5 (Employment Based 5) Partnership

The United States offers an Investor “Green Card Holder” Visa Program called EB-5 to encourage foreign investments and economic growth in the U.S. By investing a minimum $500,000 (sourced funds) to finance a business in the United States that will employ at least 10 American workers, eligible Immigrant Investors and their families with children under the age of 21 can become lawful permanent residents. A key initial step for an EB-5 investor is to provide a detailed EB-5 business plan that is legally compliant for submission to the USCIS. This plan must include a strategic employment plan with employment opportunities, hiring dates, responsibilities, and compensations and contributions.

Successful EB-5 business plans require an advisor who is experienced and knowledgeable with USCIS regulations for establishing businesses, construction, foreign and local financing, cash flow pro-formas, employment, supply chain, market analysis and more. These plans must have significant detail over a month, by month period for the first few years and then extend further over a 5 to 10-year period. Bruce leverages his decades of experience with global clients in building and leading businesses to add crucial information to a plan, including potential ROI and number of jobs expected to be generated, both direct, indirect and induced employment.

The working relationship between Bruce and Vijay is one of mutual respect for the other’s experience in the world of international business. Vijay especially praises Bruce’s thoroughness in preparing a comprehensive, yet very specific business plan on behalf of the investor client. “Bruce has shown to have the in-depth knowledge and the extra layer of formulating critical data for different business models, specifically to support the critical employment component of the business study. While Bruce's credentials speak for themselves, the way he engages his business relationship is more vital. If you want a seamless experience then let Bruce take the helm and pen the business plan for your needs, in or out of USCIS.”

Complementary Services

Vijay brings to the partnership 25 years of commercial real estate knowledge in both England and the United States. Vijay is a board member of the ACBR (Atlanta Commercial Board of Realtors) with a niche in the hotel industry. A business, which creates a large interest in the number of domestic & foreign clients applying for EB5 status. He has consulted with international investors and foreign agencies to help facilitate the process in the United States from a wide variety of countries, including Vietnam, India, Germany and Kazakhstan.

Bruce Cotterman is President Emeritus of BABC of GA and Past President, Managing Director and founder of the BAS Group LLC, a global management business advisory service. He is presently a management and corporate leadership consultant following his sale of BAS’s client base assets to other management firms.

The BABC congratulates Bruce and Vijay for their successful business partnership. If you are interested in joining the BABC and expanding your networking opportunities with other British businesses and leaders, please contact Lindsay McCabe at exec@babcga.org.

Lunch and Learn: Leveraging the Power of LinkedIn

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 16:19:38 GMT

BABC Corporate member, HLB Gross Collins, hosted our June Lunch and Learn event presented by social media consultant and Director of Business Development, Melinda Schmiedeknecht. Not only did participants walk away with specific actions to improve their business building activities on LinkedIn, but they also were able to network and nurture relationships with fellow BABC members at the event.

Georgia Lawmakers Show Bipartisan Love for the United Kingdom

Executive Director — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 20:32:22 GMT

BABC-Georgia in the news!

Check out the article HERE

The UK-US trade relationship in five charts

Executive Director — Tue, 08 Jan 2019 15:52:07 GMT

The US is a major trade and investment partner for the UK - by some measures the biggest of all.

One issue on President Trump's agenda while he is in Britain will be whether - and how - to deepen that relationship.

So just how intertwined are the two economies?

As a single country the US is the largest export market for the UK. It is, however, well behind the EU when the bloc is viewed as a single market.

There is some logic to viewing the EU in that way, as it has a single external trade policy and most of its members share the same currency.

As a supplier of goods and services to the UK, the US comes in second, behind Germany.

BAB Policy Update | September 2018

Executive Director — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 20:41:43 GMT

CLICK HERE

Trade and Investment Update | July 2018

Executive Director — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 20:39:41 GMT

CLICK HERE

Press Release on UK Sec of Trade Speech on UK Trade

Executive Director — Wed, 18 Jul 2018 19:32:35 GMT

BritishAmerican Business responds to keynote on UK trade by Secretary of State for International Trade, the Rt Hon Dr Liam Fox

London – On 18 July 2018, at a speech given at the Royal Society, London, the Secretary of State for International Trade and President of the Board of Trade, the Rt Hon Dr Liam Fox announced that the UK government will be starting formal consultations on a potential free trade agreement with the United States of America (USA). In response, BritishAmerican Business CEO Duncan Edwards made the following statement:

“Today’s speech certainly marks a historic moment in UK-US trade relations as it reflects the ambition of the UK government to strengthen economic ties with the US, the UK’s most important single-country trading partner."

“We welcome the announcement that the US will be one of three priority markets for which the UK Government is launching formal consultations, and we hope that this positive momentum continues in the coming months towards opening a new chapter in economic relations between both countries."

"As this consultation comes in the context of the UK leaving the EU, we also welcome the Secretary’s comment that the UK government is working to maximise the UK’s trade with the rest of the world without impeding its current trade relationship with Europe which is so important for many of our businesses and workers on both sides of the Atlantic.”

Press Release on UK-US Working Group on Trade and Investment

Executive Director — Wed, 18 Jul 2018 14:50:30 GMT

BAB Welcomes Fourth Session of the UK-US Trade and Investment Working Group and Second SME Dialogue held in London

London – BritishAmerican Business (BAB) welcomes the joint release by the Secretary of State for International Trade and President of the Board of Trade, The Rt Hon Dr Liam Fox MP, and the US Trade Representative, Robert Lighthizer, after the fourth session of the UK-US Trade and Investment Working Group, and the second meeting of the US-UK Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) dialogue that took place in London last week.

BritishAmerican Business CEO, Duncan Edwards:

“The fourth meeting, the size of the delegations, and the progress in talks, ahead of the visit of the US President, continue to be evidence of sustained momentum by both sides to explore a wide range of areas where the UK and US could have deeper economic integration.

Exploring future potential of collaboration is welcome and important, no matter what the scope for a US-UK future trade agreement will be. We are particularly pleased by the progress made during the second meeting of the SME Dialogue that BAB was proud to support in London.

We applaud both Governments’ commitment to providing resources to assist SMEs with greater access to finance and business support that will spur growth, jobs and make it easier for business owners to turn their ambition into reality.

BritishAmerican Business fully supports the Working Group objective of bringing our nations closer together, by focusing on strengthening trade and investment ties. We, as a transatlantic business community, stand ready to support the US and UK Governments in this important process for the mutual benefit of both countries.”

Royal Wedding Watch Party

Executive Director — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 17:14:12 GMT

Royal Wedding Watch Party

There was so much excitement in the air at 5.15am as I entered the doors of the Indian Hills Country Club. Today, Saturday, May 19^th, was the day we at the British American Business Council had been planning since the Engagement of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle. It was our Royal Wedding Watch Party. The big screen was already up and showing live coverage from Windsor of all the guests arriving at St George’s Chapel.

The staff at Indian Hills Country Club were busy setting up, getting ready for our 75 guests, who would arrive at 5.45am.

Our guests dressed in wedding attire. Ladies wore hats, men wore suits, tuxedos and tailcoats. We brought St George’s Chapel to a Country Club in Georgia. Our guest list included people of all nationalities, excited to witness a union between our British Prince to an American Actress. This was truly a unique and historic experience.

“It’s been wonderful. A great occasion. Very well put on. Everything was just perfect,” said one guest from South Africa.

Our guests enjoyed a traditional British Fare that was a combination of a Breakfast and Afternoon Tea. Yes, we had sausages, eggs and baked beans alongside cucumber sandwiches and scones.

To make this event a truly Royal experience, we served lemon cake with elderflower icing, the same flavors as the Royal cake.

“I absolutely had a wonderful time and met some very cool people. It was a great turnout,” said another guest.

To add to the Britishness, our Bagpiper, who was dressed in a full Scottish outfit, entertained our guests with some traditional sounds from the Highlands.

This was a very successful BABC event. A uniquely British occasion, where we offered our guests a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Something they will never forget.

To view more photos, CLICK HERE.

New BABC President

Executive Director — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 17:10:40 GMT

BABC-Georgia is a member of the larger BABC with 20+ other chapters. We are pleased to announce the appointment of Stuart Bagshaw as the President of BABC International.

Contact:Dominic Parker, Senior Communications Assistant, BritishAmerican Business London (BABC Secretariat) 020 7290 9882

Date: 19 June 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

British-American Business Council (BABC) Appoints Stuart Bagshaw as President

BABC has announced the appointment of Stuart Bagshaw as its new President, taking over the role from Tom Stevens, of BABC Chicago who left the role earlier this year. Bagshaw boasts extensive experience in the transatlantic economic space, as current Chief Executive of British American Business LEAP (Land Expand Accelerator Program) LLC and past President, Chairman and current board member of the British-American Business Council Northern California.

Duncan Edwards, CEO, British-American Business Council said:

“I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Stuart on his appointment as President of the BABC. With his prior experience in this space I have every confidence in his ability to continue delivering a fantastic standard of work in this new role and look forward to working with him closely over the coming months and years.”

Steve Allen, Chairman, British-American Business Council said:

“I’d like to offer my congratulations to our newly elected President of the BABC Stuart Bagshaw. I have known Stuart for many years through his involvement in our network as a former President and Chairman of Chapter in Northern California and I’m looking forward to working with him going forward.”

Stuart Bagshaw, President, British-American Business Council said:

"I am honored to accept the role of President of the BABC. Having been involved with this organization for almost 20 years, I have experienced the value that the BABC brings to any business with a strong interest in Transatlantic trade. This remarkable network has evolved over the decades helping to promote commerce and cooperation between the USA and the UK throughout its membership. As new governments come and go, the BABC has adapted and adjusted to accommodate policy and political changes on both sides of the Atlantic.

The BABC recognizes that it must stay current if it is to maintain its influence and its ability to remain one of the most respected business networks within the Atlantic alliance. I hope to continue the work of my predecessors in helping the organization add value to the current generation of members.”

About the British-American Business Council

The British-American Business Council is the largest transatlantic business network, dedicated to advancing economic growth for companies with operations in the UK and the US. BABC has more than 20 individual chapters, and over 2,000 member companies based in major business centres throughout North America and the United Kingdom. For more information, please visit www.babc.org

###

BABC Launches Finding Your Way: The Trade and Investment Guide to the US 2018/19

Executive Director — Sun, 10 Jun 2018 15:30:42 GMT

Date: 7 June 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Dominic Parker, Senior Communications Assistant 020 7290 9882

British-American Business Council (BABC) Launches ‘Finding Your Way: The Trade and Investment Guide to the US 2018/19’ – Produced by BritishAmerican Business (BAB)

London - On 7 June 2018, BABC launched the latest publication in its Trade & Investment Guide series: ‘Finding Your Way: The Trade and Investment Guide to the US 2018/19’. The publication was launched in Birmingham at the Annual BABC Transatlantic Conference, bringing together over 250 business leaders and government representatives from both sides of the Atlantic.

‘Finding Your Way’ was produced by BritishAmerican Business on behalf of BABC in order to provide UK companies looking to either trade with, or invest in the US with a comprehensive and straightforward guide to ensure they do so with the best knowledge possible. The publication offers expert advice from our partner companies, answers to frequently asked questions, and links to useful resources to help these companies on their transatlantic journey.

‘Finding Your Way’ contains features on the main issues UK companies may face when bringing their business overseas to the US including; Immigration, Finance, Insurance, Logistics and Tax – kindly provided by our expert member companies Gibney Anthony & Flaherty, Santander, Travelers, UPS and Deloitte. The guide also features showcases on select states in the US and the unique, business-friendly environments they have created.

BAB is delighted to have received the endorsement of both the UK Department for International Trade (DIT) and SelectUSA for this publication.

Duncan Edwards, CEO, BritishAmerican Business and CEO, British-American Business Council said:

“Britain’s small and medium-sized enterprises are the lifeblood of the economy, accounting for 99.9% of all private sector businesses in the UK. Of these companies, approximately 25% export their goods and services across the globe, over half of whom export to the US market.

These numbers illustrate the value and importance so many of Britain’s small and medium sized enterprises identify in the transatlantic trade and investment relationship as a source of growth and success for their business. Our chief goal at BABC is to nurture this relationship further, and help businesses of all sizes share their world-class products with our friends and colleagues in the US.

We hope this publication will act as a first port of call for any business looking to take their business overseas, and encourage them to play an active role in maintaining the transatlanticeconomic relationship as the most valuable on earth.”

Press-Release-for-Finding-Your-Way-Launch.pdf

Trade & Investment Guide

Statement on Heathrow Expansion

Executive Director — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 22:19:05 GMT

BAB Publishes Statement on Heathrow Airport Expansion

London - On 5 June 2018, Heathrow Airport received approval from the UK Government for the construction of a third runway at its airport in Longford, England, outlined in the latest Airports National Policy statement tabled today by Secretary of State for Transport, the Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP. The proposed £14bn private investment is projected to create approximately 60,000 new jobs and double Heathrow’s cargo capacity, generating up to £74bn in economic benefits.

BAB welcomes the UK Government’s support of Heathrow’s case for a third runway, through which it can maintain its position as the UK’s only Hub airport and the largest port by value to markets outside the EU and Switzerland. The UK’s airports are critical in maintaining our connection with the world, both for business and tourism.

BAB has long been a vocal supporter of Heathrow’s case for expansion, outlining in its 2018 Policy Agenda its necessity as part of the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy as a driver for growth. Heathrow plays an essential role in the success and future of the UK-US economic relationship, which is worth over a trillion dollars in Foreign Director Investment (FDI) and over £160 billion in trade annually. Every month thousands of travellers from North America land in Heathrow. 87% of American business visitors repeatedly travel to the UK bringing substantial business with them.

Duncan Edwards, CEO, BritishAmerican Business said:

“Heathrow’s expansion comes at a critical juncture in Britain’s future. As the UK negotiates its future relationship with the European Union, and begins to redefine its position on the world stage, the approval of these plans deliver the message that Britain is open for business. We are delighted to that the Government, too, sees the value in Heathrow’s expansion and echo the Secretary of State for Transport’s vision “to build a Britain that is fit for the future.”

BAB hopes that the UK’s MPs will look to these plans with the same ambition and optimism that we do, and approve the National Policy Statement in a timely manner to ensure Britain, and the world, isn’t kept waiting.”

February Policy Update

Executive Director — Fri, 02 Mar 2018 02:49:41 GMT

DIT Intern Position Open!

Executive Director — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 19:22:15 GMT

The UK Department for International Trade is the international commercial arm of the UK government. DIT USA is tasked with assisting US companies expanding to or within the UK, and with UK companies entering the US market. The Atlanta/Miami post covers Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee and Puerto Rico. Atlanta has an opportunity for a self-motivated individual to gain valuable, real world experience assisting the Financial and Professional Services team as an intern.

Job Posting

BABC-Georgia's Annual Christmas Luncheon

Executive Director — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 21:04:17 GMT

Even an Atlanta snowstorm couldn’t stop us from celebrating! Our fabulous Christmas luncheon included a traditional feast that included crackers, turkey with trimmings and Christmas pudding!

While the snowstorm kept some folks away, over 50 members and guests of the British-American Business Group attended this year’s festivities at the City Club of Buckhead, which is our home base for Board Meetings and other business events. There is no better place to meet and greet clients and friends of the British-American Business Council than the City Club of Buckhead located in the landmark Atlanta Financial Center.

During this event, BABC President Bruce Cotterman reiterated the importance of BABC-GA as the UK continues to grapple with the impact of the Brexit vote. He also spoke about the exciting things the Events Committee is working on for 2018.

Congratulations to new member John Little on his winning of 2 round trip tickets to London on Virgin Atlantic! Thank you, as always, to Virgin Atlantic for their ongoing support of the BABC.

During the festivities and tremendous meal, acquaintances and business relationships were furthered with both current and potential clients. We also added to our ranks with new members joining see below:

Michelle Hibbert of Wellness Adventures Worldwide
Allan Slimming of Atlantic Brand Connections

We wish everyone a safe a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

To see more photos of the event, CLICK HERE.

A close win for GIACC in the second annual Cricket Match against BABC

Executive Director — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 13:38:39 GMT

By Mahadev Desai
(Original Article HERE)

December 2017

Bruce Cotterman and Mark Pierson (not pictured) presented a commemorative plaque to Hon. Jeremy Pilmore-Bedford. (Photo: Mahadev Desai)

The second annual India vs. U.K. Cricket Cup match between the British American Business Council (BABC) and the Georgia Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (GIACC) was played at Oglethorpe University’s soccer field on Sunday, November 12, 2017.

The two teams’ players donning official uniforms (BABC in orange color) and (GIACC in blue), flanked by two West Indian umpires, Oral Simpson and Conrad Rogers, posed for group photographs and introductions by their respective captains. Despite very cold and cloudy weather, the match began promptly at 12:30 pm when India’s opening pair of Rohan and Rishi walked to the crease. West Indian cricket commentator Enos Phillips (from Guyana) engaged the spectators with his fluent, crisp, and often amusing ball by ball commentary. India team made a slow start but later increased the pace with a flurry of shots by Rohan Dabir who scored 22 runs off 22 balls. But runs came slowly in just ones and twos. Due to drizzle, play stopped after six overs when India was 64/1. The players and spectators used the break to enjoy snacks and hot coffee/tea. Due to weather and time constraint, it was decided to play 14 instead of 20 overs match. Rishi retired after scoring 13. And Gautam stepped in. He hit a few crisp drives but got out for 19. Ketan, Tanmay, Sapan, Ashish, and Jinish batted but none could score against England team's bowlers Farrakh, Tom, Adeel, Andi, and Gordon. Three batsmen retired. England threw away 29 runs in extras! GIACC closed its innings at 109/3.

BABC opened their batting turn with Jagdish and Andy. The start was even slower than GIACC’s. Ramu got an early wicket of Jagdish. Rohan bowled Andy. Captain Carl got out for a naught. Wickets fell at brief intervals and BABC were 50/4 after 8 overs. But Guy walked in and blasted a flurry of shots all over the field. He hit three huge sixes and four fours! He was severe on Gautam taking 16 runs off his over! There was nail-biting suspense as BABC edged near century mark. But Guy fell in the final 14th over when he was 54. BABC could score only 96/7. But it was an exciting finish compared to last year's match. For GIACC, Rohan took two wickets for 13 runs, and Ramu got two wickets, including Guy's for 21 runs.

After the match, all headed for the Hearst Hall for Reception and Awards Ceremony. GIACC President Mark Pierson declared it a fantastic match to watch, despite the weather. “We got it done! We had a great time and a great reception.” He thanked the sponsors. Title sponsor Atul Deshmukh (Captain, GIACC), of KNAV, an international assurance and accounting practice, thanked British Consul General in Atlanta, Hon. Jeremy Pilmore-Bedford for gracing the reception and BABC for being a great partner. The Consul General of India could not attend, but it was good to have Bikash Kumar from the Consulate on the team!

Anita Ninan, international business attorney with Arnall Golden Gregory, LLP and a GIACC Board member, had arranged for the reception with Indian and British food and beverages. The Arnall Golden Gregory law firm partners with BABC in helping UK companies and Indian companies coming into the USA. “What better community camaraderie than cricket,” she said, “that unites both India and the United Kingdom."

For the second year Future Tech sponsored the elegant uniforms for the BABC team. Its Director Anj Balusu said that Future Tech has been in Atlanta 20 years, and supporting cricket for more than a decade. Future Tech is an IT and outsourcing Company with $100 million in revenues and over 1,000 employees. It also supports other deserving causes.

BABC Captain Carl Newton presented the quintessential cricket shirt for the BABC to British Consul General Jeremy Pilmore-Bedford. BABC President Bruce Cotterman commended the organizers of the match, which he said was phenomenal. “We brought the English weather with us,” he quipped. “It was a fabulous match, second year, and we will be looking forward to the third year. Both teams—great job. The food was delicious. Watch out next year! (Laughter) Thank you.” Bruce presented a plaque to British Consul General for his help and participation. Hon. Jeremy said that two years ago, he, Mark, and Nagesh Singh came up with the idea of a cricket match between BABC and GIACC. "I enjoyed the match and also to see that the British team is on an upward trajectory. We were only 13 runs away from victory. We will thrash you next year! (Laughter). Next year, maybe a match in spring."

BABC Captain Carl said that there is lot of work involved in organizing the match and he commended everyone for their help. “Congratulations to GIACC. Well played." Mark thanked Amber Mehta, Practice Director of International Assurance and Accounting Advisory at KNAV International, and also the Treasurer of GIACC, for the proactive role he played in organizing the event, and also complimented Exec. Dir. of BABC, Lindsay McCabe, for helping with the logo on the BABC shirt.

GIACC's Captain Atul praised the performance of BABC team, especially batsman Guy. "Great show. Fantastic bowling. Good fielding, too. We look forward to maybe two games—one in spring and one in fall."

Pierson then recognized and thanked the two umpires, Oral Simpson and Conrad Rogers, and Commentator Enos Phillips. Tanmay helped out as a score-keeper. Media was represented by Mahadev Desai and Anjali Chhabria from TVAsia.

While Conrad announced the names of the awardees, British Consul General Jeremy presented the trophies:
Best Batsman: Guy Goosen
Best Bowler: Ramu
Man of the Match: Rohan graciously invited Guy to join him on stage while receiving his award.
Finally all cheered and clapped enthusiastically as GIACC Captain Atul was presented the Winning Team trophy.

Both teams along with coaches and umpires posing with British Consul General Jeremy Pilmore-Bedford. (Photo: Arpit Padhiar)

The Future of UK-US Trade

Executive Director — Mon, 06 Nov 2017 20:20:44 GMT

The Future of UK-US Trade
Updated Position – October 2017

We support efforts that strengthen the vital UK-US economic relationship

The UK-US economic relationship is one of the most comprehensive and successful in the world. It drives innovation, jobs and growth in both countries. We welcome efforts by UK and US Governments to strengthen that relationship. Having been a key promoter of transatlantic economic integration in the past; we will support initiatives that help to foster this vital relationship in the future.

We welcome the creation of the UK-US Working Group on Trade and Investment and the exploration of a potential future UK-US Free Trade Agreement

We welcome the creation of the UK-US Working Group on Trade and Investment (WGTI) and the sustained momentum it has received since it was first announced. We stand ready to provide a business stakeholder engagement platform into the dialogue, so government can hear directly the views of businesses in different sectors that trade and investment across the Atlantic every day on UK-US market access issues and the scope of a future US-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

There is much scope to bring the UK-US economies closer together ahead of an FTA

There is much scope to bring the UK-US economies closer together ahead of a FTA. The ‘Moving Forward’ Paper published in April 2017 by BritishAmerican Business, which includes the London and New York Chapters of the network, outlined ten areas that transatlantic businesses see as a starting point for further UK-US economic collaboration, which can be tackled ahead of FTA talks and which can help set the objectives for a future US-UK FTA. We welcome the US and UK Governments efforts to work on those and congratulate both Governments to the recent positive announcement of a US-UK collaboration agreement in science.

The discussion on a future UK-US FTA must be held in context of ongoing Brexit talks and with view to create a strong and integrated transatlantic economy

We strongly advocate for the UK-US FTA discussion to take place in the context of the Brexit talks and the aim to create and sustain a strong transatlantic economy; and with that the ongoing economic integration of the US and the EU. Our members value the transatlantic relationship as a source of innovation and growth. A future US-UK FTA must therefore be part of a triangular thinking that ensures that the UK, EU and the US are together part of an integrated transatlantic economy.

October 2017

Brexit Priorities

Executive Director — Mon, 06 Nov 2017 20:19:08 GMT

Brexit
Updated Position – October 2017

The transatlantic business community remains committed to a strong UK that provides the best possible access to the EU

In a survey conducted by BritishAmerican Busienss, which incorporates the BABC chapters in London and New York, pre-referendum, 95% of transatlantic businesses who responded wished for the UK to remain part of the EU. It is with that mandate that we advocate for a for a negotiation outcome that best serves both the UK and the EU economies, its citizens and our members; many who operate daily across borders. We are committed to a strong UK that provides the best possible access to the EU.

We welcome proactive UK Government stakeholder engagement

We welcome the increase the proactive engagement UK Government shows at a senior level and opportunities to present our members’ concerns and priorities. As negotiations continue, it is important to keep lines of communications open and demonstrate that Government is taking business views into account.

We have serious concern about a lack of progress on critical business issues

Although the risk of a ‘cliff-edge’ scenario has decreased, and positive developments made on a transition period, we remain concerned about the lack of progress made in negotiations and continued lack of solutions in difficult areas that matter to business. As negotiations approach the March 2019 deadline, the largest areas of concern remain the decision over a transition period and its length, and the overall lack of clarity about the kind of economic integration the UK wants to build with the EU post-Brexit.

Brexit is already impacting investment decisions

The UK’s decision to leave the EU and the uncertainty around its future relationship with the EU has already used up substantial human and economic capital for businesses trying to mitigate its effects. The continuing uncertainty over the UK’s future attractiveness as a destination for business is already impacting our members decisions to invest in UK operations. The prospect of additional financial costs, administrative burdens, increase in supply chain times and restrictions on accessing foreign talent is causing companies to either move or hold back investment.

Key concerns for transatlantic businesses

Key concerns for businesses in the transatlantic community in the Brexit negotiations include:

· The economic impact of a customs border between the UK and the EU

· The economic impact of a growing regulatory divergence between the UK and the EU.

· The economic impact of the reduced ability to attract talent, short-term and long-term.

· The economic impact of potential divergence from the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the UK an unclear participation of the UK in transatlantic data flows frameworks (‘Privacy Shield’)

October 2017

Atlanta Office Of International Affairs: Year In Review

Executive Director — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 20:46:07 GMT

From the Mayor's office:

Four years ago, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed reopened the city’s Office of International Affairs. Since then, it has been a pleasure working with all of you and supporting your activities throughout our city.

During the last twelve months, our office welcomed more than 70 international delegations, supported seven missions to overseas markets and promoted trade and investment activities across the region. We couldn’t have been able to accomplish this work without you. Please accept our deepest gratitude for your help and support.

Please find below our year-in-review report for the fiscal year 2016/2017.

2016-17 Year in Review Compressed.pdf

BABC Policy: Statement on UK Position Paper on Customs Arrangements

Executive Director — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 15:28:59 GMT

BABC-Georgia welcomes the UK Government’s proposals for a future customs relationship with the EU as well as its aim to explore a model for an interim period that offers frictionless trade across the borders and helps avoid a “cliff edge scenario”.

Minimizing any disruption to business through an agreed transition period and providing clarity on the future trading relationship with the EU as early as possible have been a key ask by the transatlantic business community, which includes major American investors and leading British firms.

Both options presented, however, are still likely to increase the burden for businesses who trade between the UK and the EU. We therefore continue to advocate for a model that is as close as possible to existing arrangements. This will be essential in maintaining the United Kingdom’s status as a desired trade and investment partner.

Our businesses are looking forward to continuing its strong engagement with the UK Government on achieving this aim.

Statement on UK Election result

Executive Director — Fri, 09 Jun 2017 20:27:40 GMT

Statement on UK Election Result

The next UK Government is charged to deliver one of the greatest political and legislative challenges of our time: Defining a new relationship between the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU).

Our network represents 22 chapters in major cities throughout the US, UK and Canada, including major British and leading American firms, the latter accounting for the largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the UK. The majority of transatlantic businesses wished to see the UK remain a part of the EU – the world’s largest trading block. Transatlantic business therefore has a huge stake in the outcome of Brexit negotiations. In the light of the British people’s decision we are committed to help building a fair, competitive and global Britain, in partnership with the EU and other countries in the world.

Delivering clarity on Brexit negotiations

To ensure that the UK remains an attractive place to live, work and invest in, it is imperative that the new UK Government delivers clarity as to when and how it wants to proceed with the Brexit negotiations. Any outcome of the negotiations needs to ensure that it supports British business' trade in goods, services and data flows, secures US investment and investment-related jobs in the UK and creates the conditions that promotes the UK as an attractive destination for investment going forward.

The BABC appreciates the previous UK Government and Departments efforts in addressing our transatlantic business’ concerns and priorities. Now, with the first negotiation round in sight, we urge the new Government to show its promised openness to find practical, reasonable solutions to the complexity of issues that Brexit entails, and sufficient time for businesses to adjust. Our overall call for the new UK Government remains that the period of uncertainty needs to be as short as possible.

Ensuring a strong and sturdy UK economy now and post-Brexit

A strong UK economy is important for business, workers and consumers; and it is a crucial factor in ensuring a strong role for the UK during the negotiations with the EU.

The next Government’s objective needs to create an even more competitive business environment, particularly through a smart and encouraging tax system, investment in infrastructure, an immigration system that allows our companies to attract the skilled talent they need, and a focus on trade and investment and the delivery of a comprehensive Industrial Strategy, among others.

US-UK Economic Relationship as a source of strength and opportunity

The UK-US economic relationship stands for unparalleled business ties across the Atlantic. The US is the number one export destination for the majority of UK regions and nations. UK firms continue to grow and expand into the US. US firms employ more than one million workers in the UK.

There has never been a better opportunity to relaunch and strengthen the UK-US economic relationship as a source of strength and opportunity. We are excited about the shared commitment expressed by the political leaders to explore future options of further economic integration.

Even during the complex Brexit negotiations, much can be done to offer more opportunities for UK and US firms in each other’s markets. We encourage the next UK Government to continue efforts to open a formal dialogue on the future of the UK-US trade and investment relationship; meant to provide short- and mid-term options that can help to foster UK-US trade in goods and services, too deepen investment, and to explore options for formal trade arrangements in the future that can work in partnership with the EU and other countries.

Why overseas companies should set up in the UK

Executive Director — Thu, 25 May 2017 20:54:23 GMT

Reasons:

The number 1 destination for inward investment in Europe
What international businesses say about the UK
Opportunities in different industries
Tax in the UK
Skills and recruitment
Getting help from the Department for International Trade
Infrastructure development in the UK
Entrepreneurs and graduates
Exporting from the UK
Finding a location for your business
Registering a business in the UK
Visas and migration
Financial support
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)

View the full article HERE

BAB Statement - Article 50 Triggered

Executive Director — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 20:37:06 GMT

BABC-Georgia will hold an Election Night Pub Night on June 8, and we will watch the results as they come in!

"Today, the UK Government officially notified the European Commission of its intention to withdraw from the European Union. While the majority of BritishAmerican Business members had not been in favor of leaving the EU, they remain fully committed and ambitious when it comes to their business in the UK and in the transatlantic economy.

"Our members want the UK to remain an attractive place to live, work and invest in. For that to work, it is imperative that the UK makes its relationship with the EU work for business and that Government delivers on its promise to offer the business community a clear and realistic time frame and pathway for an ambitious future relationship with the EU, post-Brexit, right from the start of the negotiations.

"We welcome the UK Government’s efforts to consult and work with the business community in this important time of change, and we look forward to increasing the level of exchange between all departments involved; particularly as the negotiations will need to address complex issues, such as talent mobility, data flows, customs and regulation/ standards. It will be critical to provide clarity on how these issues are addressed during the time of the negotiations and after in order to minimize business disruption and facilitate the transition to the post-Brexit state.

"BritishAmerican Business brings together leading British firms and major US investors, who alone stand for 46% of Foreign Direct Investment in the UK. During these uncertain times, the UK-US economic relationship is, and remains, a significant source of strength and opportunity. To further build on this transatlantic relationship, it is important that the relationship between the UK and the EU delivers a healthy business environment for both the UK and the EU".

For more information please contact: Tim Horan, Communications Manager
Email: thoran@babinc.org; Tel: +44(0)207 2909878

THE FUTURE OF THE UK-US ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP

Executive Director — Fri, 24 Mar 2017 17:58:05 GMT

THE FUTURE OF THE UK-US ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP

-Moving forward-

Published on 24th March 2017

BritishAmerican Business (BAB) and British-American Business Council (BABC) speak for over 2000 UK and US-based companies on both sides of the Atlantic. Our membership includes leading British and American companies, contributing significantly to jobs, growth and innovation on both sides of the Atlantic.

We are committed to helping UK and US Governments with our expertise and transatlantic presence in their efforts to open a new chapter in the UK-US economic relationship; a relationship that is so crucial for the prosperity for our economies, companies and citizens.

1. Investment

The UK and the US share the world’s largest foreign direct investment partnership. We encourage the UK and the US Government to make a joint commitment on investment, reflecting the largest bilateral investment relationship of one trillion dollars between the UK and the US and offering joint leadership to sustain open, inclusive and competitive markets as a basis for prosperity. As part of this commitment, the UK and the US should develop new approaches for a state-of-the-art dispute resolution mechanism. Further, the UK and the US should explore incentive schemes for bilateral investment and capital flows, particularly around public-private partnerships and with respect to government procurement opportunities.

2. Regulation

The UK and the US should continue exploring areas and sectors where the alignment of bilateral regulatory systems can lead to new business opportunities and reduce costs of unnecessary regulation. Future alignment should be around science based pursuit of norms that ensure balance and proportion between risk and precaution, while supporting innovation led approaches to deliver better outcomes in healthcare, consumer safety, environmental management and emerging technologies.

3. Research and Innovation

The UK and the US have world leading research and innovation systems, benefitting our economies and its citizens. We encourage leaders to develop of a joint agreement that builds on the existing Horizon 2020 EU-US Agreement and enables further collaboration in science and research between UK and US scientists and researchers. The UK and US Governments should also explore increasing collaboration in higher education, particularly between our world-leading universities, which will allow for our countries to build on their joint leadership role and to draw on the great economic potential linked to it.

4. Financial Services

The UK and the US are home to the leading financial centres in the world. UK – US financial services offer deep pools of liquidity and agile product and service structures and share many common features including an overriding commitment to prudence over excessive risk taking. UK and US Governments should make a joint commitment to the UK-US financial services relationship that seeks to explore how UK and US markets can be integrated under one regulatory umbrella.

5. Talent Mobility

Attracting and employing skilled workers by drawing on an international pool of talented professionals is imperative in yielding a successful economy, particularly to address shortages of high-skilled labour. Our history of immigration and the role played by immigrants has been closely tied to the economic success of our nations. The UK and the US should therefore explore new visa arrangements for UK and US citizens to foster the bilateral movement of talent, with enhanced abilities to live, study and work.

6. Data

The free flow of data is more crucial than ever to companies operating across the Atlantic. Building on progress being made with the EU-US ‘Privacy Shield’ mechanism, the UK and the US should lead driving new pragmatic solutions that protect citizens’ privacy while allowing for the free flow of data. In any innovation economy, data is the heart and soul of growth. The pragmatism of the UK and the US can offer a path that is globally compelling for sustainable deployment of data driven technologies.

7. Services

The UK and the US economies are characterized by large and growing services sectors. The UK and the US should explore ways of enhancing trade in services, particularly in business services, which are key input for global values chains. The UK and the US should also explore ways to further enhance competition and encourage growth in the market for ICT and services.

8. A Rules-based System for Trade

The UK and the US have been leading in creating a global rules-based system for trade. The UK and the US should assess if and how both countries can help further develop global governance structures of trade, particularly through the World Trade organisation (WTO). With that, the UK and the US should commit their leadership role in the Trade in Services Agreement (TiSA) negotiations.

9. A new Trade Policy

Both, the UK and the US benefit from trade, but trade also changes economic infrastructures. The UK and the US should be leading in developing a new trade policy that includes improved mechanisms, such as Trade Adjustment Assistance Programs, designed to help workers to adapt to global trade and protects public service obligations, while spurring innovation and growth for our economies.

10. Trade Outreach and Consultation

In light of a future formal trade arrangements, the UK and the US should prepare trade education campaigns aimed to showcase the benefits of mutual trade and investment for our economies and its citizens. Governments should also use the opportunity to map out future stakeholder consultation process on trade.

Contact:

BritishAmerican Business & British-American Business Council

Policy Team: policy@babinc.org

BABC- Georgia Members Making Meaningful Connections!

Executive Director — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 00:45:35 GMT

Sure, we all love to get together and socialize over a frothy pint, but the British American Business Council of Georgia is more than just a social group. It’s a great way to meet others and find ways to collaborate our businesses – it’s networking at its best! A great recent example is how Robbie Maples with Cunningham Lindsey and Melinda Schmiedeknecht with Resonate Marketing were able to collaborate and educate a group of over 100 people at a recent educational seminar.

A brief overview of each company is as follows:

Ø Cunningham Lindsey is the largest privately-held loss adjusting company globally having a history that dates back over 125 years of industry service. The Group’s global network comprises some 7,000 staff members with representatives in over 70 countries around the world.
Cunningham Lindsey offers highly experienced loss adjusters and
associated technical staff to provide a focused claim service across a range of specialist disciplines and business sectors. They have proven expertise for handling major losses the world over, particularly where complex technical issues predominate.
Ø Resonate Marketing assists small business professionals in creating and implementing digital marketing plans. Resonate Marketing specializes in creating social business strategies that integrate with traditional marketing campaigns and educating business professionals on the most efficient methods for leveraging the power of social media.

Robbie sits on the Board of the Southern Loss Association (SLA), which is supported by Cunningham Lindsey. SLA is an insurance industry non-profit organization with the mission “to serve as a forum and medium for the discussion, study and consideration of loss adjustment problems, coverage questions, policy forms, laws and statutes common to all insurance companies.”

Melinda graciously accepted Robbie’s invitation as a guest speaker at the SLA’s 24^th Annual Educational Seminar to talk about the do’s and do not’s in Social Media and was able to seamlessly tie it into the world of Insurance. To quote Mr. Maples, “…she was great! With an ever-changing business environment that seemingly revolves around social media trends, we must embrace how to responsibly use social media as a tool. I can’t think of anyone more qualified to help teach these concepts – and in a fun, entertaining, and easy to understand presentation! Thanks Mel!”

As you gather around the next Breakfast Briefing or unwind at the next Pub Night after a long day at the office, be sure to take the time to get to know your fellow networkers. You may be able to find a way to help each other with your own expertise!

Transatlantic Conference

Executive Director — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 20:52:01 GMT

Each year the BABC Transatlantic Conference works on promoting a robust dialogue between the United States and the United Kingdom, drawing upon the thought leadership of Senior Executives from over 2,000 member companies. Following on from successful conferences in New York and London, this year’s Transatlantic Conference will take place in Chicago May 10-11.

In light of the changing economic landscape the timing of this year’s Transatlantic Conference has never been more significant. The 2017 theme “Navigating the New world” will focus on evolving opportunities in the US, Canada and Europe and absorbing changing in the realities of economies, trade borders and governance. Attendees will benefit from meaningful engagement and relevant networking with senior business, government and academic participants from across many industries and regions.

Conference Schedule:

· Opening Cocktail Reception - Shedd Aquarium
· Conference - Cathedral Room of the University Club
· Gala Dinner -Terzo Piano Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago
· 14^th Annual British Consul General Awards
· PJ O’Rourke after-dinner Speaker
· 8 Months’ Thought Leadership Platforms: Pre and Post Conference.

In conjunction with the conference, on January 9^th the BABC Chicago launched an 8 month Thought Leadership platform Pre-and Post-conference. This platform posts regular, substantive thought leadership items from BABC members and will do so for the 4 months preceding the Conference. In the 4 months after the conference the platform will reflect on the conference information, and provide practical applications of the content to business. Take a look at the Thought Leadership to date at www.babc2017-chicago.com/thought-leaders-platform

Speaking ahead of the conference, President of the BABC Chicago chapter, Tom Stevens said “The 2017 Transatlantic Conference is a practical recognition of broad volatility across, markets, economies, governance and borders. In parallel, it is a much-needed investigation and celebration of the thought leadership across the breadth of the BABC family, throughout the US, Canada and UK. Our incredible strength is founded upon a diversity of industry, capitalization and geography – and there is much leadership and brilliance to harvest as we all must – today – define opportunities, make weighty business decisions, commit capital, mitigate risk, and be responsible corporate actors. Look across our panels, some 8 groups of heavyweight CEOs and senior executives, and you will quickly see the genetics of the Conference – absolutely not parochial, but certainly "Chicago Practical."

CEO of the British American Business Council, Jeffries Briginshaw said "This yearly conference brings together our UK-US business network to offer thought-leadership and substantive networking. Now, more than ever, business leaders are seeking connections with each other and engagement with local governments on both side of the Atlantic, in order to better navigate an uncertain global future."

Laurence Geller, Chairman, 2017 Transatlantic Conference said: “It is this backdrop of uncertainty and change that makes BABC’s Annual Transatlantic Conference so exceedingly important. With Thought Leadership as its underlying theme, the discussions will not only inform, identify the power and relevance of strategic partnerships and, without a doubt, provide an important voice in the policy debates proliferating on both sides of the Atlantic.”

Her Majesty's Consul General Stephen Bridges said: "The theme 'Navigating the New World' could not be more relevant for 2017's BABC Annual Transatlantic Business Conference, and I couldn't be more delighted that Chicago has been chosen as the host city. The 'special relationship' between the US and the UK is poised to grow even stronger in the coming year, and the deep UK ties to Chicago make this a perfect venue for the BABC."

To learn more about the conference, to read some of the Thought Leadership from our members or to register attendance, visit http://www.babc2017-chicago.com/index.html

Notes to Editors:

About British American Business Council (BABC) www.babinc.org is the leading transatlantic business Organisation, dedicated to helping companies build their business on both sides of the Atlantic. Its membership brings together the world’s leading multinational and middle market companies across sectors and geographies; and more than 100 of the world’s most successful CEOs support its work through their participation in its Advisory Board.

It incorporates the American Chamber of Commerce (UK) and the British-American Chamber of Commerce (USA), which merged in 2000 to create a single, pre-eminent transatlantic organization that could support its members across the Atlantic. The Organisation is made up of 22 chapter organizations in Cities across The United States, Canada and the UK.

For more information on the different BABC-Chapters can be found at http://babc.org/

Interested on becoming a member or learning more about BABC-Chicago events can be found on the website. http://www.babc-chgo.org/

About the Transatlantic Thought Leadership Platform:

The platform consists of a blog and video program of curated authors featuring exceptional stories and thought leadership. While our touchstone rests upon commerce between the US and UK, this is a transcendent platform, seeking great moments from all corners of the globe. Senior business executives, academicians, government officials and other thought leaders contribute content.

Interested in Thought Leadership, check out our contributions to date: http://www.babc2017-chicago.com/thought-leaders-platform.html

Full List of Conference speakers can be found here: http://www.babc2017-chicago.com/index.html

Media Contact:

Anna Kavanagh
Marketing & Communications
312.880.1040
anna@babc2017-Chicago.org

India vs UK Cricket Cup

Executive Director — Wed, 16 Nov 2016 02:17:10 GMT

What a wonderful event! Both teams worked hard and had fun. BABC congratulates GIACC on their victory, and we anticipate a major comeback next year!

Many thanks to some special organisations:

GIACC worked tirelessly to plan an incredible event

The Consulate General of India and KNAV hosted the fabulous post-match reception

FutureTech, one of our Corporate Members, sponsored the uniforms for the BABC-11

Thank you so much for all of your support!

Please take a moment to check out the photos from the event HERE and the TV Asia coverage HERE.

November Newsletter

Executive Director — Thu, 10 Nov 2016 19:22:21 GMT

President's Corner

The press are widely referring to the election of Donald Trump as 'America's Brexit'. Simmering grass-roots frustrations on both sides of the pond have led to shock results and an uncertain outlook, especially for businesses. The implications of both votes are still unravelling. What is clear is that there will be both risks and opportunities. And the best way to be ready is to engage, learn and adapt.

The British-American Business Council of Georgia is a great forum to keep abreast of developments by interacting with your fellow local business people directly. Our events provide the forum for sharing ideas, hearing from experts, connecting with a broad range of skilled people, and preparing yourself for the uncertain times ahead.

But if the political uncertainties are getting you down, now's a great time to sign up for our annual BABC-GA Christmas Party on December 16th. Or bring the family and come and support the BABC cricket team as we take on the Indian chamber this Sunday. Details below.

Next Friday's Breakfast Briefing will be a fascinating insight from Iain Bluett, President of independent ticketing agency Ticket Alternative. Based in Atlanta, they make some of the biggest events run smoothly...including Taste of Atlanta and last year's Rolling Stones concert at Bobby Dodd Stadium.

Finally, do check out our new website. We've been working hard to completely update all our BABC back-end systems to improve the user experience and help us continue to grow our group. (If you're interested in tech, we've deployed Wild Apricot for membership management & website; Hubspot for CRM; Campaign Monitor for email/direct marketing; and Piesync for contact integration. Happy to share our experiences if you're considering deploying any of these.)

I hope to see you at a BABC event soon.

James Anthony
President
BABC-Georgia

New Website!

We have a new website! We are excited to bring you a dynamic site that is much more user friendly. We welcome your feedback! Members, please check your email later today with your new username and password, and instructions about how to log in.

Check It Out!

India vs. UK Cricket Match

Sunday, November 13
12:30 p.m.
Oglethorpe University Soccer Field

Complimentary

We've gathered a great team to represent the UK in this cricket match! Come cheer on the team and network with other Brits. Match at 12:30, Reception at 5.

Breakfast Briefing

Friday, November 18
7:15 a.m.
City Club of Buckhead

$25 Member / $30 Guest

In the next installment, Ticket Alternative and Freshtix co-founder Iain Bluett will discuss how his company has been able to make adjustments to address changes in the industry- something that is important in every industry!

Brexit & Beyond

Complimentary

Thursday, December 1
8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Arnall Golden Gregory, LLP

Please attend a complimentary
seminar on what U.S companies need to know when entering the U.K. and
Europe post-Brexit. Hear from a variety of impactful speakers, and enjoy complimentary breakfast & lunch.

Pub Night: Ship & Anchor

Complimentary

Tuesday, December 6
5:30 p.m.
Ship & Anchor Pub

Find your way to the Legendary BABC-Georgia Pub Night at Ship & Anchor Pub at Perimeter, from 5:30 - 8:00 PM. The service is top notch and you will always enjoy being treated like royalty in this old world British pub. Bring a guest and expand your business networks while having a little fun.

Christmas Luncheon

$55 Member / $70 Guest

Friday, December 16
12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
City Club of Buckhead

You won't want to miss our Annual Christmas Luncheon, complete with a traditional Christmas lunch and, of course, our rendition of the 12 Days of Christmas!

Register

Corporate Member
Kevin Glass
Atlanta International Schools

Associate Member
Nick Waylett

British-American Business Council of Georgia
1395 East Cobb Drive, #72721
Marietta, Georgia 30007
404-681-2224
admin@babcga.org

New BABC-GA Site!

Executive Director — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 01:07:43 GMT

Welcome to the new, improved, BABC-Georgia site! We have listened to your feedback and we've worked hard to bring you a more responsive site that is more user-friendly. We hope you enjoy the simpler registration process and the streamlined systems.

Since we've recently moved to a new platform, all of our old news items and newsletters were not moved from the old site. Please take a look at the past newsletters posted here and know that we will be bringing you all new content in the coming months!

If you have any questions, please email Lindsay at admin@babcga.org.

October Newsletter

Executive Director — Wed, 19 Oct 2016 01:26:02 GMT

October 2016 BABC-Georgia Newsletter

404-681-2224

EMAIL US

JOIN NOW

EVENT CALENDAR

President's Corner

Atlanta Pride

Women's Series

International Golf Classic

Christmas Luncheon

Welcome New Members!

In this Issue

New Corporate Member

Anj Balusu

(FutureTech)

New Executive Member

Dirk Vande Beek

(Travelport)

Greetings,

Our Brexit debate on October 23rd garnered great feedback from all who attended. Whatever your views on Brexit, it's clearly going to have a significant impact on business in the UK, Europe and the rest of the world. Attendees got firsthand insight from a distinguished panel, including representatives from the UK Government's Department of International Trade (DIT). Watch out for more events like this and come along to keep abreast of current thinking by networking with your peers in BABC-GA.

November has a sporting focus for BABC. Our International Golf Classic on November 7th is a great opportunity to entertain clients and colleagues; there are prizes and sponsorship opportunities available. Then on November 13th, BABC-GA will be playing cricket against the Indian chamber team at Ogelthorpe University. Reach out to Duncan Sandy's if you're interested in playing.

Finally, some BABC members will be joining the British Consulate in the Atlanta Pride Parade this Sunday. Britain is one of the most progressive countries in the world for LGBT rights and a welcoming place for any one to do business. Meet an the W Atlanta Downtown from 8.30am on Sunday if you'd like to show your support.

Thanks for your support. I hope to see you at a BABC event soon.

Regards,

James Anthony

Atlanta Pride: British Consulate

This Weekend! October 9, 2016

W Atlanta

The UK is proud to be recognized as one of the most progressive countries in the world for LGBT rights and a welcoming country for all.
Join the British Consulate for breakfast, the parade march, and a post-parade reception. More Info & RSVP Here

Women's Series: Women in STEM

October 27, 2016 5:30 p.m.

L'alliance Francaise/ Goethe Institute

The lack of diversity in STEM is no secret, and Women In Bio Atlanta chapter are excited to bring awareness to this issue by hosting a premiere panel guests to discuss their careers and insights on navigating through male dominated fields.

This is the 12th installment in the Women's Series, which is a joint venture between BABC-Georgia, FACC, GACC, NACCSE, Belgian-American Chamber, and Women in Bio.

More Details & Registration

International Golf Classic

New Date: November 7, 2016

Country Club of Roswell

Gather a team for an exciting day of golf, networking, and prizes. Sponsorship Opportunities are Available, beginning at $300! Please contact admin@babcga.org for more information.

$150 per player

$600 per 4 person team

More Details and Registration

Annual Christmas Luncheon

December 16, 2016

City Club of Buckhead

Save the date for our Annual Christmas Luncheon! This event is one of our favorites each year! We hope to see you all there! Registration will open next week.

More Information

Trans-Atlantic Council Member

September Newsletter

Executive Director — Fri, 09 Sep 2016 01:28:19 GMT

September 2016 BABC-Georgia Newsletter

404-681-2224

EMAIL US

JOIN NOW

EVENT CALENDAR

Greetings,

We held our Annual Garden Party on September 8 and it was a great time, as usual. During this event, British Consul General Jeremy Pilmore-Bedford reiterated the importance of BABC-GA as the UK continues to grapple with the impact of the Brexit vote. We express our gratitude to Jeremy for his ongoing support and opening his residence to us for this special event. You may view photos from the event by clicking here.

The First Minister of Wales, Rt. Hon Carwyn Jones, made a visit to the US last week and the Board of BABC-GA hosted a lunch for him. We shared our experiences of doing business in the southeast, and he shared examples of Welsh companies expanding over here. The drive of the Welsh government to expand business into our region and offer attractive incentives to companies considering Wales as a European base is a reflection of the increasing maturity of Wales as an excellent business location. We anticipate doing more with the Welsh Office over the coming months and years. Please see below for more information about his visit.

Our Events Committee has been diligently planning several interesting events for the remainder of 2016. More information about each of these is below. I look forward to seeing you at one of our events soon.

Regards,

James Anthony

Breakfast Briefing:
Investing in the UK

Next Week! September 23, 7:15 a.m.
Thompson Hine, Buckhead

Join us for a networking breakfast, graciously hosted by Thompson Hine at their Buckhead office. We will have a panel discussion with some fantastic guests: UK Department for International Trade, Welsh Government, UK attorneys, and more. This is sure to be fascinating and thought-provoking.

More Details and Registration

Pub Night: Ri Ra

October 4, 2016 5:30 p.m.

Ri Ra Irish Pub, Midtown

Find your way to the Legendary BABC-Georgia Pub Night at Ri Ra in midtown from 5:30-8:00 p.m.The service is top notch and you will enjoy being treated like royalty in this old world Irish pub. Bring a guest and expand your networks while having a little fun.

More Information

Knowledge Share Forum

October 18, 2016 6:00 p.m.

City Club of Buckhead

Our Knowledge Share Forums always get rave reviews from attendees! Save the date for this evening of networking and education. The Events Committee is finalizing the details, and we will update you as soon as they are finalized.

International Golf Classic

November 8, 2016

Country Club of Roswell

Gather a team for an exciting day of golf, networking, and prizes. Sponsorship Opportunities are Available, beginning at $300! Please contact admin@babcga.org for more information.

$150 per player

$600 per 4 person team

More Details and Registration

Other Notable Events

Cybercon: September 27

Cybercon 2016 brings together business, governmental and academic leaders to discuss the continually evolving cybersecurity landscape. Join us for a conference filled with practical, actionable sessions on cybersecurity issues. More Info

Atlanta Pride: October 9

The British Consulate General Atlanta is proud to participate
in Atlanta Pride 2016.
Join us for breakfast, the parade march and a post-parade reception. We will raffle off amazing prizes courtesy of Virgin Atlantic and W Hotels, then march through downtown Atlanta sporting Union Jacks and rainbows! More Info

Bound for the UK: December 1

BABC-Georgia is proud to co-sponsor this event, alongside Corporate Member Arnall Golden Gregory.

BABC Christmas Luncheon: December 16

Join us for Christmas crackers, turkey with trimmings and Christmas pudding. And of course, the famous 12 Days of Christmas Performance! This year's luncheon will be held at City Club of Buckhead.