News

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 

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.

 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 

 

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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

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.”

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

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.

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
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