Stephen Wares
President, BABC
Northern California

VP Business Development
Dear Members and Friends of the BABC,
 
March and April have been a busy time for your BABC Northern California and I’m delighted to say that it seems that events are back! I would also like to welcome our new members and extend my thanks to our renewing members for your on-going support, all of whom are presented below.

On Tuesday, March 29th, we held our first “Wine, Beer and Business Banter” networking event at Werqwise in San Mateo with over 30 guests attending. Terrific event, in relaxed and social setting. Great to see our members out and about again and to see some new faces as well. These events happen every other month immediately following the BABC Board Meeting and will alternate between Werqwise in San Francisco and their brand new co-working facility in San Mateo. Click here to learn more about the next event on May 31st in San Francisco.

On Wednesday, March 30th, we held the 11th Annual Funding, Exits and IPOs event at Werqwise in San Francisco. This was our first panel event since the pandemic subsided and ironically, it was the last panel event before we all went in to lockdown just over two years ago. Over 50 guests joined us for what turned out to be an excellent event and fireside chat led by Richard Waters, West Coast Editor of the Financial Times. A huge thank you to our sponsors and speakers. More details below.

One of our flagship events took place this last Friday. The Annual International Golf scramble with our friends at the Australian American Chamber of Commerce and the German American Business Association. A spectacular day out at the San Francisco Presidio Golf Course with over 80 players in the tournament. Thank you to all who joined us to play and sponsor this event. Some great photos here.

Please take a look at our upcoming events. On April 21st, we have partnered with the British Benevolent Society to celebrate St. George’s Day at The George Hotel in Union Square. This is a New Member Drive and any new member signing up on the day will receive a free ticket to attend a future BABC event (excludes the Annual Economic Forecast and Christmas Lunch).

Another one of our Flagship events, the 32nd Annual Economic Forecast Luncheon will be held in two weeks, (April 27th, 2022), at The City Club in San Francisco.  This event is already over 50% sold out. We have some top-tier speakers lined up with some excellent content so please join us. Open to members and non-members. More details are provided below.

Following that, the first of our quarterly Brits in Marin Social Networking Evening/Happy Hour will be held on April 28th at The Junction Beer Garden in Mill Valley. All are welcome, even if you don’t live in Marin!

So all in all, lots going on and many opportunities to connect and network.

Finally, if you have been thinking about joining now is a great time to do so. From now, through the end of April, all new members will receive one free ticket to attend one of our events (excludes the Annual Economic Forecast Lunch and the Christmas Lunch). Please contact our Executive Director, Jo Healey, at [email protected] to learn more.
 
Sincerely,
Stephen Wares
BABC President
Joe White MBE
Tech Envoy to the US & British Consul General San Francisco
Dear BABC Members,

Hopefully you are all experiencing the same sense of emerging from hibernation that we at the Consulate are feeling. We’re spending more time in the office, entertaining more high-level visitors, and hosting more events than we’ve been able to consider for more than two years. The warmer springtime temperatures certainly help.

Last year’s commitment from the UK to be a global science and technology superpower can be actioned more directly and with greater impact. I will be attending London Tech Week in June, I’m traveling to Washington DC quarterly to brief the US on trailblazing tech policy, including the Online Safety Bill. The team is also reinvigorating relationships in-person again with recent visits to Seattle, Portland, and Sacramento and we were able to attend GDC in real life, supporting 12 Welsh companies, among others.

Since the Bay Area has been declared one of three international Global Talent Hubs, we will see the introduction this year of new Global Talent visas open to the best and brightest Americans looking to settle and work in the UK.

We continue to pursue commitments to the UK Zero Emission Vehicle Declaration from states, cities, companies, and communities as part of the UK’s presidency of COP26.

Celebrations for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee will be in early June and San Francisco City Hall will be lit up in red, white, and blue to mark the occasion.

Wishing a happy Passover and Easter to those who celebrate and a joyful, healthy, and revitalizing springtime to you all.
 
Joe White MBE
Tech Envoy to the US & British Consul General San Francisco
UPCOMING BABC EVENTS
U.S.-UK VIRTUAL TRADE EXPO
In partnership with the BAB Network, BritishAmerican Business is pleased to invite you to join the Second Annual U.S.-UK Virtual Trade Expo, Wednesday April 20, 2022.

Facilitated through an online events platform that offers an immersive and interactive expo venue, businesses looking at the U.S. and UK as investment destinations will have the opportunity to take a deep dive into the various regions to learn more about what makes each area unique and the benefits of market entry. Each region will have their own exhibitor booth with local agencies and experts available to share information and answer questions live.

Platform:
V-Fairs (details to follow once registration is confirmed)

Regions & Nations Represented:
Birmingham (UK) * Boston * the Carolinas * Chicago * Georgia * London (UK) * Miami
New York * Nashville * Northern California * Orange County * Scotland (UK) * Texas

DATE:
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2022
TIME:
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM PDT
11:00 AM 1:00 PM ET
4:00 PM 6:00 PM GMT
SOCIAL NETWORKING & NEW MEMBER DRIVE
CELEBRATING ST. GEORGE'S DAY
TICKETS NOW ON SALE!

Come celebrate St. George’s Day with us at the King George Hotel (334 Mason St, San Francisco, CA, 94102).

This mixer and new member drive event will be a fun social gathering bringing together members of the British American Business Council Northern California (BABCSF) and the BBS (British Benevolent Society). We aim to bring the British community together and introduce potential new members to both our organizations.
DATE: THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022
TIME: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
32nd BABC ECONOMIC FORECAST LUNCHEON
Join us for our 32nd Annual BABC Economic Forecast Luncheon on April 27, 2022 at the City Club in San Francisco. 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. 

The last two years have seen profound economic changes, from remote work to accelerated digitalization, and a less stable global landscape. The Bay Area is at the center of many of these shifts. Our panelists will discuss the implications and the road ahead, both locally and globally.

Tickets and tables are selling quickly so don’t delay in registering!

DATE: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2022
TIME: 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
SOCIAL NETWORKING: LAST THURSDAYS (QUARTERLY) HAPPY HOUR IN MARIN!
Join fellow Brits and BABC Members for our quarterly happy hour in Marin.

This is a great opportunity to catch up with friends in beautiful Marin and meet more members of our BABC community living in the North Bay. Guests from the East Bay, South Bay and San Francisco also more than welcome. Free to attend, no host bar.

We will be meeting up at The Junction's beautiful outdoor beer garden in Mill Valley, and are limiting this event to the first 20 registrants. While it is free to attend, please do register and look for the table with the UK and US Flags on it.

Can't wait to see you there!
DATE: THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2022
TIME: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
2022 SPRING EUROPEAN NETWORKING EVENING

Hosted by Premier Member Werqwise (4 West 4th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94402)

In celebration of Europe Day (May 9th), The British American Business Council Northern California, French American Chamber of Commerce San Francisco, and German American Business Association in cooperation with many European Chambers of Commerce invite you to join us for another wonderful European Networking Evening.

Come and mingle with entrepreneurs and a range of professionals involved in cross-border business in a relaxed and European atmosphere!

Our European Networking Events regularly attract more than 150 international business professionals so don't delay in purchasing your ticket as space is limited.

Registration is available via the button below for BABC Members and tickets are available on a first-come first-serve basis.

If you are a member of the French American Chamber of Commerce or the German American Business Association, please visit their websites to register.

If you are a member of another European Association, please register at the Eventbrite link below:


DATE: WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2022
TIME: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
PREVIOUS BABC EVENTS
10TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL GOLF SCRAMBLE
We had a spectacular 10th Annual International Golf Scramble on Friday, April 8th at the Presidio Golf Course in San Fransisco.

It was great to bring back this much-loved tournament to the City and re-connect with friends and colleagues, and meet some new people as well. 80 players joined us for the competition!

We would like to thank all who joined us (including the Coyote!), Joe Deleon and his team for hosting us at the Presidio Golf Course, and of course, a huge thank you to all of our sponsors and donors for bringing this event to life:


Check out the photos here.
WINE, BEER AND BUSINESS BANTER NETWORKING EVENT
On Tuesday, March 29th, we held our first “Wine, Beer and Business Banter” networking event at Werqwise in San Mateo with over 30 guests attending. Terrific event, in a relaxed and social setting. Great to see our members out and about again and to see some new faces as well.

These events happen every other month immediately following the BABC Board Meeting and will alternate between Werqwise in San Francisco and their brand new co-working facility in San Mateo. Click here to learn more about the next event on May 31st in San Francisco.

Check out the photos here.
11TH ANNUAL FUNDING, EXITS AND IPOS
On Wednesday, March 30th, we held the 11th Annual Funding, Exits and IPOs event at Werqwise in San Francisco. This was our first panel event since the pandemic subsided and ironically, it was the last panel event before we all went in to lockdown just over two years ago. 

Over 50 guests joined us for what turned out to be an excellent event and fireside chat led by Richard Waters, West Coast Editor of the Financial TimesHe was joined by long-time panelist for this event, Bill Reichert, Pegasus Tech Ventures, and new to the panel were Ronan Kennedy, B Capital Group, Maryanna Saenko, Future Ventures and Cecily Mak from Blockdaemon.

We would like to thank all panelists, our guests and our sponsors, HSBC, CCW Business Solutions, Invest Northern Ireland, Werqwise and Penfolds Wine.

Check out the photos here.
MEMBER EVENTS
RAPHAEL HOUSE 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Join Raphael House as they celebrate 50 years of helping families in the Bay Area! Help honor the legacy of founder, Ella Rigney, former executive director, Fr. David Lowell and family, and the more than 20,000 families you have helped us serve over the years.

This event will be different from galas in the past to ensure your well-being, and will include a special cocktail reception and fundraiser -- emceed by Liam Mayclem, San Francisco's "Foodie Chap."

Capacity is limited but your support is limitless! You are a part of Raphael House’s rich history and successful programs. They can only do this important work with you by their side, and so they look forward to celebrating with you!
DATE: SATURDAY, MAY 14, 2022
TIME: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
MEMBER NEWS
CHANGES TO IMMIGRATION RULES – WHAT EMPLOYERS NEED TO KNOW

The Home Office has published its latest Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules taking effect from 6 April 2022 which includes new immigration routes, as well as some changes and rebranding for existing routes.

The Home Office is presenting these changes as part of its commitment to simplify the Immigration Rules and provide greater clarity to businesses and workers (we are reserving judgment on that claim for now).

Continue reading here.
NEWS FROM THE ECONOMIC INSTITUTE

Skilled Immigration Provisions in America COMPETES Act

Last month the House passed the America COMPETES Act, which increases the federal government’s investment in scientific research and contains a range of other measures to enhance U.S. technological competitiveness The House bill parallels a similar Senate bill, USICA (the United States Innovation and Competition Act), passed in 2021. While the bills share many features there are also significant differences, which will be addressed this Spring in a House-Senate conference.

Continue reading here.
California's Competitiveness in Basic Science and Advanced Technology

The Bay Area and California are home to extraordinary assets that place the region and the state at the center of technology and innovation globally. That success lies at the heart of job creation, tax revenue, and economic competitiveness. There is no reason to believe that this will change soon, but California also faces challenges that if not addressed could erode its long-term leadership. This column, based on a new report from the California 100 initiative, hits the high points.
SIGNS IT'S TIME TO SELL YOUR BUSINESS

Once upon a time, a smart individual started a company. Now that person is the proud owner of a business that has become a living, breathing entity. One that’s a force to be reckoned with in its industry. One that continues to establish itself as an enterprise capable of growth, agility and profitability.

But now it’s time for that smart person to move on.

For some, that story may seem like somewhat of a tearjerker. And yes, all entrepreneurs who care about their businesses, feel the toughness of the situation. But selling a business can also be a wonderful adventure. We know that too because we’re all former business owners that understand the importance of growth in business, and how a sale can ensure the continued upward trajectory of a business, even if we’re not at the helm.

Continue reading here.
SHOULD YOU BUY OR LEASE A CAR? A GUIDE FOR EXPATS BY BANK OF THE WEST

It’s no secret that the United States is a country that loves cars. Ever since the dawn of the Model T, the American love affair with the automobile and open road has been a defining feature of the national identity. So how will a car fit into your American adventure?

Aside from the obvious—and fun—question of which model and color you like best, there’s the important decision about how you’ll acquire the car. Will it make more sense to buy it, either with cash or a loan, or lease it for a set period of time?

Continue reading here.
LEWIS & LLEWELLYN CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY
Lewis & Llewellyn was pleased to recently celebrate the firm’s tenth anniversary. Founded in February 2012 by Marc Lewis and Paul Llewellyn, the firm now numbers sixteen attorneys supported by a team of highly experienced support staff. 

As they reflect on the past ten years, they are deeply grateful for the tremendous support received along the way from clients, colleagues and friends. With the firm’s recent expansion into Southern California, and with more exciting announcements on the horizon, Lewis & Llewellyn look forward to continued success in the years ahead.
HAVE YOU HEARD OF SURF AIR'S FLIGHT PACKS?
Flight Packs are a great way to share Surf Air with friends and family, pre-book travel during busy periods, and enjoy a fixed rate for every flight. 
 
For non-members, Surf Air has bundled the membership dues and a discounted pack of flights together.
 
Flight Packs pricing for non-members:

  • $6,000 - 10 flight reservations + Access Membership
  • $12,000 - 24 flight reservations + Access Membership
  • $13,000 - 36 flight reservations + Access Membership
  • $25,000 - 84 flight reservations + Access Membership
  • $29,000 - 100 flight reservations + Access Membership

*Terms, conditions and some flight restrictions apply
 
For more information, contact the Sales team at (424) 348-3809 or email [email protected].
BABC NETWORK NEWS & EVENTS
BAB WELCOMES US/UK ANNOUNCEMENT OF SECTION 232 TARIFFS DEAL
In response to the March 22nd announcements made by UK Secretary of State for International Trade, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, United States Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo, and United States Trade Representative Katherine C. Tai that a deal has been reached to remove tariffs on British steel and aluminium exports to the US after a longstanding dispute between the two countries, BritishAmerican Business CEO Duncan Edwards said:

“This announcement is hugely welcome as it begins to resolve the last major trade dispute between the US and UK. BAB has advocated for the removal of the steel and aluminium tariffs since 2018 and was encouraged by the steps taken by the US, EU, and Japan on this issue in December 2021 and January 2022. That these discussions have resulted in an agreement to replace the Section 232 tariffs with a high level of tariff-free access for steel and aluminium exports to the USA, is very good news, although we believe that there is still more to be done."

Continue reading here.
THE QUEEN AND THE U.S.A.: THE BOOK, THE AUTHORS AND THE PLATINUM JUBILEE
The British-American Business Association's Program Committee invites you to a Zoom webinar on "The Queen and the U.S.A.: The Book, the Authors and the Platinum Jubilee," on April 27th 2022 from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM EDT. This event is complimentary, registration is required.

In 2022, Her Majesty The Queen will become the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee after 70 years of service. As a tribute, a Platinum Jubilee Edition of The Queen and the U.S.A. will be published in April. Two of the four authors, H. Edward Mann and Jacques J. Moore, Jr., will discuss how Her Majesty embodies the best of the 'special relationship" between the United States and Great Britain.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2022
TIME: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM EDT
WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS

CORPORATE MEMBERS






Pix is the world’s first wine discovery platform with a simple matchmaking mission: to pair people with bottles that bring them joy. Maybe you’re looking for the perfect Prosecco to bring to a surprise party. Or you’re an unabashed cork dork hunting for that Slovenian stunner you sipped on vacation. With a surprisingly clever search engine, alongside bottle reviews and articles from trusted voices in wine, you’re just a click and a clink away from your new favorite bottle.
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Andersen is one of the largest independent tax firms in the United States, providing a wide range of tax, valuation, financial advisory and related consulting services to individuals, commercial clients and alternative investment funds. Andersen encompasses top advisors with previous experience in international accounting firms, law firms, IRS and state taxing authorities. Many of our advisors hold multiple professional credentials and have expertise in a broad range of complex and sophisticated financial and tax matters, to provide clients with comprehensive, integrated solutions.

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Daphne Royse
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR RENEWING MEMBERS

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PREMIER MEMBERS
BUSINESS MEMBERS

CORPORATE MEMBERS
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YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

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WITH THANKS TO OUR SUSTAINING
PATRON & PREMIER MEMBERS
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MEMBER TO MEMBER OFFERS
Enjoy the perks of being a Member
One of the benefits of membership in the BABC Northern California is the opportunity to access Member to Member Only special offers and hot deals.


To learn how to access codes and instructions, log in to your BABC Account and click on the Member to Member Deals button
BABC Members receive a $200 Amazon Gift Card upon receipt of signed contract. Mention @BABCSF when you make the call! 
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