Stephen Wares
President, BABC Northern California

VP Business Development

Dear Friends of the BABC Northern California,
 
The year certainly does seem to be off to a flying start for your chapter as all things Covid start to ease up. Hopefully the positive trend will continue and we can all get back to some sense of normalcy very soon. We are moving forward with that in mind and the BABC has a few in-person events coming up that I hope you can attend and use them to get back to networking!
 
First up is our annual events for UK expats which will be virtual. This is your chance to get your questions answered from a panel of experts on international tax, immigration law and UK pensions. You will also get a chance to connect with people who are in the same situation as you so whether you are new to the Bay Area or want to get the latest news on these matters, this is a great event to attend.
 
On March 29th, we begin our new in-person business networking series called "Wine, Beer and Business Banter" which will be held on the fabulous roof-deck at Werqwise's new facility in San Mateo. These events will occur every two months and will be held immediately after the BABC Board Meeting and therefore presents a great opportunity to get to know your Board and meet other BABC members.
 
On March 31st, we are heading over to Marin for our new quarterly social gathering at the Junction Beer Garden in Mill Valley. This event is free to attend and is designed to be a gathering for our North Bay Members but of course, all are welcome from San Francisco, the South Bay and beyond. More details will be posted to the BABC website soon.
 
April 8th is our annual Golf Tournament with the Australian American Chamber of Commerce and this year, new as an event partner, is the German American Business Association. I'm informed that we are now at over 60 players for this fun day out at the Presidio Golf Course in San Francisco and I am looking forward to participating in this fantastic event. Sponsorship opportunities, including foursomes are available. You can learn more here.
 
On April 21st, we are heading over the to King George Hotel in San Francisco to celebrate St George's Day with our friends at the British Benevolent Society. This is a new member drive event for both of our organizations and an opportunity for our members to bring along a non-member guest and for them to join our organizations at a 10% discount. You'll also have a chance to win some prizes in a business card drawing from Penfolds Wine and Kearsley. Thanks to them for donating to our event.
 
Please scroll down to read an update from Joe White, British Consul General and Tech Envoy to the United States and also some news from our members Lewis and Llewellyn, St. Andrew's Society, Penfolds and more.
 
Finally, a huge welcome to our new Corporate Member, Ducere Global Business School and thanks to all our renewing members. Please be in touch with our Executive Director, Jo Healey, if BABC can help you in any way.

Sincerely,

Stephen Wares
BABC President
Joe White MBE
Tech Envoy to the US & British Consul General San Francisco
Dear BABC Members,

It is my pleasure to resume the monthly tradition of connecting with all of you in my role as Tech Envoy and Consul General in San Francisco. The last couple of years has demanded adaptability, resilience, and patience as we mastered virtual working, remote from both colleagues and friends and family. But, now we see the Bay Area phasing back into business as usual.

The mask mandate exception for offices is back in place in San Francisco and the Consulate will be working two days a week from 14 February. I personally look forward to a more interconnected office culture and in-person events after taking up my appointment in the midst of a pandemic. I’m sure many of you are feeling similarly as we navigate safe steps out of working from home.

In the last year, we have kicked off the UK’s presidency of COP26 with innovative events, and seen high-level visits resume as ministerial interest in the Bay Area and California continues to grow. Stay tuned for quite a few more while we look ahead to celebrations around The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the UK’s Global Safe To Be Me Conference. Championing diversity and inclusion is a focus locally and staff will continue conversations about anti-racism in honour of Black History Month in February.

We are in a moment of exponential growth in the tech sector and the UK Government is well on its way to becoming a ‘tech superpower’ as outlined in the Integrated Review. Investment in UK financial tech firms reached $37.3 billion in 2021, London ranks fourth in the world for VC tech investment, and LSE tech IPOs more than doubled in value in 2021 compared to 2020. This year promises to bring even more milestones.

Thank you for your constant and continued support. I hope to see you all soon.

Joe White MBE
Tech Envoy to the US & British Consul General San Francisco
UPCOMING BABC EVENTS
CALLING ALL BRITS! - TAX, IMMIGRATION, UK PENSIONS AND MORE
Whether you are new to the Bay Area or have been here a while, there are things you need to know to ensure success with your tax planning, immigration status and current and future finances. Navigating the immigration laws, establishing your credit history, understanding the taxation system, and oh, what to do with that UK pension you left behind? While these issues may seem separate, your decisions about one issue, may negatively, or positively, impact one of the other areas.

This is your chance to get your questions answered from a panel of experts in tax, immigration law, banking and UK pensions. You will also get a chance to connect with people who are in the same situation as yourself.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2022
TIME: 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
AACC | BABC | GABA - 10th ANNUAL
INTERNATIONAL GOLF SCRAMBLE
DATE: FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2022
TIME: 10:30 AM - 8:00 PM
SAVE THE DATE:
SOCIAL NETWORKING & NEW MEMBER DRIVE
CELEBRATING ST. GEORGE'S DAY
DATE: THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022
TIME: 5:30 AM - 7:30 PM
MEMBER EVENTS
BBS HAPPY HOUR MARIN
DATE: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022
TIME: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
SAVE THE DATE:
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
BABC NETWORK EVENTS
REGISTRATION OPEN: THE FUTURE OF US-UK TRADE & INVESTMENT RELATIONSHIP WEBINAR
You are invited to a virtual roundtable discussion about The Future of the US-UK Trade & Investment Relationship, presented by the British American Business Council Philadelphia, Thursday, February 24th, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM EST. $25 per Member ticket; $35 per Non-Member ticket.

This exclusive program will deliver an insider’s view about the advancing progress of US-UK trade negotiations and the strengthening of the relationship between the two nations.The dynamic conversation will reveal timely insights about post-COP green growth strategies; sector-specific updates about transatlantic businesses expanding and investing across the trade corridor; and key areas of focus in 2022, including growth and innovation practices shared between the US and the UK, such as tech and digital trade, financial services, business mobility, and more.
DATE: FEBRUARY 24TH, 2022
TIME: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EST
MEMBER NEWS
LEWIS & LLEWELLYN LAUNCH LA OFFICE
Lewis & Llewellyn, California’s fastest growing litigation boutique, is thrilled to announce the launch of its newest office. Located in the heart of Century City, the Los Angeles office will further enhance their ability to litigate cases and service clients throughout Southern California. With an elite cadre of 17 trial-ready attorneys complemented by a team of highly experienced support staff, they look forward to continuing to provide unparalleled results to clients.

Pictured above: Marc Lewis (center left) and Paul Llewellyn (center right) with two of the company's Los Angeles-based attorneys Olivia Bona (far left) and Darcy Harris (far right).
SAINT ANDREW'S SOCIETY OF SF WELCOMES NEW PRESIDENT
Irené Waldman has been named as the Saint Andrew’s Society of San Francisco’s new President. Irené is a highly respected global professional who brings a wealth of global professional experience to complement her entrepreneurial mindset. She is excited to lead the team and continue the legacy, momentum and growth that the Society has seen in the past few years. Irené has served with the Society in various leadership positions over the last 6 years and motivated to help bring more awareness to the good work that the Society conducts in the USA and in Scotland.

Irené is originally from Edinburgh and is married with two young children in the Bay Area. Her main focus is on Members, Relief Efforts and the Scholarship Program that has benefited so many students in North America and Scotland over the years.
CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF THE TIGER WITH PENFOLDS LIMITED EDITION BIN 389 MAGNUM

Lunar New Year is Time for Extraordinary Wine

Celebrate an auspicious new year with Penfolds and treat your guests to a Bin 389 ‘Baby Grange’ Limited Edition Magnum - complete with customized gift box. Bin 389 was often referred to as ‘Baby Grange, in part because components of the wine are matured in the same barrels that held the previous vintage of Grange. First made in 1960 by the legendary Max Schubert, this was the wine that helped forge Penfolds reputation with red wine drinkers by combining the structure of cabernet sauvignon with the richness of shiraz.

This commemorative wine is selling out! Secure yours now online or over the phone at 800-255-9966 and get ground shipping included on all orders.
INTERCONTINENTAL VALENTINE'S SWEET SUITE ESCAPE

Romance Awaits at the InterContinental® Mark Hopkins
San Francisco

Celebrate your love in the sweetest way with a stay in a luxury suite at the Intercontinental® Mark Hopkins in San Francisco's famed Nob Hill. This package includes a welcome rose, a bottle of chilled Piper-Heidsieck Champagne upon arrival, and overnight valet parking. 

Valid for stays between Feb. 11 - 21, 2022.

3 Successful M&A Strategies For Middle Market Businesses…
When thinking about the exit of your business, sometimes the connotations can lean toward the negative. That certainly shouldn’t be the case. A business exit can be a very exciting, happy time for all involved – as the focus is usually on its continued growth.

Now, granted, you may not have always had an exit in mind. Since you opened doors, and since that first dollar showed up in your business account, your goal has been focused on all you can for growth and profitability. But life happens, things change, and your business evolved – and the truth is there’s going to come a time when exiting is the next logical, and healthy, step.

If you’ve started to feel that shift – your middle market business evolving to a new life stage that may not necessarily involve you – it’s good to establish an exit strategy right away.

Here are 3 of the most effective and potentially profitable exit strategies for middle market businesses:
Read the full article to learn more here.
The Destined Team


MOSTLY BRITISH FILM FESTIVAL ADDS SPECIAL PREVIEW

The Mostly British Film Festival is thrilled to add a festival preview at 7:30 PM on Tuesday, March 8 at the Vogue Theater in San Francisco.

The stunning drama, Mothering Sunday, will screen in advance of the festival. Adapted from Graham Swift’s 2016 novel, the movie dramatizes the secret affair between a young housemaid Jane who knows her place and the well-heeled son of the family’s neighbor, who doesn’t. Star-studded with Josh O’Connor, Odessa Young, Colin Firth and Olivia Colman.There has been kind of a fuss in the media about the amount of nudity in the film. So be forewarned and come and judge for yourself.

A series pass includes this film. Individual tickets will be sold at the same $15/12.50 price as the rest of the festival films.
THE ECONOMIC INSTITUTE RELEASES NEW REPORT

The Bay Area Council Economic Institute has released a new report entitled: Value for Money: How the Federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Can Transform Public-Private Partnerships for Transportation in California on how the bipartisan federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act could impact the market for public-private partnerships (P3) for transportation in California.

Public-Private partnerships have the potential to improve the delivery of infrastructure, bringing finance and management expertise that can increase the efficiency of projects and lower costs. They have been underutilized in the state to date, but the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act could change that. 
 
BABC NETWORK NEWS
BAB POLICY AND TRADE UPDATES
UK Eases Travel Restrictions

In an announcement made this week, the UK Government laid out changes to travel restrictions including the removal of all testing requirements for fully-vaccinated travelers as of 11 February 2022. Unvaccinated arrivals will be required to take a pre-departure test and a PCR test within two days of arrival into the UK. All arrivals will still be required to complete a passenger locator form.
 
This decision follows a gradual easing of UK travel restrictions in the new year; the Government previously announced the UK would no longer require a evidence of a pre-departure test for arrivals into the UK.
 
For the past two years, our community has advocated for the resumption of safe, unhindered travel across the transatlantic corridor, and we now welcome the UK Government’s decision to simplify existing travel regulations. Stay up to date on the current travel requirements here.
Changing Customs Rules

As many businesses will be aware, full customs controls for goods moving between the UK and EU (except from Ireland) took effect on January 1 of this year. Businesses importing from the EU are no longer able to delay import customs declarations but must make declarations and pay required tariffs at the point of import.
 
Additional checks will be required later this year, including physical checks on sanitary and phytosanitary goods and a requirement for full safety and security declarations for all imports. More information can be found here.
Progress on Section 232 Tariffs

The US and UK announced the start of bilateral discussions aimed at addressing the US’s use of Section 232 tariffs on British imports and the UK’s retaliatory tariffs on US goods. The announcement was made in a meeting between UK Secretary of State for International Trade Ann-Marie Trevelyan and US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo earlier this month, during which the two governments also discussed global steel and aluminium excess capacity-driven in large part by China—and emphasized the importance of the US and UK’s shared values. The announcement follows shortly after the US and the EU agreed to suspend steel and aluminium tariffs. 
 
The progress made this month between the US and UK is a positive sign for the transatlantic business community. BAB has long opposed the application of punitive tariffs, which act as a barrier in the important trade and economic relationship shared by the US and UK. We welcome the commitment to dialogue voiced by both governments and look forward to a speedy and constructive resolution to the Section 232 dispute.
WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS

CORPORATE MEMBERS
Ducere offers the most industry-relevant, tailored, 100% online, affordable business degrees. We are accredited by world-class university partners such as The University of Wales, and the University of East London. We collaborate with employers to help attract and retain top talent.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR RENEWING MEMBERS

BUSINESS MEMBERS
Taylor Wessing

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS
Lori Adam
Rebecca Murphy
James Field




YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
Eric Ottinger
Grant Merrill


WITH THANKS TO OUR SUSTAINING
PATRON & PREMIER MEMBERS
PATRON MEMBERS
PREMIER MEMBERS
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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