LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

LETTER FROM THE BRITISH CONSUL GENERAL

REGISTRATION OPEN!

2023 was an interesting year underpinned by the explosion of AI (and Ozempic). And we’ve all been thankful for AI and everything it has done for the Bay Area’s economy but is AI going to be the saviour of our economy or the destroyer of our job market? Is 2024 going to see AI and the associated need for data security take over the world or will there be other sectors that will attract the attention of the venture capital community?

Join us in Menlo Park on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, for an exciting evening of discussions with a panel of Venture Capitalists. Explore insights into the technology community's outlook for 2024, compare their 2023 forecasts, and pose your questions..

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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 and estate 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.

Join us on Tuesday, March 19th, 2024 at Squire Patton Boggs for some in-person networking at 5.30pm. The panel session will start at 6.00pm. Light bites and wine included. This is your chance to get your questions answered from a panel of experts in tax, immigration law, estate planning and UK pensions. You will also get a chance to connect with people who are in the same situation as yourself.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

BABC and Bia Mindset are thrilled to announce Empower Now: Leading Self, a leadership series focused on developing essential skills for effective self-leadership and leading others. Gain valuable insights, practical tools, and enhance self-awareness to navigate the challenges of the modern workplace with confidence. Start your journey towards personal and professional growth.

Session 1: Identity: Navigating Transitions - Embracing Personal Growth

Join us for a dynamic 90-minute session where we delve into the art of navigating personal and leadership transitions with confidence as well as embracing personal growth. In this immersive experience, we'll explore the psychological and emotional aspects of change, empowering you with practical strategies to thrive amidst these transitions.

Through interactive discussions and reflective exercises, you'll gain a deeper understanding of where you currently are and what you may need to let go of or start doing to successfully make your desired shift. Learn to embrace change as an opportunity for growth, cultivate self-awareness to navigate transitions with clarity, and build resilience to overcome challenges along the way.

Join our community as we embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Let's navigate transitions together and unlock your full potential for growth and fulfillment!

TICKETS NOW ON SALE!

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, hosted by Premium Member, Cooley.

Come and mingle with entrepreneurs and a range of professionals involved in cross-border business in a relaxed and European atmosphere! Complimentary appetizers, beer, wine and soft drinks will be served.

This event attracts many international business professionals from different European countries. Members of the partnering organizations and their guests have priority access to tickets for this event which is attended by over 100 guests. The perfect networking opportunity!

On February 6^th, 2024, we hosted the 34^th Annual Economic Forecast Luncheon Presented by our Patron Member HSBC at The City Club in San Francisco.

100 guests from the BABC Community and beyond came along to hear from our expert panelists on their predictions for the economy in the year ahead covering their expectations for inflation and interest rates, the outlook generally for the Bay Area Economy, especially for tech, bio-tech and commercial real estate and we took a deep dive in to the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the economy. There was cautious optimism that generally, we are poised for brighter days ahead.

We would like to thank our Presenting Sponsor, HSBC, and our Silver Sponsor, SambaNova for making the event possible, and all of our guests who joined us.

Also, huge thanks to Richard Waters for brilliantly moderating the event as per usual and to our panelists, Ryan Wang, US Economist for HSBC, Sean Randolph, Director at the Bay Area Council Economic Institute and Richard Halkett, Chief Revenue Officer for SambaNova.

Currencies Direct offers BABC members discounts when using their platform for currency transfers. In addition to no fee when opening an account, you will receive preferential rates on transaction fees. Discounts are tied to amounts transferred. 

Currencies Direct is here to help you save time and money, and can support you with:

• Free local currency account – handy when selling/buying an overseas property!
• Bank-beating rates and no hidden fees
• Repatriation of funds
• Expert insights & market updates
• Dedicated account manager

To secure your special rate, following the link below to set up an account. For questions, please contact Amanda Dunn at Amanda.dunn@currenciesdirect.com.

As a fellow member of the BABC, grab your best discount today – 25% off on first year services.

CLA is the eighth largest accounting firm in the United States, experienced in delivering integrated wealth advisory, digital, audit, tax, consulting, and outsourcing services to help clients turn challenges into opportunities. CLA exists to create opportunities for our clients, our people, and our communities through industry-focused audit, tax, consulting, wealth advisory, digital and outsourcing services. With more than 8,500 people, nearly 130 U.S. locations, and a global vision, CLA promises to know you and help you.

Please contact shilpa.ajmera@claconnect.com or sarmad.khan@claconnect.com for a 30-minute free consultation and take advantage of this special offer.

The Mostly British Film Festival, an annual cinematic celebration of English-speaking countries, is back in Vogue, February 15-22, 2024 at the VOGUE THEATER. Founded a decade ago by Ruthe Stein and Jack Bair, this year's festival kicks off with a lively Opening Night Party at 5:30 pm at Presido Kebob, 3277 Sacramento Street. The Festival's centerpieces are highlighted below:

OPENING NIGHT

How to Have Sex

Far from an instructional video, How to Have Sex is a dazzling deeply-imagined coming-of-age feature from British director Molly Manning Walker. Her remarkably self-assured debut– winner of the Un Certain Regard jury prize at Cannes– magically transports the audience back to their teens, a time marked by confusing sexual feelings. Nominated for 13 British Independent Film Awards.

Thursday, February 15, 2024 - 7:30 pm

The Mostly British Film Festival is presented by the San Francisco Neighborhood Theater Foundation and makes its permanent home at the Vogue Theater. A series pass including all 26 films and opening and closing night parties with early access into the theater costs $350/$250 (discounted prices for members of SFFILM, the Fromm Institute, the Calvary Presbyterian Church and people 65 years and over). Opening night tickets are $50/$35, and closing night is $30/$20. Individual tickets are $20/$15. Tickets available at mostlybritish.org and the Vogue Theater box-office.

According to London & Partners, London has taken the number one spot in Resonance’s world’s best cities ranking for 2024. The consultancy group’s annual ranking considers qualitative and quantitative data, including GDP and evaluations on social media from locals and visitors. London came first place in two of the three main categories – livability, lovability and prosperity – which are used to calculate an overall score for each city. Resonance has also acknowledged how London’s transport has bounced back since the pandemic, as well as the amount of investment and tourists visiting the city as some reasons for the number one ranking.

BritishAmerican Business (BAB) met with UK Investment Minister Lord Johnson in Washington DC in January to offer its response to Lord Harrington’s Review on the UK’s attractiveness for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), on behalf of its members.

BAB’s response, which follows a period of consultation with its members, supports the Review’s recommendations, endorsing a new long-term investment strategy, and highlighting the need for swift and effective implementation for the UK to remain an attractive destination for US investors.

Speaking with Lord Johnson alongside US investors, BAB emphasised the critical role of the broader business environment, urging continuous assessment of the overall cost of doing business in the UK, including tax. BAB also raised the need to avoid unintended discrimination against foreign companies, citing the Digital Services Tax as an example that has had a negative influence on US investor sentiment.

CONTINUE READING HERE.

Vacancies:



Business Development Manager

Working with the Head of the US on a daily basis, you will be tasked with delivering the firm's US business plan, this work will have a particular focus on the firm's established Technology, Media & Telecoms sector and will cover a wide variety of Marketing and Business Development duties.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Intern Candidates:

From time to time, we learn about candidates looking for opportunities to work in the United States as an intern. This month, please meet Natasha Jackson. Natasha is her final year of university at Royal Holloway, University of London on track for a First Class (A) Bachelor's degree in Business and Management. Upon graduation, she plans to take a year out to gain work experience before returning to study for a Master's degree.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW RESUME

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY PARTNER MEMBER

Joe Laver Consulting provides services for clinical trials startup (EDC selection, study database build and testing, user training) through study conduct (query management, forms tracking, data issue identification) and onto database lock and archiving. CDM documents (DMP, UAT Plan, Edit Check Specifications) created to FDA standards. Joe has been in the Pharmaceutical industry for over 30 years (4 in the UK, remainder in the US). Experience working with pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device and CROs companies. A Clinical Data Management (CDM) leader and Electronic Data Capture (EDC) subject matter expert

PATRON MEMBER

HSBC is one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations. With around 6,000 offices in both established and emerging markets, we aim to be where the growth is, connecting customers to opportunities, enabling businesses to thrive and economies to prosper, and, ultimately, helping people to fulfill their hopes and realise their ambitions.

We serve more than 47 million customers through our four Global Businesses:

Retail Banking and Wealth Management, Commercial Banking, Global Banking and Markets, and Global Private Banking. Our network covers 71 countries and territories in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa, North America and Latin America.

HSBC was born from one simple idea – a local bank serving international needs.

PREMIER MEMBER

Ace Relocation Systems strives to deliver a high-quality, personalized relocation experience at every level and during every interaction. Whether moving around the corner or across the globe, Ace is strategically positioned to best support our client’s relocation programs.

We are proud to be one of the largest movers in the industry, successfully completing more than 20,000 moves per year. Ace is counted among the best and maintains this quality leadership position by continually investing in team members, processes, and equipment – while also embracing technology that further enhances the experience being delivered. Ace values the trust that is placed in us with every move that we perform, and we never take for granted the importance of delivering the highest value of relocation dollar for our clients.

CORPORATE MEMBER

Spott Lucey & Wall is a local CPA firm providing a full range of taxation and attestation services. We have over 30 years of experience assisting our domestic and international business and individual clients manage their demanding cross border transactions. We offer our clients extensive technical skills and resources to provide solutions to complex business issues. Our professional staff has been specially trained with the quality and depth of knowledge to help our clients succeed.

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY PARTNER MEMBERS

20/20 Productions is a corporate communications production company, specializing in video, events and digital design. Founded in 1990, based in Edinburgh, Scotland and San Francisco, the company assists Clients throughout the US, Europe and beyond. 20/20 Productions Founder and CEO Andy MacKay has over 30 years experience in the presentation industry, working globally on projects for Clients ranging from start-ups to the United Nations (literally!). The success of the company is based on our creative but ‘common-sense’ approach to communications.

Taylor Wessing is a leading full-service tech & life sciences focussed law firm with 29 offices worldwide and a center of gravity in Europe. We have been helping North American companies of all sizes do business in the UK, Europe and beyond for over 30 years, from the early pioneers of Silicon Valley through to some of the biggest companies and brands in the world. Our San Francisco team supports 50 – 75 North American venture-backed companies each year on going international, giving us a leading international expansion practice.

For all of your US origin export needs, contact Tokyo Express Co., Inc. We can find, purchase and ship overseas on your behalf any and all construction related materials. Contact kozo.tokyoexpress@gmail.com or kathleenkimura@comcast.net for details.

INDIVIDUAL MEMBER

Iain Anderson

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.

To take advantage of these Member-to-Member offers, join the BABC today to obtain the discount code. Click here to learn more about membership.