Maya Mancuso

President, BABC

Northern California

US Business Relationships Manager

Dear Members and Friends of the BABC Northern California,

As we begin the new year, we extend our sincere wishes for a joyous and peaceful year ahead.

We want to convey our deepest sympathies to the communities in Los Angeles affected by the fires. Our hearts go out to you during this difficult time, and you are in our thoughts.

I'd like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us on Friday, December 13th, at The Fairmont Hotel for the 61st Annual BABC Christmas Luncheon. We were thrilled to welcome over 700 guests to the Bay Area’s premier holiday party and to support the British Benevolent Society (BBS) by raising just under $9,000! A special thanks to our event sponsors and donors — your support made this event possible! Check out the photos here.

We have several events coming up and more in the works. First up, our 35th Annual Economic Forecast Luncheon, presented by HSBC, will take place at the City Club on February 4th from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM. Join us to gain insights into this year’s economic outlook.

Our friends at the Mostly British Film Festival have an exciting lineup of movies from February 6th to 13th at the Vogue Theater in San Francisco. Additionally, on February 19th, please join us for our Annual Penfold’s Wine MasterClass, generously hosted by our friends at Grant Thornton.

Finally, on behalf of myself, Executive Director Jo Healey, and the BABC Board of Directors, we extend a warm welcome to all our renewing members (listed below). Thank you to all our members who make up the British American Business Council Northern California. If you’re not yet a member but would like to join, please contact Jo Healey.

We look forward to working with you and seeing you at our events.

With gratitude,

Maya Mancuso

Tammy Sandhu MBE

HM British Consul- General

San Francisco

Dear Members of the BABC,

I hope this message finds you well and that you are all enjoying a prosperous start to the New Year!

The BABC Christmas luncheon provided us with a valuable opportunity to gather as an organization, reflect on the accomplishments of the past year, and consider the opportunities ahead. And I got to try my hand at becoming a member of Jane Blonde & The Goldfingers for one night only!

As I look back at 2024, I am incredibly grateful for the pivotal role the BABC has played in our mission to strengthen the UK-US trade relationship and promote UK growth. You have helped businesses on both sides of the Atlantic make new connections and deepen existing ones.

Looking forward to what’s in store this year, there’s lots to be excited about. Both the UK and California are uniquely positioned to be global leaders in the fields of artificial intelligence and technology policy as these sectors experience unprecedented growth, with endless opportunities for our supply chains to be interconnected. Silicon Valley will be at the heart of American politics as the new US Administration beds in. And we welcome a new Ambassador in the form of Lord Mandelson later this winter, who brings incredible expertise in trade and international politics to the role to help us navigate and make the best out of what is likely to be a year of change.

In this context, our presence in San Francisco, alongside some of the world’s most innovative companies and influential cultural organizations, is more significant than ever.

But the opportunities aren’t all just about politics and economics. 2025 seems to be the year of the British Invasion 2.0 in San Francisco, with an amazing array of British flavored arts and culture coming to the city. From the SF Ballet’s Cool Britannia to the de Young Museum’s Paul McCartney photography exhibition, it’s a reminder of the influence of British culture. 

I’ve seen how British art and design is shaping the digital era and behind lots of tech hardware and innovation. And it’s helping reshape this great city of San Francisco: from Foster and Partners’ renovation of the Transamerica Pyramid to Jony Ive’s reimagining of Jackson Square. This is something i want to really celebrate in 2025 and to bring you along with us.

We're starting the year with a bang this week: my team is gearing up to represent the UK in healthcare and investment at the JP Morgan Healthcare conference, and in fusion and innovation at FusionX Invest Global later this month. BABC members are eligible for a special discount for FusionX Invest Global should you wish to attend – reach out to my team to receive the code. I hope to see some of you there!

Otherwise, thank you as always for being an essential part of our community. Keep up to date on our activities and opportunities for involvement via our LinkedIn, Instagram, or Twitter.

All the Best,



Tammy Sandhu MBE

BABC, in association with the American-European Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations (EuroCham), invites you to celebrate the New Year. This event — to be held at the SVB Experience Center in San Francisco — will provide an excellent opportunity to reflect on our collective achievements, foster new professional connections, and set the stage for collaborative ventures in the upcoming year. 

Join us for an evening of networking, strategic discussions, and a toast to the accomplishments that lie ahead. Members of the partnering organizations and their guests have priority access to tickets for this event.

Complimentary appetizers, beer, wine and soft drinks will be served.

Registration:

GABA Members: $25.00

Non-GABA Members: $35.00

Day of the Event: $45.00

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

The British-American Business Council Northern California cordially invites you to the 35th Annual BABC Economic Forecast Luncheon, a BABC Flagship Event, presented by HSBC.

Join us to hear timely insights into the global economy as the incoming Trump Administration begins shaping U.S. economic policy.

Our expert panel will delve into critical economic drivers, including advancements in AI, innovative technologies, and key sectors such as commercial real estate, energy, and manufacturing as well as discuss the policies and priorities likely to emerge under the new Administration and their potential impact on domestic and global markets.

Key topics include:

• Changing Policies: What goals with the Trump administration prioritize and how will it address the sometimes conflicting challenges of inflation reduction, investment, taxation, immigration reform.
• Commercial Real Estate: What will drive the commercial real estate market in 2025, what are the prospects for recovery, and how will other sectors be affected?
• Global Relationships: How will changing economic environment (tariffs, alliances, international agreements, and tensions with China) impact the region’s globally dependent economy and how can businesses respond.
• Economic Indicators: From interest rates to job growth, what data points should businesses and individuals watch for in 2025.

Ticket includes a three course luncheon, tea/coffee. No-Host Bar.

Registration:

Individual Members - $175

Business Level Members - $165 or $1,650 for a table of 10

Corporate Level Members - $150 or $1,500 for a table of 10

Non-Members - $195

Join us for a rare opportunity to taste the renowned iconic wines of Penfolds at the Penfolds Masterclass—A Tour of 3 Continents and 3 Hemispheres all in one experience!

Penfolds has redefined the wine industry over 180 years. Discover how Penfolds achieved global iconic status and continues innovating one of the world's oldest industries. Starting with a delicious amuse bouche and mingling for 45 minutes followed by a seated, wine masterclass taking you on a virtual visit through Australia, France and California. 

Enjoy this immersion into winemaking, history and—best of all— wine tasting. This is an intimate opportunity to taste 7 iconic, 90+ point wines of Penfolds, including the world-famous Grange. Penfolds offers tasting exclusively through small private and sponsored events. 

Seating is limited to 30 guests. Special pricing offered for wines purchased at the event. Penfolds is donating a percentage of those sales to BABC.

Thank you to Grant Thornton for hosting this prestigious event.

MORE DETAILS COMING SOON!

Each year, The British-American Business Network (BABN) brings together members of all 20 chapters throughout the US, UK and Canada for a 3-day conference. The aim is to convene a senior level business executives and government representatives actively involved in trade, investment and business flows between the UK and US. ​This year, the conference will be held in Charlotte, North Carolina at the Foundation for the Carolinas.

This conference is by invitation only and for members of the BABN chapters and offers a series of roundtables, plenary sessions and networking receptions for over 150 guests. 

Photos from the 2023 Conference in London:

BABN Conference | Flickr

The BABN is the largest transatlantic business network, with 20 chapters, and over 2,000 member companies based in major business centers throughout North America and the United Kingdom. ​

Its membership includes many of the world’s largest multinationals, as well as hundreds of middle-market and smaller companies. ​

DATE:

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30 – FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2025

HSBC has introduced its New to U.S. Services Program—A wide range of relocation benefits to help you settle into your new life. Complimentary, for 12 months.

Continue reading HERE.

According to Moore Kingston Smith, UK tax planning for US taxpayers can be an effective way to manage financial obligations and reduce overall tax liability. Considering UK tax payments as part of a broader US tax strategy is beneficial but can be overlooked. For US citizens and residents who have tax responsibilities in both countries, adjusting the timing of UK tax payments can be worthwhile.

Continue reading HERE.

Grant Thornton's Q4 2024 CFO survey shows a sharp rise in finance leaders' optimism, fueled by resolved election uncertainties and Federal Reserve rate cuts. Confidence in growth projections, demand, cost control, and labor needs is at an all-time high, with economic optimism reaching its highest since Q3 2021. Generative AI adoption is surging, while cybersecurity concerns grow alongside rapid tech modernization.

Continue reading HERE.

Squire Patton Boggs has launched resource tools for managing data governance under the brand Privacy Powered by Squire Patton BoggsTM, which were developed by the firm’s global Data Privacy, Cybersecurity & Digital Assets Practice. The first two resources offered are templates and related tools for conducting US data inventory and impact assessments and a set of tables comparing key topics relevant to US state consumer privacy laws.

Continue reading HERE.

What are the key things to know when having client conversations about the EU AI Act? Bird & Bird's complimentary guide breaks down key concepts and implementation dates, maps out the broad territorial and material scope, and details specific regulatory requirements for different risk categories. It also unpacks governance, enforcement, and arrangements for testing AI in regulatory sandboxes.

Continue reading HERE.

Whitewall is fast becoming the go-to creative design agency for BABC Members looking to accelerate their growth in the US or secure funding for new ventures. With a unique ability to “talk American” while maintaining a distinctly London sensibility, Whitewall ensures your brand resonates across the Atlantic.

Exclusive to BABC Members: Enjoy special pricing and customized solutions to ensure your US debut is a success—offer valid until January 31, 2025!

Ready to take advantage of this Member-to-Member offer? Click HERE.

Northern Ireland uniquely offers seamless, tariff-free access to both Great Britain and the EU, enabling businesses to ship without customs barriers. With a strong track record in Manufacturing, Engineering, and Tech, it’s home to 1,500+ international companies and exports to 100 countries. Could your business be next?

Continue reading HERE.

According to Michelmores it has been a turbulent month for those in the US/UK community. Donald Trump supported by a fully Republican Congress will take over from the Biden administration in January. On this side of the pond, the Labour government has followed through with many of the tax changes that were headlined in the lead up to the Autumn Budget on 30 October 2024.

Continue reading HERE.

Dentons reports that the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) is intended to combat the use of anonymous shell entities and opaque ownership structures used to facilitate illicit activities (e.g., money laundering, terrorism financing, tax fraud), by requiring identification of “beneficial owners” and “control persons” of entities formed in the US or formed abroad but registered to do business in any US state.

Continue reading HERE.

Safari Consultants, renowned for crafting high-end customized safaris to 14 different countries across Africa, keeps abreast of the continent’s ambitious plans for 2025 with an array of new camps and lodges opening up. Let’s see what their pick of new destinations are for 2025.

Continue reading HERE.

For the 10th year, Team Pipeathon went forth around 16 bars in Alameda on New Year's Eve (Hogmabay!), with Andy MacKay of 20/20 Productions playing Auld Lang Syne on the pipes to the crowds, raising funds for American Cancer Society. The total raised (including online, Venmo and cash on the night) was $4,301.

Donations are still being accepted HERE so please feel free to donate whenever.

Join the British Benevolent Society (BBS) for their first Happy Hour of the New Year, featuring live music and a delightful array of food options. Plus, enter the raffle for a chance to win a special surprise!

There is an optional $20 fee, which will be considered a charitable donation. All donations will help us continue to provide financial relief to Brits in need. 

Please RSVP below. We hope to see you there!

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, January 29, 2025
• Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
• Location: State Street Market, 170 State Street, Los Altos, CA, 94022

The Mostly British Film Festival runs from February 6 to February 13, 2025, at the Vogue Theatre in San Francisco.

A highlight of this year’s festival is a special appearance by Hugh Bonneville. On February 8, Bonneville will take the Vogue stage to discuss his illustrious career. The evening begins at 7 p.m., featuring a red carpet welcome for the beloved British actor, known for his iconic "dad" roles, including his portrayal in Downton Abbey.

The festival concludes with a sneak preview of Paddington in Peru on February 13, where Bonneville reprises his role as Paddington’s devoted adoptive father in the popular franchise.

This year’s lineup features 26 films from the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and India, with half making their local premiere.

Continue reading HERE.

Welcome to the January BABN Policy and Trade Update. As the year drew to a close, the UK government saw the submission date for its Industrial Strategy Green Paper. BAB released its response to the Green Paper, providing recommendations to support a more internationally competitive UK economy. In the US, President-elect Trump had been busy filling his cabinet positions as he prepares for inauguration day.

Continue reading HERE.

The International Film Showcase is excited to introduce the film “After Love,” directed by British writer/director Aleem Khan. The film showcases themes of the complexities of love, grief, and community. It's currently running at the Orinda Theater. There will also be screenings at the Jarvis Conservatory in Napa on January 18th at 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM.

The International Film Showcase, an arm of the Lamorinda Film and Entertainment Foundation (LFEF) began in January 2011 presenting a local area premiere of an acclaimed international film not available on home media or television for one week a month.

Learn more HERE.

Get ready for an evening filled with Australian hospitality, wine, and food! The Annual Australian Gala, hosted by the Australian American Chamber of Commerce San Francisco, is a celebrated tradition that brings together Australian and American business and community leaders for an evening of entertainment, networking, and celebration.

PATRON MEMBERS



Bank of America Global Commercial Banking —Helping you grow and prosper in a dynamic world. Stay ahead of trends. Uncover opportunities. Drive growth. Our Relationship Managers use local expertise, global resources, and best-in-class technology and solutions to help companies with $50 million to $2 billion in revenue succeed and thrive. No matter the industry, location or stage, our comprehensive advisory and financial solutions can be tailored to make your business more efficient and prosperous.

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.

CORPORATE MEMBERS



At Moore Kingston Smith, we believe in the potential of people to make a positive impact, fuelled by the power of genuine understanding. Working with small, medium and large clients, we are a multi-disciplinary advisory, tax and audit firm with expertise across multiple sectors, uniquely positioned to help people realise their ambitions. Our teams deliver quality results locally and internationally as part of the Moore Global network.

Wells Fargo Commercial Banking offers deep expertise and comprehensive capabilities to Bay Area middle market companies, including a dedicated Technology Banking team. We deliver a complete range of capital, advisory, risk management, and operating solutions tailored to help each client achieve their business and financial goals. We focus on building long-term client relationships, combining local coverage with broad industry experience. Our technology practice supports a growing portfolio of clients in the fintech, software, hardware, internet and digital, and sustainable technology sectors.

BUSINESS MEMBER

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.

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS

Malcolm Booth

Maxine Erlund

Jacqueline Witter

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.