Still virtual, on June 30th, we held the 65th Annual General Meeting of the BABC Northern California on Zoom, and hopefully the last time in this format. We were joined by over 30 members who learned how we have fared during the pandemic, both financially, and as an organization. It goes without saying that myself and the Board are extremely grateful for the incredible support we received from our members and wider community. I'm pleased to say that the future looks bright so long as the State continues to beat the virus and move forward with its re-opening plans. We are starting to plan in-person events for the fall, including the BABC Annual Christmas Luncheon. Save the Date! - Friday, December 10th at the fabulous Fairmont Hotel.

The Annual General Meeting is also an occasion to vote in the Board of Directors and I'd like to offer my congratulations and thanks to all directors new, re-elected and incumbent who will serve for the 2021-2023 term. Click here to see the Directors on our website.

Please join us this week for our first in-person event at Werqwise in over 15 months. We are excited to be able to catch up with you all. July 15th - 6-8pm. You can register here. If you are vaccinated, you will not be required to wear a mask. If you are not vaccinated, please do wear a mask.

I would like to direct you to the “Champions of Trade Stories of Transatlantic Success” produced by the London Chapter in partnership with the US Embassy in London. This virtual journey spotlights transatlantic success stories and the people behind them, celebrating those who have made the UK-US corridor a key part of their personal and professional growth narratives. Click here to access the report. Do you have a UK-US business related story you would like us to highlight? Contact us to share your news.

Richard Clarke is Senior Vice President with Ace Relocation Systems, Inc. Richard has been involved in the relocation industry for over 43 years, specializing in the global household goods relocation needs of families relocating on behalf of everything from startups to the world’s leading corporations. Richard joined the Ace organization in 1988; his 33-year service with Ace has contributed to growth or the company from eight million dollars in annual revenue with three locations to over 100 million in annual revenue and fourteen global locations today.

In 2012 Richard was very instrumental in Ace creating a new freight forwarding operation: Expat Relocation Solutions. Expat was created to better serve the international transferee community and enable Ace Relocation to control the international shipping process and user experience. Today Expat has grown into four separate entities with four domestic and two international locations including EMEA and APAC. Expat Relocation Solutions, ARCA Government Services, XPT Logistics and Relocation Services International (RSI) are together combined under the ARCA International brand.

Originally from the UK and being involved in the industry from both sides of the Atlantic, gives him a unique industry perspective. From his early days of hands-on experience, to his senior executive roll today, he has a level of expertise uncommon in today’s management. An international transferee himself, he has firsthand knowledge and can well relate to the cultural and transitional challenges transferees face. Especially being a Yorkshireman, there were many unanticipated challenges include the obvious language barrier and the instinctive urge to call most ladies “Luv”!

His interests are many, ranging from fishing, sailing, and camping to tending his olive ranch in the Sierra Foothills where he pursues a quest to create some of California’s finest boutique Extra Virgin Olive Oil!

BABC Corporate Member Spott Lucey and Wall has issued a challenge to our community to help support the organization's post-covid rejuvenation!

Our sincere thanks to Charlotte Wall who has very generously offered to match your donations up to $500.

Follow the link below to donate.

BABC Northern California is a 501c6 Non-Profit and therefore, your donation will be tax-deductible as a business expense, but not as a charitable donation.

Frequent travellers have unique concerns. Mia Bazo is the platform for individuals and SMEs that provides all the services frequent travellers need.

SUPER-OFFER: For the first 25 BABCSF members willing to conduct a one-on-one interview for our market research, we can offer free access to our entire suite of services. Contact laurence@river-otter.co.uk to take part.

LONDON – July,12, 2021 – Today, BritishAmerican Business and Bain & Company launched the inaugural Transatlantic Confidence Index. The Index measures the confidence of US companies active in the UK, including their views on investing in UK operations over the next two to three years and in the overall health of the UK’s relationship with both the US and the EU.

The report can be found here, and the full analysis can be accessed here.

London/New York - July 9th, 2021 – In response to today’s report that G20 finance ministers are preparing to approve a global tax plan that would allow for the UK to de-apply the Digital Services Tax (DST), BAB’s Director for Policy & Trade, Emanuel Adam, said:

“If what the reporting suggests is true, we would very much welcome that. Since the UK first discussed the introduction of a Digital Services Tax, BAB has argued that the issue would be best addressed through a multilateral solution that guarantees a high level of consistency across markets (see BAB’s White Paper here).

Join us for our NEW fun and engaging virtual coffee morning meet-ups on the second Wednesday of every other month at 10am (schedule below - Save the dates!).

These gatherings are an excellent opportunity to meet new people and create meaningful personal and professional relationships at the BABC Zoom Cafe!

Consider this a Power Hour to extend your network and get the help you need! You'll have the opportunity to:

Feel free to come as you are, with a nice cup of Joe and be ready to meet new people, re-connect with familiar faces and exchange contact details.

The Australian American Chamber of Commerce and the British American Business Council are pleased to announce the 10th Annual Summer Golf Scramble will be held on Thursday, September 30th, 2021. This fun tournament, returning to the Presidio Golf Course, offers companies an opportunity to enjoy a unique way to entertain clients and employees, participate with the Bay Area international business communities as well as support the efforts of the International Chambers of Commerce.

Alex Lee-Bull

Angus Scott