Recent Events
Independence Day Reception On 4th July 1776 the thirteen colonies declared their independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain by signing the Declaration of Independence, forming the United States of America. 2.5 million Americans celebrated their independence. Today more than 309.6 million Americans celebrate this historical landmark and on 4th July 2011 over 90 guests joined the BABC Midlands to celebrate Independence Day at the stunning offices of KPMG at One Snow Hill, Birmingham which was sponsored by Colliers International. International Branding Lunch Businesses learnt the art of creating an international brand by the ceo of one of the top premier league football clubs in the UK. Manchester City FC Garry Cook regaled 70 guests with hints on how he has worked with global brands such as Nike, Mitre and Brand Jordan to develop their international presence. The lunch was sponsored by lawyers Mills & Reeve LLP. Steve Allen, Partner at Mills & Reeve LLP said 'As a Manchester City fan it was a particular pleasure to welcome Garry back to Birmingham. I have met Garry before and knew that our audience would be fascinated to hear from him about his experience in managing global brands at Patrick, Mitre and Nike and how he is now working on the global branding of a Premier League football club. We are very grateful for the hard work put in by Garry and his team preparing for the event and the amount of time he spent with us on the day.' Jessica Nelson, Transatlantic Business Manager at BABC said: “Birmingham born Cook’s talk was insightful and his ability to show how to create an international brand was inspiring.” Photo L:R- Pic 1 - Jerry Blackett, CEO of Birmingham Chamber Group; Garry Cook, CEO of Manchester City FC; and Guy Hinchley, Managing Partner of Mills & Reeve LLP. Pic 2 - Garry Cook addresses audience Yesterday's Actions on Tomorrow's World
On Thursday 26th May, around 30 delegates joined Professor Scott Lucas a specialist in US and British Foreign Policy who discussed life and politics after Bin Laden at the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce. Professor Lucas, states “Bin Laden was ‘yesterday's man’ and Al Qa'eda ‘yesterday's movement’, especially in light of the recent developments in North Africa and the Middle East. At the same time, the US faces serious situations in Afghanistan and Pakistan and bin Laden's death does not alleviate them. To the contrary, it has highlighted tensions in US policy and strategy, including the US-Pakistani relationship and the US military presence in Afghanistan.” L:R: Professor Dick Ellis, University of Birmingham; Jessica Nelson, BABC; Professor Scott Lucas; and Harry Reilly, BABC Professor Lucas addressed the implication of these developments for businesses inside the US and internationally and provided attendees the opportunity to ask questions regarding issues relating to their business. Private Lunch with Brian Parrott On Monday 7th March over 40 guests joined the BABC for a private lunch with Brian Parrott, Senior Trade Commissioner, Canadian High Commission, London at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Birmingham. L-R: Harry Reilly, BABC Chairman; Brian Parrot, Guest Speaker; Sir Bernard Zissman, Overseas Connections Group Mr Parrott provided the attendees with welcome insight into current opportunities that can be found for UK businesses in Canada and the current economic climate found in Canada especially following the recent boom in trade between the two countries which increased in 2010 by a massive 25 per cent - despite the lingering effects of the world-wide economic slump. The event provided guests to meet with like-minded business leaders and professionals who are looking at Canada and North America to expand and develop their transatlantic business. Exporting: The Challenges & Opportunities On Thursday 24th February 2011 the BABC and MWTF hosted an event at Eleven BrindleyPlace, Birmingham focusing on the challenges and opportunities of exporting. L-R: Pic 1:Hari Rai, Jessica Nelson, Fred Bassnett, Karen Mercer-West, Gary Baylis, Harry Reilly. Pic 2: Audience listen intently to speakers The sold out event, sponsored by European Regional Development Fund, brought together 40 delegates to listen to a panel of experts including Hari Rai from IntaTrade, Gary Baylis of Westhaven Worldwide Logistics and moderator Fred Bassnett, Director at Trade Connections (Worldwide) Ltd who shared a wealth of experience in this area and highlighted common mistakes made by companies when exporting. The audience were provided the opportunity to ask these experts questions about the issues that they are currently facing whilst exporting and these included intellectual property; risk when trading with politically unstable countries and the bribery act. New and experienced exporters and service providers were then given the opportunity to network with each other and share their own experiences. New Year: New Focus On 18th January 2011 over 60 members and non members joined the BABC for a breakfast reception at Birmingham Chamber to discuss how the BABC can aid their transatlantic business for 2011. Long standing BABC members, Harry Reilly CEO of Friend MTS and formerly MD for Brintons and Steve Allen, Partner at Mills & Reeve LLP both shared their experiences with the BABC and how it has assisted in their transatlantic goals. In addition, Garry Peal of Birmingham City Council gave a short presentation on the USA Track & Field Team and their stay in Birmingham during the 2012 Olympics and the opportunities surrounding this for local businesses. US GreenTech Opportunities On 2nd November 2010 over 30 Birmingham businesses with a focus on sustainable technology met at a breakfast seminar at Hotel Du Vin hosted by the British American Business Council, and the Greater Richmond Partnership, one of the US’s inward investment consultancies. The areas that were discussed included solar energy, electric vehicles, energy conservation and off shore wind energy.  
Delegates enjoy breakfast and networking at event
The delegates learned about the opportunities that the Greater Richmond Partnership (GRP) can offer, including the Dominion Resources Incubator for companies who are looking to take their green products to the USA and need assistance in taking their product to market or are looking for an agent or distributor. The main benefit to UK companies that was highlighted at this event was the GRP visit service which involves the following: An e-questionnaire is completed approximately four weeks prior to visiting Greater Richmond You create a ‘wish list’ of meetings with potential partners and professional contacts. GRP then contacts these organisations and tailors an itinerary to maximise the effectiveness of a visit to Richmond On arrival, visitors are given a business orientation briefing at GRP’s offices, followed by a GRP team member taking them, if required, to pre-arranged meetings and making all necessary introductions GRP prides itself on these visits being businesslike and productive. Once an overseas firm has met some potential contacts or partners, or taken the free legal or financial advice, it is usually very keen to ‘get down to business’ and discuss how it can establish itself in Greater Richmond This tried and tested process is free of charge and ensures visiting companies maximise the opportunity that is Greater Richmond, Virginia For more information on the Greater Richmond Partnership, please visit: www.grpva.com
Opportunities in the US Marketplace The BABC Midlands in conjunction with the Council of American States in Europe hosted an event to highlight the opportunities to be found in the US marketplace for UK companies. Over 100 delegates joined together at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham on 29th September in order to listen to Aaron Brickman, director of Invest In America; Dr Andrew Hinton, UK Trade & Investment business specialist USA; and two case studies from Lord Jamie Borwick, Chairman of MODEC and Samantha Gemmell, Managing Director of The Cool Creative Company. L-R: Pic 1: Aaron Brickman, Invest in America; Cassie Muir, BABC; Dr Andrew Hinton, UKTI At this event, firms from the region heard how President Obama's £500 billion stimulus package announced last year offers vast opportunities to win new business in the US - particularly in sectors like greentechnology, infrastructure and homeland security. But US and UK international trade experts advised firms to take time and understand the complexity of doing business in the country. Mr Brickman, said 'It's really the land of opportunity where dreams are made - but it doesn't work for everybody. British firms need to undertake their homework'. Dr Hinton, said there was a close trading bond between the two countries 'The special relationship still exists - not just in homeland security but also in business. Business relationships between the UK and the US are very strong'. The rest of the event consisted of prime networking opportunities and a buffet lunch, providing firms the opportunity to meet with the US state representatives that were present to understand and discuss which states offer the best incentives for their business. Ohio to Birmingham - Breakfast with USA Trade Mission On Tuesday 21st September a number of US manufacturing companies met with over 30 BABC members as part of a USA Inward Investment trade mission from Ohio, USA. E-warehousing who has only been a member of British American Business Council (BABC) for 6 months has already gained a potential new customer with a US company, as a result of attending this business breakfast organised by BABC. Paul Seward, managing director of E-Warehousing, 'Through this connection we have been able to help source a new agent/distributor for Cequent'. 'Their director of international development, Marie Ball Booyens, also expressed great interest in using our fulfilment service which is a prime example of how business can be developed through the BABC for companies both in the UK and US.' Business Luncheon with US Ambassador, Louis B. Susman On the 26th February 2010 over 135 delegates from the Birmingham business community attended a Luncheon with US Ambassador, Louis B. Susman at the ICC, Birmingham, which was kindly sponsored and supported by the BABC in the Midlands, the Birmingham Law Society, the Birmingham City Council, and the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce/UKTI. L-R: Pic 1:Gaynor Whitby; Bernard Shepherd, Birmingham Law Society; Ambassador Susman; Cllr Mike Whitby, Birmingham City Council; Cassie Muir, BABC Midlands Pic 2: Farah Baksh, Aston Business School & BABC Midlands Board Member; John Morris, BHX & BABC Midlands Board Member; Jill Robinson, ExCathedra L-R: Pic 1: Ambassador Susman addresses audience; Pic 2: Cllr Whitby and Ambassador Susman; Pic 3: Attendees seated for lunch The Ambassador’s remarks highlighted the transatlantic trade and investment links between the City of Birmingham and the US which has remained strong and vibrant for the past 80 years. In addition the Ambassador identified the key sectors which have created strong and solid trade and investment relationship for the US and the UK, namely environmental goods and services and how these areas can be enhanced to make this relationship even stronger. By touching on his professional background and interaction with President Obama, the Ambassador emphasised the importance of UK and US connections which is embedded in our history, culture and language. The Ambassador also highlighted the ‘Sister City’ relationship between Chicago and Birmingham, and acknowledged Birmingham as a significant city for developing and retaining the US and UK ‘Special Relationship’. Leader of Birmingham City Council, Councillor Mike Whitby was amongst many high profile guests at the luncheon, who all gathered to meet with the Ambassador, creating the opportunity to show case the City as a powerful player on the global stage. Autumn Networking Breakfast & AGM On Wednesday 11th November 2009, BABC Midlands members joined together for the BABC Midlands Annual General Meeting 2009, kindly hosted by Mills & Reeve LLP, Birmingham. It was a great opportunity for members to hear how the BABC Midlands has found the past year during the recession, the successful events that have taken place over the past year, and what lies ahead over the forthcoming year for members. Reports were given by Cassie Muir, Executive Director; Harry Reilly, Chairman and Steve Allen, Board Member & UK Regional Representative for the BABC ExComm. The morning also provided members with great networking opportunities and a complimentary breakfast. Fall Economics Briefing Breakfast On October 20th, delegates joined together at the Radisson SAS hotel for a Full English Breakfast, networking, and topical presentations on US and UK markets. HSBC Senior Economist Mark Berrisford-Smith, briefed the attendees on the current economic climate in relation to the US and UK economies. Mark Berrisford-Smith, HSBC, engaging attendees. Many thanks to David Enghauser at Virginia Economic Development Partnership for their kind sponsorship of the event, and Mark Berrisford-Smith, for the informative and enthusiastic talk, allowing delegates to leave with a positive and encouraging outlook on future US trade possibilities. Jaguar Track Day On Friday 25th September, BABC Midland Members and their guests joined together at Gaydon's Racing Heart Experience Centre, for a Jaguar Track Day. 2009 has seen an exciting transformation in the Jaguar range, with the launch of the dynamic 10 MY XK and XF (voted 'Best Executive Car 2009' by WhatCar?) and most recently, the stunning all new XJ. In celebration of these great achievements, the BABC Midlands were delighted to join together with Jaguar to provide an exclusive Jaguar Track Experience driving programme for BABC Midlands members. This exclusive track day was a remarkable day where BABC Midlands members were able to drive a Jaguar XK and an XF under test track conditions and experience the most dynamic, most exhilarating expression of Jaguar's beautiful fast cars. The BABC Midlands would like to thank Jaguar for providing their members with this unique opportunity. We would also like to thank those members who attended, we hope you enjoyed this 'drive of a lifetime'! Right to Left: 1. A great line up - Jaguar Cars; 2. In the Jaguar showroom before the test driving, BABC Midlands Member John Cave, Westhaven Worldwide Logistics with guest Dhiran Vagdia, Vagdia & Holmes
Independence Day Breakfast The 4th July, Independence Day, marks an important moment in American history and with the new Obama Administration now in full swing, the BABC celebrated this with a Breakfast at the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. The breakfast was held at the world-renowned photographer Nodav Kander's world premiere exhibition that consists of photographic portraits of the leading men and women in Barack Obama's government, shot on the eve of the presidential inauguration.
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is the first venue to exhibit these photographic portraits, providing the city with a closer look at 'Obama's People'. The breakfast offered an exclusive chance to view these images privately out of public opening hours, and networking opportunities for the 30+ attendees. Independence Day Cake - Kindly made & donated by Faye Hesson of Faye's Cakes and Catering Luncheon with Guest of Honour Richard Le Baron, Charge d'Affaires, US Embassy On the 2nd of June 2009 the BABC Midlands hosted a luncheon at Opus Restaurant, Birmingham with guest speaker Richard Le Baron, Charge d'Affaires, US Embassy. Mr Le Baron was engaging and insightful with his words on current political and economic issues and their potential impact on the West Midlands. The luncheon also provided attendees with a question and answer session with Mr Le Baron in which he addressed their individual concerns and queries. Generating Success in the US Marketplace In conjunction with Midlands World Trade Forum the BABC Midlands hosted a Generating Success in the US Marketplace workshop sponsored by HSBC at the Longbridge Innovation Centre on the 19th of March . The workshop address a number of topical issues regarding operating in the US, with speakers including Fred Bassnett a North American Market Advisor to UKTI providing a market overview, Gina Putnam from Bernhard and Co presenting a case study and David Knight from HSBC with a banking overview. The event also included breakout rooms with UPS and TUV, providing the opportunity for a more interactive discussion about attendees queries. VAT & Duties Breakfast Seminar On 25th February 2009, at City Spirit, St. Paul's Square, Birmingham, the BABC Midlands hosted a VAT & Duties Breakfast Seminar. At this event, Colin Woodward VAT & Duties Director for Barringtons Chartered Accountants, gave an insightful presentation on the issues that surround importing, exporting and international trade. For those that attended it was a valuable morning which enabled them to have questions surrounding these issues answered by a specialist in this area of business. The Presidential Inauguration Reception On January 20th the BABC Midlands hosted a Presidential Inauguration Reception at Opus Restaurant Birmingham. The event was attended by 30 delegates representing a diverse range of businesses across the Midlands. The evening commenced with BBC televised coverage of the inauguration ceremony, progressing into a networking opportunity with refreshments and canapes. The Changing Face of Manufacturing Dinner On the 5th November over 200 members and non-members of the BABC gathered at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole for the Changing Face of Manufacturing Dinner, with guest speakers Digby, Lord Jones of Birmingham Kt and Mike O’Driscoll, MD of Jaguar cars, who discussed the manufacturing environment in the current market climate locally and globally. The event was sponsored by Advantage West Midlands and Friend MTS. The Post US Election Breakfast The BABC hosted a Post US Election Breakfast on the 5th November with over 40 delegates at the REP Birmingham, with sponsors Friend LLP. The guest speaker Professor Scott Lucas of Birmingham University discussed the US election outcome and the impact it could have on the UK and the ‘special relationship’ shared with the US. The breakfast also included a very insightful question and answer session in which the delegates were able to talk to Professor Lucas about the implications and effects of the election in relation to their specific business operations.
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Patron of BABC Midlands
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