Letter from the President

Nicholas Unkovic
BABC President & Partner


Dear Friend of the BABC,

A lot has been happening here at the BABC; here is a recap of our recent activities.

Our San Francisco Newcomers' Mixer took place on June 1st 2017 and was hosted by OFX, the international money transfer company . The evening was intended to bring together Newcomers to the Bay Area (as well as those in-between). The event also allowed companies to exhibit their services and businesses to both each other and these newcomers, creating new channels of business while helping newer members.
 
On the same evening, NCC Group and my firm, Squire Patton Boggs , co-hosted a data privacy event on the topics of GDPR and ePrivacy compliance. The event provided attendees with lots of information on these new regulations and the implications that they may have for US businesses. You can read more about the event here .
 
On Friday, June 2nd the BABC, along with the Australian American Chamber of Commerce and the Swedish American Chamber of Commerce held our 7th Annual Golf Scramble at the Presidio Golf Club. The day was a huge success, thanks to great support from our many sponsors -- and the warm weather! We thank you for your commitment and look forward to next year's tournament!

On the evening of Monday June 5th, 19 teams of primed, organized and reasonably sober pub quiz veterans descended upon Harrington's Bar and Grill for the BABC Young Professional's Great British-American Pub quiz. Congratulations to the two teams from Kiosk , who stole the show with a 1st and 2nd podium placement, followed by the team from Squire Patton Boggs in a respectable 3rd. Our sincere thanks go out to all who attended, and of course the kind sponsors of the evening: NCC Group, HSBC, Giants Enterprises and Osbourne Clarke .

Our 61st Annual General Meeting   will be on Tuesday, July 18th. While the AGM itself is only open to current members of the BABC, the networking reception immediately following is open to members' guests. The Reception presents a perfect opportunity to connect with friends and business associates as well as introduce your non-member guests to the benefits of membership in the BABC, so please do come along! More information may be found here . We've started another great season for the BABC!

Finally, I hope you will join me in welcoming the newest members of our growing and dynamic community - their information can be found below. Please take a moment to visit their websites and learn more. 
 
All the best,
Nicholas Unkovic
President, BABC Northern California
BABC Events Calendar
BABC Featured Events
From The Consul General's  Desk
A new month, a new government.

You will no doubt have seen the results of last week's General Election. The Prime Minister has accepted the Queen's invitation to form a government, as the leader of the largest party in the new House of Commons. The next important date is the Queen's speech later this month, which will set out the Government's priorities.
Instead of focusing on the political, though, I wanted to use this month's column to focus on something you will also have no doubt noticed around town: Pride month.

All over San Francisco, I'm seeing rainbow flags and other items symbolising the celebration for the LGBT community. This year's festivities are sure to be a fantastic recognition of the progress that has been made for LGBT rights.

In the UK, we've had civil partnerships for over a decade, and equal marriages since 2014. This year, we are marking the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the decriminalization of homosexuality in the UK (though, one might well wonder why it took us so long). We've come a long way in government, as well. The Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force march in full uniform at Pride Parades across UK. And here's an unexpected fact: who would have thought that, last year, MI5 would be named the UK's most LGBTQ-friendly employer. The UK Government works to promote equality and inclusivity in our own public service and we also make the case for this in the rest of the world, especially in countries where there is discrimination of LGBT communities. This year, the Foreign Office is dedicating more than a $1 million of supporting LGBT rights.

We are also working to show our support locally. This is the 3rd year the British Consulate-General, San Francisco will participate in San Francisco's Pride Parade and we're also thrilled that the San Francisco International LGBTQ Film Festival will feature 6 films from the UK.

You can get your tickets for the films on the festival's website and you would be welcome to join the Consulate's team in the march, please email [email protected] with your interest.
Job Board
Seeking Executive Search-Associate/Senior Associate

At Wilton and Bain, we have a passion for all things people and culture. Wilton & Bain is a highly entrepreneurial and meritocratic environment. We are currently experiencing an exciting period of expansion in San Francisco and internationally and looking for a new addition to our high quality, dynamic team.

Learn more
Erickson Immigration Group
Seeking Experienced Immigration Attorney

Erickson Immigration Group (EIG) is a fast growing business immigration firm working with small start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. With offices in San Francisco's Union Square as well as the Washington D.C. metro area, we connect with companies and individuals around the world to provide U.S. and global immigration services.

Learn more
Seeking Experienced Business Immigration Paralegal

Erickson Immigration Group (EIG), located in San Francisco's Union Square, is looking for some fun/smart people to join our immigrant and non-immigrant visa teams

Learn more
Previous BABC Events
BABC Young Professionals May Happy Hour

On Tuesday we hosted our increasingly popular Young Professionals Happy Hour in Cafe Americano at Hotel Vitale. The Young Professionals Committee were delighted to welcome new and returning attendees to this networking event. This month, guests represented a variety of industries including renewable energy, engineering, banking, internet security and marketing.
Once again thank you to  HSBC for sponsoring this event by purchasing drinks for the first ten people to arrive.  HSBC will also be represented at next month's event, so come on down and learn how they can help you!
This event takes place every SECOND Tuesday of the month and affords Bay Area's young professional community the opportunity to connect and network.
See the photos from the evening  here
Personal Branding: How to be more Discoverable, Shareable & Memorable in the Digital Age

On Wednesday May 17th, the BABC Young Professionals Group held the first of two Career Development/Leadership workshops for 2017.

The workshop helped attendees learn to become more Discoverable, Shareable and Memorable in the Digital Age through their Personal Branding. The workshop was held at the Accounting, Tax, Audit & Consulting firm BDO and was led by Mel Carson (Delightful Communications). Huge thanks to our host and to Jill Weiner from BDO for your support and taking care of all the fine details. Huge thanks also to our speaker for joining us from Seattle for what was indeed an inspiring and engaging workshop.

Read More
San Francisco Newcomer's Mixer

The San Francisco Newcomers' Mixer took place on June 1st 2017 and was hosted by Global Transfer Company, OFX. The evening was intended to bring together Newcomers and Veterans of the Bay Area (as well as those in-between); networking existing businesses with potential new clients, and ensuring that any questions that these clients had were answered by industry professionals

Read More 
BABC Young Professionals Great British American Pub Quiz

On the evening of Monday the 5th of June, 19 teams comprised of primed and organized pub quiz veterans descended upon the iconic Harrington's Bar and Grill for the BABC Young Professional's Great British-American Pub quiz!

As suggested by the title, the 7 rounds of the quiz focused on topics that attendees from either side of the pond would be familiar. These included: Beer, Celebrities, Who said what, Business, Film, Music, and Rugby!
 
Read More 
GDPR - Are You Ready? Mapping the road to GDPR and ePrivacy Compliance

O n Thursday June 1 st, Squire Patton Boggs and NCC Group very kindly hosted an informative training event on Europe's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

In Partnership with the Irish American Bar Association, the German American Chamber of Commerce and the BABC Northern California, the event provided attendees with information and an in depth understanding of multiple facets of these new regulations, and the implications that they may have on US businesses. 
 
Read More 
AACC, BABC and SACC - 7th Annual Summer Golf Scramble

The glorious sunshine that greeted attendees as they arrived at the iconic Presidio Golf Course on Friday 2 nd June could have been argued to be a premonition for the fantastic day to come. The day of the 7 th Annual Golf Summer Scramble had arrived, and thanks to meticulous effort from the AACC, BABC and SACC, it looked to be Bigger and Better than ever!
 
Read More 
Exceptional British Endeavors - An Evening with British Rower Lia Ditton

On Tuesday June 14 th, The British Consulate very kindly hosted "Exceptional British Endeavors - An Evening with British Rower Lia Ditton". The evening was generously sponsored by GBX, Montgomery Pacific Law LLP and the Silicon Valley Internship Program.

Read More 
BABC News
Ambassador Robert Lighthizer confirmed as U.S. Trade Representative

The U.S. Senate on Thursday approved President Donald Trump's nominee for U.S. Trade Representative, Robert Lighthizer, a critical position tasked with fulfilling the Administration's trade objectives including a renegotiation of NAFTA and future trade agreements. The administration has had to wait for Lighthizer to be in place before triggering the formal process to begin renegotiating NAFTA though it is not clear the Administration will now immediately begin that process.

Read More
British American Business - Press Release - UK Election Results

"Yesterday's election has added to the uncertain business environment our Members operate in; it is therefore of the utmost importance that a new Government is formed as soon as possible.

BAB Members, representing leading British firms and major American investors in the UK, Stand ready to help the next Government build a strong, fair and globally competitive Britain. Ensuring that Britain remains a top destination to live, work and invest can only be achieved with a strong, robust and innovative economy that must include a positive vision for the UK's future relationship with the European Union."

Read More
BABC Member News
A 'healthy' approach to international expansion

Healthcare markets are naturally highly regulated and often require longer term planning when taking your product to market. However, the regulations in Europe can make it easier for US companies to take their product to market, sometimes even before you have entered the US market. 
This therefore offers a huge opportunity for digital health and medical device companies. So, what is the best way to set up a company, how do you go about reimbursements and tax issues? And for those in the initial planning phase of expansion, what strategic decisions does a healthcare company need to make when discovering new markets? We have joined up with Kalms Consulting from Germany to explore a healthy gateway to Europe. 
Read More

Out Now! Turner & Townsend Trestle International Construction Market Survey 2017

In the most in-depth version of our annual survey yet, we have analyzed construction costs data from 43 markets around the world to help you gain greater insight into the global construction industry. Our analysis identifies a number of challenges facing the construction industry as we progress through this year, including skills shortages, exchange rate pressures and the need to improve productivity.

Download the PDF
Lewis & Llewellyn Unveils New Website

In celebration of the firm's fifth anniversary, Lewis & Llewellyn is pleased to unveil its new website - www.lewisllewellyn.com.  We believe our new website reflects our innovative approach to litigation.  We would like to thank our clients for their tremendous support over the past five years, and we look forward to continuing to provide the aggressive, trial-ready litigation experience of Biglaw, with the agility of a boutique firm.

Read More  
Kidder Matthews - Mid Q2 Lease Comps Report

Click below for details of recent office leases in San Francisco, Oakland, and the North Peninsula. We hope this information is useful & interesting, regardless of where you are in the leasing process.

We look forward to connecting when your space needs next arise and you need an experienced and professional advocate on your side. 

Read More
Fitzgerald & Law - UK Corporate Secretarial Update: PSC Register

Since April 2016 UK limited companies have been required to keep a register of people with significant control (PSC register). This captures information about who ultimately controls such companies or otherwise exercises significant influence over them. The information contained in a company's PSC register must be made publicly available at Companies House when a company's confirmation statement (formerly annual return) is filed.  

Since April 2016 UK limited companies have been required to keep a register of people with significant control (PSC register). This captures information about who ultimately controls such companies or otherwise exercises significant influence over them. The information contained in a company's PSC register must be made publicly available at Companies House when a company's confirmation statement (formerly annual return) is filed 
Land of Opportunity: UK immigration options for tech entrepreneurs and tech companies

London Tech Week 2017 (#LTW) got underway yesterday with a launch event at Hear East, the Stratford innovation hub. The event is once again supported by London and Partners and Tech London Advocates (TLA), amongst others, with this year's LTW programme promising to be the best yet.

At the launch, Omid Ashtari, president of Citymapper, described London as 'the destination of choice' for his business which now operates in 39 countries. Delegates also heard from Herman Narula, the CEO and founder of record-breaking start-up Improbable. Narula, whose employees represent around 22 different nationalities, stated that 'London was the obvious place to start up his business'.

Read More
Osborne Clarke - one year until GDPR comes into force

With less than a year to go before the new EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into force, it's time to "get into the weeds" on how it impacts your company.

As many people will be aware, the overhaul of existing EU data privacy laws has been a long time coming and negotiated over many years - the new regulations will finally be implemented on 25 May 2018. And if you are wondering whether there is a 'grace period', then yes there is, but we are in that two year readiness phase now so there will not be any additional time allowed by regulators.

Read More
Meet our Members
Corporate Level Members   
Inspire Business Law Group

At Inspire Business Law Group, PC we pride ourselves on developing a unique relationship with each client, we take the time to thoroughly understand our clients' industry and its drivers, and proactively develop a legal approach to meet their business and legal objectives. 

We strive to work collaboratively with your company to implement your legal objectives both efficiently and cost-effectively allowing your business to move forward. We creatively resolve your legal issues and overcome obstacles to enable your company to reach its corporate goals. 

Through our access to a network of selected advisers familiar with the local market, we also help our clients to succeed in their business endeavors in Silicon Valley and California. Our commitment to excellence is exemplified in our ability to communicate effectively, to operate as a partner in your success, and to develop and execute the road map to meet your goals.

http://inspirelawgroup.com/
CommVersion

We are about conversations; conversations that engage, conversations that make your customer feel connected to your brand. We ensure your website visitors get the complete attention they deserve and require, so you get qualified leads and can turn them into customers.

Given our years of digital marketing experience, we understand the agony of the new-age marketer. It is counterproductive to invest a hefty share of your media spends on driving traffic to your website and not get the ROI you expected.
We transform your brand by extending its presence deep into your customer's decision making process with the right engagement. Our conversations convert your brand into an experience, driven by real time behavioural data which drives relevance.

Our 24-hour live chat, integrated with the best technology and efficient man power,
enables you to reduce your PPC spends, get better consumer insights, nurture your leads and convert them to end users.

http://commversion.com/
Silicon Valley Sevens

Silicon Valley Rugby Football Club (SVRFC) was established in the year 2000 as a high school rugby club for the South San Francisco Bay Area.  In 2013, Silicon Valley Rugby merged with Santa Clara Youth Rugby, a youth rugby club based in Los Gatos.  The merge  brought players for U8 through middle school to the high school rugby club.  

SVRFC is a member of USA Rugby and we participate in the Bay Division of the Northern California Youth Rugby Association (NCYRA) during the winter.  During the summer, SVRFC plays the newest Olympic Sport: 7s Rugby.  

We host players from all over the Silicon Valley including Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Saratoga, Los Gatos, Santa Clara, Willow Glen, Cambrian, and San Jose.  Silicon Valley Rugby hosts youth rugby teams for boys and girls ages 6 through 18.

http://www.siliconvalleyrugby.org/
New Business Members and Community Partners 


New Individual and Young Professionals Members  
New Individual Members:

Colleen Noble
Alexander Lawrence
Colin le Duc 
   
N ew Young Professional Members:

Troy Christiansen 
Alex Jillions 
Our Thanks to these Renewing Members
Premier Level Members 
Pennington's Manches LLP

Penningtons Manches LLP is a leading UK law firm which provides high quality legal advice tailored to both businesses and individuals. We address the specific objectives of each client through our flair and technical expertise and offer a personal service founded on a strong team ethic.
 
Today, we have 7 offices including London, Cambridge, Oxford and San Francisco, with 110 partners and over 600 people in total. Our main areas of practice are dispute resolution, corporate and commercial, real estate, private client and family. We have several multi-disciplinary teams concentrating on a variety of industry sectors, including technology, life sciences, education, social housing, retail and international wealth. In these areas, we're acknowledged for our unparalleled market insight.
 
Our commitment to excellence is backed by a track record which dates back 300 years. We pay great attention to matching your requirements with the right skills, delivered cost effectively and within the appropriate timescale.
 
We have a broad international focus supported by well-established links with law firms throughout the world. Penningtons Manches is a member of Multilaw and the European Law Group, networks with representatives in over 70 countries, and many of our lawyers play leading roles in various international bodies.
 
Our clients range from private individuals, owner managed businesses and start-ups to multi-national corporations, public companies, professional partnerships, banks and financial institutions. We are conscious that our culture and close relationships with our clients are vital assets and we are determined to maintain these as we expand.

http://www.penningtons.co.uk/
Corporate Level Members 
Williams Schone Limited

At Williams Schone we offer many ways to partner with our clients, helping them build teams and develop future business leaders that ensure their organisations thrive.

Many companies ask how they can recruit and retain the best executive talent that has the ability to deliver results. At Williams Schone, we are redefining leadership advisory and executive search and turning it on it's head.

In our endeavour to help clients thrive, we have developed a complete, holistic approach to talent. Not only how to secure those key people, but how to develop and keep them motivated and happy.

With offices in London and San Francisco, we have a unique perspective. Our search capability is broad, helping us to identify and secure outstanding and impactful leaders for our clients.

http://www.williams-schone.com/
Individual and Young Professionals Members  

Individual Members: 

Roger Royse
        
Young Professional Members:

Mauricio Santana 
Intern Adventures
BABC Intern Adventures 

Sadly Finn has left us but we are pleased to welcome the BABC's newest intern, Sam Powell!

Check out the intern album  here
Member Offers & Discounts
Please log in to the BABC Member Information Center to access these fantastic Member-Member Hot Deals and Discounts.

If you have forgotten your username and password, you can reset it here.
FREE CleanSpace Tag!


Did you know that California suffers 21,000 early deaths each year due to air pollution? That's 7 times the number of fatalities from motor vehicle crashes.*
 
Our members Drayson Technologies are offering fellow members a FREE CleanSpace Tag (worth $50) to pair to your smartphone so you can see the air you're breathing, avoid the worst of it and monitor your exposure in the longer term. It's part of a global initiative to better inform people on air pollution and help drive a change in behaviour and clean up the air we breathe faster. The BABC has a limited stock so it will be on a first come first served basis until our stock is gone.
 
To claim your free Tag... email Natalie Cowie with your shipping address
(contact details below) 
 
You can also talk to Drayson Technologies about how indoor air pollution and temperature monitoring for your buildings, assets and vehicle fleets can deliver operational and cost efficiencies and employee health and well-being benefits. 

As a member of the BABC your company will get 25% off your first-year subscription to indoor and outdoor air quality monitoring services.

Contact, Natalie Cowie,
VP Business Development on +1 (415) 949-8257 / [email protected]
 
Goldschmidt Vineyards is pleased to offer BABC Members significantly discounted pricing on the following wines:
 
2012 Cabernet Sauvignon - Forefathers, Alexander Valley
2012 Cabernet Sauvignon - Game Ranch, Oakville
2012 Cabernet Sauvignon - Yeoman Vineyard, Alexander Valley
2013 Chelsea Goldschmidt Merlot - Dry Creak Valley
2013 Gracepoint Petite Sirah, Alexander Valley
2015 Sauvignon Blank - Forefathers, Marlborough

$50 off Youth Soccer Camp Fees


Soccer Camps International is pleased to offer fellow members of the British American Business Council Northern California a $50 discount on booking any Soccer Camps.


Please quote the online discount registration code: englandpromotion50

Soccer Camps International is the leader in specialized soccer training at the Official Elite Youth Soccer Camps and Soccer Schools of the most successful Professional European Soccer Clubs in England: Chelsea FC Foundation Soccer Schools, Manchester City Football Performance Program, Arsenal Soccer Schools, Liverpool FC International Academy Soccer Schools; In Spain: Real Madrid, FC Barcelona; In Italy: AC Milan, Juventus, In Portugal: Benfica Lisbon and in France: Paris Saint Germain, Bordeaux.

Soccer Camps International offers Easter and Summer Soccer Camps sessions in Europe for boys and girls, 7 - 18 year olds. Thousands of players from all over the world have participated at these Official Clubs International Youth Soccer Camps and Soccer Schools over the years.

For more information: phone:  (650) 324-9899 
email:  [email protected] 
Valid: January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2017
British American Business Council | (415) 296-8645 | [email protected] | www.babcsf.org
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