Letter from the President
Melissa Harkcom
BABC President   
Director, North America  
 
 

   
Dear Friends of the BABC,
 
 
Despite the myth of a quieter summer season, your BABC team has been hard at work and July was a very active month for the BABC.
 
On July 10th we kicked off the month with our increasingly popular Young Professionals Happy Hour, this time at the University Club of San Francisco. With over 90 attendees registered for the event, it was an excellent opportunity for all involved to network and get further involved with those in the BABC community, while also enjoying the excellent hospitality of the University Club.
 
Thank you to First Republic Bank who generously sponsored the event, providing a free drink to the first 30 attendees, and conducting a business card drawing for a bottle of champagne. Our lucky winner was David Yee-Eng, congratulations David!     
 
A week later and the BABC was once again hosting a prestigious Rugby event, the Rise of Rugby Sevens Lions Legends' Dinner. This time in collaboration with the BABC's main partnered charity Play Rugby USA. The event saw over 140 attendees enjoy a fantastic dinner, and the insight of a panel of international rugby legends. Through auctions and other fundraising efforts, we were able to raise over $50,000 for Play Rugby. 
 
That same weekend, the entire BABC office team was in attendance for the Rugby World Cup Sevens at AT&T Park during the three-day event. Congratulations go to the entire organizing committee, it was an incredible event and a wonderful sporting spectacle.  
 
Looking ahead, we have also been hard at work preparing for some big events coming up in August.    
 
Following the success of our first Young Professionals Happy Hour at
the University Club of San Francisco, we look forward to another high turnout on August 14th. First Republic Bank have again kindly agreed to sponsor this month's Happy Hour once again, so make sure to be one of the first there for a complimentary drink. This is an excellent opportunity to network and get involved with the BABC community.   
 
On August 18th we have another Young Professionals Event not to be missed. A special private tour of California's premium wine destination, Napa Valley. Attendees will get the opportunity to tour and taste wines from both Clos Pegase and Priest Ranch but be quick to sign up as there are only 19 spots available and are likely to go fast! 
 
Building on last month's well attended European Mixer, British American Business Council Northern California, French American Chamber of Commerce San Francisco , and German American Business Association invite you to join our even larger collaboration event, 'Summer European Networking', an event that will bring together a further 12 international networking chambers. Come and enjoy some drinks and nibbles in the company of young professionals from different countries, businesses and industries. This event will provide you with a great opportunity to grow your Bay Area Network and have a chance to win 2 Economy Tickets to Europe from our event sponsor Norwegian Airlines
 
Coming up later in the summer we have one of our liveliest events of the year, the Annual Golf Scramble. Hosted at the prestigious Presidio Gold Course, this annual tournament is always popular as well as being a lot of fun and regularly sells out, so booking now is advised! Come along and cheer on the teams or register either as an individual or as a foursome to have the chance to win!
  
Finally, yet importantly, as you will see from our new and renewing member sections further down in this newsletter, the BABC community remains as strong and vibrant as ever. I hope you will join me in welcoming the newest members of our growing and dynamic community - you will find information about them below. Please take a moment to visit their websites and contact Jo Healey if you would like to learn more. 
 
Wishing everyone an enjoyable continued Summer.
 
Best,
 
Melissa Harkcom,  
President, BABC Northern California
 

BABC Featured Events





Tickets and Tables officially go on sale on September 4th

BABC Events Calendar
Aug 16
Aug 18
Aug 21
Aug 22
Aug 23
Aug 28
Aug 29
Sep 6
Sep 7
Sep 8
Sep 8
Sep 21
Sep 27
Oct 1
Dec 14
From The Consul General's Desk


Dear Friends and Members of the BABC,

It's been quite the summer for UK sports and sports in the UK.
 
As many of us are coming back from summer holiday, our national sports teams have been hard at work. Starting with the exciting FIFA World Cup in early July.
I for one, was cheering England each winning round and truly thought the Cup was finally coming home throughout most of the month.
 
From my perspective, the energy and the hope was unmatched. Though the final was not the outcome we'd all hoped for, the team was fantastic and I have no doubt there are many great years to come. This may have been the first run, but it certainly won't be the last.  
 
Wimbeldon's marathon semi-final was yet another international sensation. Each year hundreds of thousands of people visit the UK to see some of tennis's finest players and this year was no exception. There were some great matches throughout the tournament but the record-breaking six-and-half hour semi-final was an incredible play of athleticism.
 
Then, right here in San Francisco we had the pleasure of the Rugby World Cup Seven coming to our doorsteps. We had a lot of teams to root for including England Women's; and Scotland, England, Wales' men's teams, of which there was so much excitement. It was the first time the World Cup Sevens were held in the US and it was quite a weekend. From England Women's Challenge match win to Men's Championship final match against New Zealand to Scotland's highest World Cup finish yet, it was wonderful to see the support internationally as well as domestically US for a sport I personally enjoy.  
 
And then the final weekend of July, Geraint Thomas became the 6th British cycler (and first Welshman) in 7 years to win the Tour de France.
 
Sport is an important part of our culture. The UK invented a majority of modern international sports including football, rugby, cricket, golf, tennis, and even curling. So it's no wonder our teams attract huge crowds and huge amounts of diversity into the leagues. These are just a few reasons of why sport really is GREAT.
  
 
Andrew Whittaker,
HM Consul General  

Previous BABC Events
BABC Young Professionals Happy Hour  
July 11th 2018  
 
On Tuesday the 11th of July we hosted our ever popular Young Professionals Happy Hour in Cafe The University Club of San Francisco.The Young Professionals Committee were delighted to welcome new and returning attendees to this networking event.
 
We would like to thank everyone that supported the event and to First Republic Bank for their kind sponsorship of the event.

The BABC YP Happy Hour takes place every SECOND Tuesday of the month and affords Bay Area's young professional community the opportunity to learn from and network with their peers.

See the photos from the evening here

   

 European Young Professional Summer Mixer July 12th 2018 

On Thursday the 12th of July, we co-hosted the European Summer Networking Mixer with our friends from GABA Northern California - German American Business Association and French American Chamber of Commerce San Francisco in the beautiful offices of WilmerHale.

There was a fantastic turnout for the event with young professionals from all over the world conversing, building professional networks and sharing tips on life in the Bay Area. We would like to thank our host of the event WilmerHale for their hospitality and support.

We look forward to our next Summer European Networking Evening which will be held on the 29th of August.

For photos of the event head over to our Flickr album.

   

 Rise of Rugby Sevens Lion's Legends Dinner 

On Wednesday the 18th of July, the BABC, in collaboration with Play Rugby USA, hosted the Rise of Rugby Sevens Lion's Legends Dinner. The event offered an unparalleled opportunity for the BABC's rugby enthusiast members to mingle with some of the biggest names in British and Irish Lion's history. as well as producing a unique fundraising opportunity for BABC associated charity, Play Rugby USA. 

The evening was a great success, with over 140 guests treated to a fantastic 3 course dinner at the prestigious St. Francis yacht Club, before a panel discussion was held with Lions Legends from each of the 4 nations. Gavin Hastings from Scotland, Jeremy Guscott from England, Stephen Ferris from Ireland, and Darren Morris from Wales. The panel, moderated by former USA Eagles captain Dan Lyle, covered a number of topics around the rise of the sevens game in recent years, and guests were treated to the unique insight of the panel.

The event was a huge success all around and we are delighted to share that your generosity and, with thanks to the winning bidders of the Live Auction, close to $50,000 was raised for Play Rugby USA, far exceeding our expectations. 
 
Congratulations go to our Auction winners, listed below:  
 
Autumn International England Package: Preston Gordon 
Sevens Heaven Las Vegas Package: Rory Cameron and Cyril Hackett
Irish Champions Package: Rob McCourt
6 Nations Scotland Package: Barry O'Brien
RWC Japan Package: Rory Cameron
2015 RWC All Blacks Jersey: Patrick Davin  
Lake Tahoe Package: Patrick Davin 
 
 
Read the full write up of the event here , or click here to see the photos
 

   

The UK after the EU Breakfast with DR Liam Fox

On the morning of Friday, July 27 th the BABC held 'The UK after the EU: US Trade and the Implications of Brexit' breakfast event in partnership with the UK Department for International Trade. This event gave our BABC Members the opportunity to listen and partake in a conversation between Dr Fox, UK Secretary of State for International Trade and Nick Unkovic, Chairman of the BABC.
 
The well attended event provided some great insight on the UK's Trade relations with the US and Europe post Brexit. Chaired by Squire Patton Boggs Partner, Nick Unkovic, Dr. Fox delved into what lies ahead in the future of UK international trade after leaving the EU and stressed the importance of the powerful relations the UK has with the US. 
       
We would to thank our hosts for the morning BABC Patron member,
Squire Patton Boggs for the wonderful hospitality which proved once more to be a brilliant venue, and the Department of International Trade for helping to organize the event.

Check out the details of the event here.

Read the full write up of the event here   

 
 
BABC Monthly Job Board 
Quantity Surveyor / Cost Manager (San Francisco, CA, United States) 
 
Job Description
Do you want to be part of the in-house team helping one of the biggest technology companies in the world deliver their vision? 
Turner & Townsend are engaged to support our client with many complex projects, responsible for all aspects of cost management and project delivery and we are seeking the ideal
Quantity Surveyors / Cost Manager to act as the day-to-day interface with the client and drive this project to achieve an excellent outcome.  You have a chance to be a key player in our technological future, as part of a team of innovative professionals shaping our built environment.
 
Design Project Manager - Data Center Construction (Sunnyvale, CA, United States)  
 
Job Description
Turner & Townsend's client is seeking a Project Manager to manage the design for several large-scale ground-up data center construction projects. The successful candidate will have responsibility for the client's West Coast region.

The Design Project Manager will be responsible for managing the design process and the Architect/Engineer from master planning/basis of design stage through issuance of construction drawings. The design manager will manage a very fast, diverse and rapidly changing design program.

The ideal candidate will have 8-15 years' relevant experience and the ability to be highly effective in a client facing role.
 
Design Project Manager - Data Center Construction (New York, NY, United States)
 
Job Description
Turner & Townsend's client is seeking a Project Manager to manage the design for several large-scale ground-up data center construction projects. The successful candidate will have responsibility for the client's East Coast region.

The design manager will be responsible for managing the design process and the Architect/Engineer from master planning/basis of design stage through issuance of construction drawings. The design manager will manage a very fast, diverse and rapidly changing design program. The ideal candidate will have 8-15 years' relevant experience and the ability to be highly effective in a client facing role. 
 
Design Project Manager - Data Center Construction (New York, NY, United States)
 
Job Description
Turner & Townsend  seeks an experienced Mechanical or MEP Senior Project Manager to join the San Francisco bay area's Commercial Real Estate team.

The Mechanical PM will have an opportunity to work on one of the largest new development and facility expansion projects in the Bay Area with our high-profile technology client.

While Mechanical construction project experience is required, Electrical and Plumbing Estimating experience is also a big plus (MEP). 
 
BABC Member News
Osborn McDerby Welcomes Kristy Wiehe

Osborn McDerby is pleased to announce that Kristy Wiehe  has joined the firm. Kristy is an experienced business attorney representing corporate clients of all sizes, ranging from start-ups to Fortune Global 100 companies, on a broad variety of corporate matters with a focus on mergers and acquisitions and corporate governance.  
 
Kristy worked for two powerhouse firms in Los Angles before gaining valuable in-house experience as corporate counsel at Honda North America, Inc. Kristy received an M.B.A. from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, a J.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a B.A. from Stanford University.
 
Shifting sands: how employment rights and status are changing in the UK and California

In the UK, the courts and tribunals apply a number of tests and factors to determine if an individual is an employee, a worker (a hybrid status reflecting the view that some individuals, while not full-blown employees entitled to the whole range of employment rights, are deserving of some protection), or self-employed (ie an independent contractor).

The application of these tests and factors is complex and important, as the three classifications affect an individual's employment rights. Traditionally this complexity has led to litigation focusing on whether an individual is an employee or a worker.
 
The Sacramento Brain Gain

The Sacramento region is experiencing unprecedented growth, with the city now the
fastest growing in California. It is the no.1 location for people moving from the Bay Area and alignment is increasing everyday with an ever growing shared workforce. Having another location option in Northern California is increasingly attractive for tech companies, not only is there a cultural continuity between here and the Bay Area, it also offers employees more options to attain the best quality and cost of living balance.  
 
BABC Corporate Member Releases U.S. Cap Rate Survey H1 2018 Advance Review
 
CBRE presents its semiannual U.S. Cap Rate Survey H1 2018 Advance Review - a snapshot of CRE cap rates across the U.S.

* U.S. cap rates remained broadly stable in H1 2018, except for certain retail segments and the industrial sector.

* The industrial sector remains blisteringly hot, with cap rates falling by 10 basis points (bps) on average and 17 bps for Class B product.

* In the retail sector, power centers saw an average cap rate increase of 26 bps, neighborhood centers increased by 9 bps and high streets were stable.

* Multifamily, office and hotel cap rates were stable.

* The average cap rate spread over the 10-year Treasury fell by 42 bps. Spreads were lowest for high-street retail and highest for suburban hotel.

To download the full report, click here
Spot Lucey & Wall.  Announce New Equity Partner

Spot Lucey & Wall. is proud to announce that Devan Friday has been appointed as an equity partner in the firm.

Devan graduated from Pacific Union College with an accounting degree and joined the firm in 2007. He received his Master of Science in Taxation with honors in 2013 and Certificate in International Tax in 2018 from golden Gate University. Devan wrote his thesis on U.S. taxation of foreign pension and retirement plans.

Read more 

dunhill London to host Made to Measure/ Bespoke Trunk Show in San Francisco


Click here to make an appointment

View from the Bridge: US-UK Business Update

Welcome to our latest issue of View from the Bridge. This edition focuses on three new publications we have produced highlighting the UK as a place of excellence in the fields of enterprise, innovation and access to talent, and as a prospective source of capital.

 

The first is a report on investment, From the Golden Gate to the Golden Triangle, setting out the findings from research on the health of US investment into UK companies. The findings are particularly telling with numbers up across the board, both in terms of capital invested and deals completed. Silicon Valley investment into UK tech is at an all-time high, with over £1bn invested in 2017.  It was also insightful to see the UK's "Golden Triangle" of London, Oxford and Cambridge - where we, as a firm, have a unique footprint - taking the lion's share of US investment.


2018 Insurtech Mission to Las Vegas

The UK's Department for International Trade (DIT) is proud to invite you to register your interest for our InsurTech Mission to Las Vegas from October 1-3, 2018, with an optional extension to the San Francisco Bay Area October 4-5.

This visit offers British businesses the opportunity to gain high visibility in the US market through an opportunity to participate on stage at InsurTech Connect, delegates-only meetings with speakers, one-on-ones with venture capitalists, and exclusive events to build relationships within the US InsurTech industry. Delegates can choose, with the help of DIT, to arrange two additional days of bespoke programmes to explore San Francisco's unique InsurTech sector and to pitch VCs. 

Previous missions have helped UK companies learn best practices about selling into US companies, developing US expansion strategies, and networking with high-level executives, and secure millions in vc funding and partnerships. Join us to learn how to grow your business.   

 Aer Lingus Winter Sale to Ireland

Don't miss Aer Lingus' Winter Sale! Experience all that Ireland has to offer.
 
Hurry book by August 15, 2018. Fly from San Francisco (SFO) to Ireland from $619*
*Travel select dates Nov 1 - Dec 17, 2018. Roundtrip per person, includes air transportation charges, taxes & fees. Restrictions apply.  
 
Visit the link below:
BABC News
British-American Business Council - July Trade and Investment Update

The month of July was marked by a visit to the UK from President Donald J. Trump, the first time since entering office. The President's visit was the precursor to an announcement by the UK Department for International Trade (DIT) that formal, public consultations will take place on new trade arrangements with Australia, New Zealand and the United States, following the latest meeting of the US-UK Trade and Investment Working Group. More information on these consultations, including how you can contribute, can be found in the Business Opportunities section in the full update.

British-American Business Council - July Policy Review

July was one of the busiest months of the year so far for the BABC, with the President of the United States visiting the UK for the first time since taking office. Alongside this, a reshuffle in Theresa May's cabinet, and updated Brexit plan agreed at Chequers left no shortage of work for the BABC.

Read more
Three New Staff Join BABC Northern California Team

The BABC Northern California welcomes three new staff members to the team, two interns, Corey Hastings and Andy McCloskey, and a new administrative assistant, Sofia Pavlova.





Corey Hastings
Andy McCloskey
Sofia Pavlova
Business-Associate Intern
Business-Associate Intern
Office Manager
UK Government Begins Open Consultations on Trade Negotiations with the United States

On 18 July 2018, at a speech given at the Royal Society, London, the Secretary of State for International Trade and President of the Board of Trade, the Rt Hon Dr Liam Fox announced that the UK government will be starting formal consultations on a potential free trade agreement with the United States of America (USA). In response, BritishAmerican Business CEO Duncan Edwards made the following statement:

 "Today's speech certainly marks a historic moment in UK-US trade relations as it reflects the ambition of the UK government to strengthen economic ties with the US, the UK's most important single-country trading partner."

"We welcome the announcement that the US will be one of three priority markets for which the UK Government is launching formal consultations, and we hope that this positive momentum continues in the coming months towards opening a new chapter in economic relations between both countries."

As this consultation comes in the context of the UK leaving the EU, we also welcome the Secretary's comment that the UK government is working to maximise the UK's trade with the rest of the world without impeding its current trade relationship with Europe which is so important for many of our businesses and workers on both sides of the Atlantic."

 Read more
BAB Welcomes Fourth Session of the UK-US Trade and Investment Working Group and Second SME Dialogue

BritishAmerican Business (BAB) welcomes the joint release by the Secretary of State for International Trade and President of the Board of Trade, The Rt Hon Dr Liam Fox MP, and the US Trade Representative, Robert Lighthizer, after the fourth session of the UK-US Trade and Investment Working Group, and the second meeting of the US-UK Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) dialogue that took place in London last week.

Read more
Meet our New Members
Upgrading to Premier Level Members   
Werqwise

We at Werqwise are driven by helping businesses and their people realize their full potential. We believe that every business is unique and should be considered as such. Simply put, people that are happy in work are more productive, and what drives success for a software developer working from their desk all day and a marketeer mostly busy away from the desk will be very different. But what is good for each individual is also good for the business. Therefore, we believe every business requires a unique mix of emotional, physical and support environments to flourish.

Our Mission is to enable everyone to realize their ambition by shaping the future of work.


We believe that where you work, how you work, and who you work around fundamentally impacts your success. Everything we do is focused on changing all three for the better; having a material impact on you, your people and your business.


Werqwise is a California based collaborative workspace provider enabling businesses and professionals to work smarter by leveraging our thoughtful partner resources, flexible workspaces, events, and community.


https://werqwise.com/
Upgrading to Corporate Level Members   
Robert Walters California

Robert Walters is a world-leading specialist professional recruiter. Our story began in 1985 when our CEO Robert Walters opened the first office in central London. Rob has led the company ever since and has the same passion and commitment today. Over the last 28 years the company has grown and so have our ambitions - we now have 53 offices in 24 countries and we employ over 2,000 people. It's a powerful success story.

Organisations rely on us to find the highest quality specialist professionals for a range of roles in accountancy and finance, banking and financial services, legal, HR, IT, marketing, sales, secretarial and business support as well as tax and treasury. Professionals who are looking for a new role, whether it's on a permanent, interim or contract basis, trust us to find them their ideal job.

We also have a specialist recruitment outsourcing business called Resource Solutions and Walters People, a clerical recruitment company operating in Europe.


New Corporate Level Members   
VU Events & Travel Ltd.

A few years after retiring from international rugby, Victor Ubogu launched VU Limited in February 2004 to provide top end VIP corporate hospitality, travel and tickets to sporting events worldwide. VU Limited has since established itself as a respected player in the sports tours and hospitality industry through its focus on first class delivery of quality products and uncompromising, personalized service.

VU Limited is a specialist company, providing unique experiences at premier sporting events worldwide. The team offers true originality and its knowledge and expertise ensure that all of its clients experience the best locations, beautiful hotels, a special kind of life and energy, genuine hospitality and unrivaled service.

When people come to VU events, something special happens. The aim is to give clients the settings, facilities and services that allow them to enjoy a truly outstanding experience and unforgettable moments.

dunhill London

dunhill London is design driven, with style, substance and purpose; engineering unique and stylish luxuries for men.

Founded in 1893 when Alfred Dunhill took over his father's harness manufacturing business, Alfred developed and invented products for the emerging motoring industry to meet the needs of a new generation.

Leather and craftsmanship is as integral today, as it was 125 years ago. In the leather workshops in London's Walthamstow and in Italy, dunhill upholds the tradition of considered craft.

"It must be useful, it must work dependably, it must be beautiful, it must last, it must be the best of its kind" is the mantra of Alfred that still drives the business forward.

dunhill London is a leading British luxury menswear brand with a global r etail and digital presence, led by the vision of Creative Director, Mark Weston and CEO, Andrew Maag.

https://www.dunhill.com/
CAF American Donor Fund

CAF America Donor Fund is a global grantmaking organization assisting corporations, foundations, and individuals. We streamline the grantmaking process to eliminate risk and administrative burden. Through our work, we help donors support great causes by assisting them in making strategic, effective, and tax-advantaged grants internationally and domestically.
American donors cannot give directly to foreign charitable organizations and obtain a tax deduction. As a US public charity, CAF American Donor Fund is able to accept funds from American donors who can then recommend that CAF American Donor Fund use those funds to support foreign charitable organizations.
CAF American Donor Fund has customized solutions for:
  • Corporations
  • Foundations
  • Individuals and Families
  • Foreign Charitable Organizations
  • Diasporas


Upgrading to Business Level Members   

 
New Individual and Young Professional Members  
   
Individual Members
Nichola Barber 
 
Our Thanks to these Renewing 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.
Patron Level Members   
The Fairmont Hotel San Francisco

Since 1907, The Fairmont has served as the San Francisco residence for U.S. presidents, world leaders and entertainment stars. The landmark hotel offers 591 newly renovated guest rooms and suites, three distinctive restaurants, a health club and easy access to the city's most popular attractions.

http://www.fairmont.com/sanfrancisco
Business Level Members  
 
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.
Hot Deal
Member:

Taj London: 15% discount from our Best Available Rates

A complimentary drink voucher (one per stay, per room)

£10 Food & Beverage credit per night booked (per room; can be accumulated for booked stay)



Color Consultation and 15% off Hot Deal!
Free $75 Amazon gift card from Furnished Quarters for first 30 day or longer stay

$250 off your First 30 day stay!
Excellent Discounts on Goldschmidt Vineyard Wines
 
Fairmont San Francisco - 15% Discount Off Best Available rate on hotel reservations

OFX Foreign Currency Exchange - Free transfers and a preferred rate of exchange!
 
British Airways Promotional Offer for BABC and BA Executive Club Members
10% Discount at InterContinental Hotels

$50 off Youth Soccer Camp Fees

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca- 20% Discount on tickets to the 2018 Motorsports events
 
Turkish Airlines - Substantially discounted Business and Economy Fares to Europe.
 

British American Business Council | (415) 296-8645 | [email protected] | www.babcsf.org
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