Letter from the President
Stephen Wares CGMA
VP Business Development, 

  
Dear Friends of the BABC,

An Indian summer is in play here in San Francisco , while across the pacific the 'home nations' have been playing the world's best rugby teams during typhoon season . With the result not going our way perhaps my update on what's been happening this month will serve as a suitable distraction.
 
The start of the month saw the October installment of the BABC Happy Hour, where 50+ Young Professionals converged on co-working space Werqwise. We welcomed many new faces to the Happy Hour with many a multicultural discussion being had. Adding to this eclectic mix were University Alumni from a variety of Universities including The University of OxfordKeele University  and the  University of Manchester.
 
A few weeks later, 40+ Guests arrived at Peacock Gap's picturesque Golf Course for the AACC and BABC's 9th Annual International Golf Scramble - Commonwealth Cup. The day itself was co-hosted  with our Australian counterparts the SF Aussies and it was one of their members' foursomes who clinched first place winning tickets to both the Australian Gala and BABC Christmas Luncheon. Overall a great day of Golf with the Bay area's International Business Community was had.
 
Towards the end of the month, we hosted the third Commonwealth Networking Evening with thanks to our venue sponsor, Swyft. Their lofty headquarters,  paired with our wine sponsor,  NZ Wine Navigator made for a fantastic networking opportunity with faces old and new from the Bay's Commonwealth contingency.  A resounding success!
 
Coming up next month is the final Young Professionals Happy Hour of the year and our Global Words of Wisdom On International Workforce Alignment event hosted by Fitzgerald and Law. Join us on November 13th to hear from our expert panelists who have first-hand experience of how to grow an international business with a positive and supportive employee culture. 
 
Finally, I am also delighted to note that our BABC community continues to grow and develop as evidenced by our new and renewing members. I hope you will join me in welcoming the newest members of our vibrant 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.  
 
 
Best, 
 
Stephen Wares,
   
BABC President


BABC Featured Events



BABC Events Calendar
Nov 12
Nov 13
Dec 13
From The Consul General's Desk
 
 
 
Dear friends and members of the BABC, 
 
Here we are at another month and so much has happened since my last column.

You will have seen the EU has agreed to delay Brexit until 31 January and subsequently Parliament has voted to hold an election on 12 December. I hope I will be able to say more in the New Year, but in the meantime, I want to be sure everyone who is eligible here has all the necessary information to vote. Registration deadline is 26 November.

This month, though, I would like to focus on events that have happened closer to our adoptive homes. California has again witnessed and felt the destruction of climate change from the wild fires in Sonoma County, as well as across Southern California. I would guess many of you were directly affected by the subsequent power outages administered by PG&E.

It has been heart-breaking to watch - my heart goes out to all of those directly affected by the Kincade Fire. And I want to thank all of the emergency personnel and first responders for their hard work and due diligence. It is because of them we were lucky to not see a repeat of the events of the Tubbs or Camp fires.

These events should serve as a good reminder to us all to check our own emergency kits and truly understand how prepared we are for natural disasters. While we live in a place of beauty, there is also the real threat of a crisis happening. The Red Cross has great resources to help you prepare including how to create a plan for your family during a crisis and ensure you have the proper materials in your kit.

Kind regards,
Andrew Whittaker,
HM Consul General  
Previous BABC Events

BABC YP Happy Hour
October 8th 2019
   
The October installment  of the BABC Happy Hour which saw 50+ Young Professionals converge on co-working space Werqwise.

  We welcomed many new faces to the Happy Hour with many multicultural discussions being had.

If you are looking to not only expand your bay area network but your wine palette too make sure to register for November's Happy Hour below.

REGISTER NOW FOR OUR NOVEMBER HAPPY HOUR!!



Over 50 guests joined us at Werqwise's co-working space at 149 New Montgomery Street to hear from our five speakers, from various backgrounds in the Real Estate Industry, their insights, experiences and predictions on future trends in Real Estate Brokerage, Real Estate Construction and Engineering, Co-Working spaces and Sustainability within. 

Read More here.

   
On behalf of the British American Business Council and the Australian American Chamber of Commerce we would like to thank all of you - players, sponsors and contributors for your commitment, support and time.

Post event write up available here.



   
The third Commonwealth Networking Series was a resounding (and tasty) success at a brand-new venue, the lofty HQ of Swyft, which expertly hosted the Bays Commonwealth contingency for an evening of Networking and Pies!



BABC Monthly Job Board 
Office Manager
 
Department : Administrative
 

Job Description:

Dynamic, fast-paced, established  boutique marketing firm seeks office manager to handle a variety of responsibilities. Bookkeeping, phones, administration, HR support, and executive assistant to CEO. 

Opportunity to work on client presentations, social/media monitoring, and interface with outside CPA firm. Must be proficient in QuickBooks and Microsoft Office Suite. Room to grow and learn about San Francisco, various industries and marketing in a highly collegial environment. FDI location close to all transportation.  

BABC News

Looking for an office space? We have an office space to rent! Be our Neighbor!

All inquiries email: [email protected]


BABC Member News

British Airways is the first airline to partner with the Department for Transport on a new Government-backed initiative to make transport more inclusive and help people with disabilities travel with confidence.


US-EU: Export Controls and Sanctions Update


This publication from our International Trade Practice looks at the shifting regulatory framework for international trade compliance on both sides of the Atlantic.



The latest Global Economic Conditions Survey (GECS) released in October from ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)and IMA® (Institute of Management Accountants) found that economic confidence in the United States increased slightly over previous quarters, but remained at very low levels and close to an all-time low.



The UK government has published the proposed customs duty rates that will apply to imported merchandise entering the UK from third countries after the country has left the European Union (EU) under a so-called no-deal scenario. Unless recent political developments require the UK government to extend that deadline, it has been indicated that the UK will leave the EU on October 31, 2019.




On October 10, 2019, the California Attorney General (California AG) issued the long-awaited California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Regulations (Proposed Regulations), along with an Initial Statement of Reasons (ISOR) explaining the Proposed Regulations. These Proposed Regulations not only fill in statutory gaps, but also create several substantive new requirements. Companies may submit comments through December 6, 2019, and several public hearings will be held in the first week of December. Our Data Privacy & Cybersecurity Practice can assist you in drafting comments to the California AG during this public comment period.


BABC Network News

Welcome to BAB's Policy Update for October 2019. Not put off by the colder weather, we've been hard at work putting on some excellent engagements on both sides of the pond.


Despite the news that the Brexit deadline has been pushed back to 31st January 2020, we're featuring some advice from the UK Department for International Trade on how to get your business ready in the event of a no-deal scenario.


BritishAmerican Business (BAB) published a white paper laying out several key recommendations from the transatlantic business community on the future of the US-UK digital trade relationship.

Meet Our New Members
Premier Members
Erickson Immigration Group


With offices in San Francisco, CA and the Washington, D.C. metro area, we provide a full line of business immigration solutions and global immigration management services for fast-paced multinational corporations worldwide.

Our commitment to service sets us apart from other firms because we love what we do and we understand practicing law is really about trust and getting results. We also know that immigration laws can be complex and confusing, and the results can be life-altering.

We uncomplicate the complicated and do so with one goal: to exceed your expectations.

Corporate Members
KPMG

Through helping other organizations mitigate risks and grasp opportunities, we can drive positive, sustainable change for clients, our people and society at large.

KPMG member firms operate in 153 countries, collectively employing more than 207,000 people, serving the needs of business, governments, public-sector agencies, not-for-profits and through member firms' audit and assurance practices, the capital markets. KPMG is committed to quality and service excellence in all that we do, bringing our best to clients and earning the public's trust through our actions and behaviours both professionally and personally.

We lead with a commitment to quality and consistency across our global network, bringing a passion for client success and a purpose to serve and improve the communities in which member firms operate. In a world where rapid change and unprecedented disruption are the new normal, we inspire confidence and empower change in all we do.

Business Members


Individual and Young Professional Members  

Individual Members
Ben Wrigley
Christian Thwaites
Klaus Siegmann
Fernando Albayeros
Ciaran Hickey

Young Professional Members
Alex Fahmi

Our Thanks to these Renewing Members
Premier Members
Furnished Quarters

Furnished Quarters is the largest independently owned and operated supplier of global temporary housing, offering over 100,000 furnished apartments in more than 800 cities worldwide. 


Discover the contemporary, spacious and convenient alternative to typical hotels at savings of up to 50%. Everything is included with a Furnished Quarters apartment, from WiFi, cable and local phone to utilities, housekeeping and 24/7 guest services. Prepare meals in your fully equipped kitchen stocked with all the at-home essentials including pots, pans, wine glasses and more.


Corporate Members
PricewaterhouseCoopers

Imagine the power of 180,000 people with a common purpose - building relationships that create value for you and your business. This is PwC. Every day, our people work with you to build the value you are looking for.

We'll start by getting to know you. Our tailored solutions will help you meet the challenges and opportunities of doing business in the US market, and beyond.

We offer a global perspective and in-depth knowledge of local, state and US issues and focus on audit and assurance, tax, and consulting services . In the US, PwC concentrates on 16 key industries, providing targeted services including - but not limited to - human resources, deals, forensics, and consulting services . We help resolve complex issues and identify opportunities.

Our reputation lies in building lasting relationships with our clients and a focus on delivering value in all we do. Let us apply our world-class capabilities to your business goals.

SuiteAmerica

SuiteAmerica's worldwide corporate housing and destination services feature the most advanced technologies with an unrivaled level of service. When welcoming a guest, whether they're relocating or on a temporary assignment, our innovative tools and dedication to service create a personalized experience unlike any other. SuiteAmerica's different. We genuinely care.

Beginning nearly 30 years ago, we decided we wanted to be the absolute best provider of corporate housing. Everything we do, every day is centered on our clients. The philosophy, putting the clients needs first, hiring the best people, listening to and implementing employee ideas for improvement, and investing in the best products.   

Alexander's Mobility Services

You need a mover and Alexander's Mobility Services is among the industry's finest service providers. With a history of providing outstanding service to corporate, government and individual clients around the world, Alexander's has the experience and knowledge to consistently exceed your expectations. Whether you are moving your home or office, handling corporate relocation, need storage, specialized transportation or international transport, we can help you get moving. Let us prove it.


Alexander's is Atlas World Group's top revenue producing and hauling multi-agency -- a position held every year since 1994. Alexander's is one of Atlas' leading quality agents earning more of the van lines' prestigious Milton M. Hill Quality Award than any other agency group.

http://www.alexanders.net/
 

Community Partners


Business Members



Individual Members  

Michael Basoah


Young Professional Members  

Curtis Barker
William Goff 

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:






Relax and Un-Wined at Wilson Artisan Wines 
Grape Leaf Inn and Enjoy a bottle of Wilson Artisan wine at check in!







Book a 3 night stay that includes a Tuesday and get the Tuesday free at the 
 Calderwood Inn! Courtesy of Wilson Artisan Wines.



Try DocuSign eSignature FREE for 30 days

San Francisco Business Times - Special Subscription Offer

Print/Digital Combo - 1 Year (52 issues)
Regularly $140. You pay $80

Go Green w/ a Digital Only Subscription - 1 Year
Regularly $115. You pay $80



Fairmont San Francisco - 15% Discount Off Best Available rate on hotel reservations

Book your 2019 event at Fairmont San Francisco and SAVE 5%

Fairmont are delighted to offer BABC Members a 5% food and beverage discount on your 2019 events

 
 
10% Discount at InterContinental Hotels

OFX Foreign Currency Exchange - Free transfers and a preferred rate of exchange!



 

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