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Letter from the President
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Melissa Harkcom
BABC President
Director, North America
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Dear Friends of the BABC,
I know it is Spring because there are daffodils in my garden, and I lost an hour sleep when the clocks changed. However, that seems to be it for the most part in terms of evidence! A couple of warm days over the last weekends have also reminded me what it is like to dash outside to see the sun- plus the Bay Area is green and verdant. It looks beautiful and the drought is officially over - hooray! And so as Spring has (at least officially) sprung into life, so has your BABC events calendar and we are pleased to share a number of staple BABC events and the launch of a new initiative with our fellow Commonwealth Counterparts.
On Tuesday, March 12th we co-hosted our Young Professionals Happy Hour with Oxford University Alumni! This event took place at BABC's Premier Member
Werqwise and welcomed new and returning attendees to this monthly networking event. Attendees networked throughout the evening with Oxford Alumni as well as Bay Area young professionals. We hope that many memorable connections were made. Make sure to save the date and sign up for our next
BABC Young Professionals Happy Hour on Tuesday, April 9th at Werqwise! You can see some photos from the event
here and read the write up from the event
here.
This month, the BABC office also launched a handful of events which will be taking place in the upcoming weeks and months, take a look at
our events page to see an overview.
We plan for several networking evenings to be held throughout the year to make up the 'Commonwealth Networking Series", so ensure to attend the launch of this new collaboration and in particular to support our Commonwealth friends from the New Zealand at this very challenging time for their country.
Your support means we can nurture this initiative into a flourishing Commonwealth Community as well as learn more from the respective participating organizations around the globe.
Whether you are new to the Bay Area or have been here a while, there are things you need to know to ensure success with your tax planning, immigration status and current and future finances. This is your chance to get your questions answered from a panel of experts in tax, immigration law, banking and UK pensions. You will also get a chance to connect with others in a similar situation.
This is always a popular event so make sure to save the date and get your tickets!
Last but not least, as you will see from our new and renewing member sections further down this newsletter, the BABC community remains as strong and vibrant as ever. Please don't hesitate to reach out to your ever attentive BABC office team if you need anything.
Melissa Harkcom,
President, BABC Northern California
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From The Consul General's Desk
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Dear friends and members of the BABC,
Brexit, and the ongoing discussions in the British Parliament, remain top of mind. 29th of March has come and gone, and it has now been agreed that the UK will depart on 12th April if no deal has been reached by then. Negotiations are ongoing in Brussels and Westminster to find a way through, with an extension of EU membership until 22 May on offer if the British Parliament accepts the deal being offered. An extension beyond that would likely require the UK to participate in European Elections. Unfortunately I'm not in a position to foresee exactly what the outcome will be, but in the meantime let me tell you about one area of UK excellence, namely gaming. Last month we hosted a UK delegation here for the Game Developers Conference here in San Francisco.
The UK game industry contributed $3.9 billion in GVA to the UK economy in 2016. In 2018, games accounted for more than half of the entire UK entertainment market, (an estimated 51 percent), which means games were outselling music and video combined, for the first time.
Almost every sector of the UK game industry market is growing. According to TIGA analysis, the UK video game sector is the largest in Europe, contributing more than $1.96 billion towards British GDP in 2017.
And with 2,280 gaming companies, the game scene is wide-ranging. Companies encompass everything from new micro-studios developing games for the burgeoning mobile market to internationally respected independent studios to large UK and international publishers, all of which employ a highly skilled workforce with leading technical and creative expertise.
The UK is an internationally renowned start-up scene for innovative games and entrepreneurial developers of every stripe, from coders to designers to producers and developers - the kinds of artists who fundamentally shape the course of the industry now and into the future.
Andrew Whittaker,
HM Consul General
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BABC YP Happy Hour
March 12th 2019
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 by coming along, we hope you all had a good time and made some lasting connections.
This month's BABC Young Professionals Happy Hour was Co-Hosted with the University of Oxford, which gave our attendees the opportunity to grow their network in the region! Members and non-members conversed throughout the evening with Oxford alumni as well as Bay Area young professionals, and we hope many memorable connections were made!
We would like to extend special thanks to
Werqwise, who always really make us feel at home in their fantastic facility. The BABC Happy Hour runs on the customary second Tuesday of every month, so make sure to add this to your calendar! Check out the photos below.
We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with BABC Premier Member Werqwise who will be hosting the BABC Young Professionals Happy Hour for the first half of 2019.
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Marketing Manager
Job description
An exciting opportunity to join us in a crucial role supporting the development of our newest studio.
This is a new role for our San Francisco studio which will focus on creating a wealth of strategic new business opportunities and on building a strong and secure client portfolio of Challenger & Iconic brands on the West Coast.
A key aspect of the role will be to leverage Pearlfisher's rich global and US Marketing & Communications program (a strong platform in profile building and thought leadership) to engage with forward-looking brands and convert new business opportunities.
We envisage a creative and instinctive marketeer, a natural 'hunter' and connector with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, strategic acumen, a passion for branding and design and an openness to embrace Pearlfisher's philosophy and IP. The ideal candidate will need to have a Bachelor's Degree, a minimum of 4-5 years' relevant industry experience in branding & design and a strong understanding of the US West Coast environment and culture.
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Senior Strategist
Job description
The overall remit of this role will be to develop and express clear and powerful brand and design strategies that set the future for our clients' brands and provides a vision for our creative solutions.
The Senior Strategist will be working as part of a small entrepreneurial team in Pearlfisher SF, as part of the wider Pearlfisher network, involving a tight connection with the PFNY Strategy Team and close collaboration with Design, Futures, Client Management, Realization, Business Development and Marcomms Teams.
As the team builds the role will also involve managing and supervising the work of more junior strategists and interns in the Strategy Team.
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Commercial Real Estate Broker
Job description
SVN | QAV & Associates, Commercial Real Estate Advisors, is interviewing optimistic, enthusiastic individuals who are interested in a career with unlimited potential in commercial real estate brokerage. SVN advisors are passionate about creating value for their clients, colleagues, and communities. We enjoy an energetic, collaborative environment where a range of activities ensures a variety of ways to assert our talents. This is a 100% commission sales position where we offer best in class training, myriad tools and support to jumpstart your commercial brokerage real estate career. Responsibilities include...
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Operations Assistant
Job description
The Operations Assistant is responsible for ensuring all Furnished Quarters cleanliness and appearance standards are met by conducting inspections and equipment testing, liaising with Housekeeping staff/building maintenance, ensuring proper placement of all furnishings and household goods as well as maintaining established cleaning and guest supply par levels. This role requires a strong knowledge of the San Francisco Bay areas and will include operating/driving a company commercial van to and from multiple company work sites.
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Operations and Warehouse Assistant
Job description
The Operations & Warehouse Assistant is responsible for a variety of activities ensuring all Furnished Quarters apartment cleanliness and appearance standards are met by painting and wallpapering units per design plans, conducting inspections, ensuring proper placement of all furnishings and household goods as well as maintaining established cleaning and guest supply par levels. This role is also responsible for warehouse functions, inclusive of organization, receiving and storing goods, requisitioning and inventorying. This role requires a strong knowledge of the San Francisco Bay areas and will include operating/driving a company commercial van to and from multiple company work sites.
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Account Manager
Job description
The Account Manager is responsible for business development in the San Francisco Bay Area by sourcing new business and utilizing selling techniques to convert inquiries into closed deals. The Account Manager must be detail oriented and highly organized, with the ability to close deals and to meet or exceed quarterly sales goals.
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Junior Accountant - New York
Job description
The Accountant will support the accounting management team by providing support for each of the financial areas outlined below for all four US/Canada entities.
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Celebrating International Women's Day in its Centenary year, British Airways marked the day by welcoming 100 young women to its Global Learning Academy to inspire more girls to become commercial airline pilots.
British Airways employs more female pilots than any other UK airline. More than six per cent of its flight crew is female - above the national average. However, the airline knows that there is more work to be done.
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RED NOSE DAY SOARS TO NEW HEIGHTS WITH BRITISH AIRWAYS
As millions of people across the country don a Red Nose for Comic Relief, British Airways has unveiled an aircraft that will be wearing a Red Nose of its own for the cause. Painted on to an A320, the airline is raising awareness of Red Nose Day as it announces a target to reach £25million for Comic Relief by 2020. The Red Nosed plane will travel to various locations across the UK and Europe.
Through Flying Start, the airline's global charity partnership with Comic Relief, British Airways has been fundraising to help change the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged people in the UK and around the world.
Red Noses will be handed out in exchange for donations by celebrity look-a-likes at gates in Terminal 5, while Sir Chris Hoy, Gorka Marquez and Anton Du Beke have been hosted on flights and at British Airways sites to boost fundraising among BA customers and colleagues.
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SPRING BUD BREAK OFFER
The ultimate Wine Country escape begins at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa! Indulge in the resort's best offerings including the restaurants and award-winning spa!
Package Includes:
- 20% Off Daily Rate
- 20% Off Food & Beverage
- 20% Off Spa Services with 20% Off Retail (on same day as booked service)
- 20% Off Golf rounds at Sonoma Golf Glub (based on availability)
- 2 for 1 Tasting Passes (wineries based on availability)
Availability:
Between Sunday, February 24, 2019 and Thursday, May 23, 2019
Rates:
Starting from: $215/night (+ tax)
Please Note:
Discounts can't be applied to sale items (for retail) and can't be combined with any other offers. Reservation is fully prepaid and non-refundable at time of booking. Taxes and gratuities are extra. Blackout dates may apply.
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Soccer Camps International
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: Manchester City Football Performance Program, Chelsea FC Foundation Soccer Schools, Arsenal Soccer Schools, Liverpool FC Residential Camps;
- Spain: Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Atletico de Madrid;
- Italy: AC Milan, Juventus;
- Portugal: Benfica Lisbon;
- France: Paris Saint Germain, Bordeaux.
Soccer Camps International offers Summer Soccer Camps sessions in Europe for boys and girls, 7 to 18 year old.
Thousands of players from all over the world have participated at these Official Clubs International Youth Soccer Camps and Soccer Schools over the years thru Soccer Camps International.
For more information:
phone: (650) 324-9899
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Independence Day or Groundhog May? On 29 March 2019, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland cast off its shackles, and set course for a new, independent life outside of the European Union.
Right? err... not quite.
One wouldn't be blamed for losing track of just what was amended, debated, amended again, voted on and ultimately rejected this month. Theresa May presented a second Withdrawal Agreement after the historic defeat of the first, which was also defeated, and then presented a markedly similar third Withdrawal Agreement which suffered the same fate (I'm sensing a pattern here). The long and short of the situation is that the UK now has until 12 April 2019 to pass an agreement in the House of Commons to determine what the UK's future trading relationship with the EU will look like. If they don't, the UK leaves the EU without a deal - a scenario BAB has made clear across the past two years will be extremely challenging for business.
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BritishAmerican Business Responds to 'No-Deal Brexit' Scenario Rejected by UK Parliament
13th March 2019
London/New York
- In response to tonight's votes in the House of Commons, which saw The House reject a 'No-Deal' Brexit, Duncan Edwards, BAB CEO, said:
"The prospect of leaving the EU without a deal on 29 March has caused significant uncertainty to our members and has resulted in major irreversible expenditure. We welcome this narrow win in the commons, even though it is only advisory and the legal position remains that the UK is leaving the EU on March 29
th
with or without a deal.
While this is a step in the right direction, it does not provide a solution and the certainty that business craves and, for this reason, we continue to support the Withdrawal Agreement as negotiated, including the transition period it provides. There is still time for this to be approved.
A vote tomorrow to extend Article 50 may give more time for an agreement to be reached but without new ideas from one side or another a breakthrough continues to feel distant."
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29 March 2019
London/New York
- In response to the third Withdrawal Agreement failing to secure Parliamentary approval this afternoon, BritishAmerican Business CEO, Duncan Edwards, released the following statement:
"The transatlantic business community has continued to support the passing of the Withdrawal Agreement negotiated between the UK and the EU. The failure by the UK Parliament to pass the Withdrawal Agreement today in the House is deeply disappointing."
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Brexit: It's Happening This Month!... Maybe.
Regular readers of our Policy Update may recognise this month's title bares a striking resemblance to last month's: "Brexit: It's Happening Next Month. Currently." That's because on 26 February, the Prime Minister announced that she would hold a vote in Parliament to extend Article 50 in the event that her 'new deal,' presented to the House on 12 March fails to pass.
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On Friday 1st March, the annual Las Vegas Sevens kicked off at Sam Boyd stadium, the fifth round of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. Amazingly, our interns Corey and Kirsty were lucky enough to get the opportunity through Corporate Member USA Sevens to act as volunteers for the weekend! Throughout the three-day experience, our interns were assigned the role of sponsor liaisons assisting in the demonstration of sponsor activations as well as advertising and the transportation of the Series Trophy!
It was great to see not only the home nation bringing home Gold, but also Scotland (where both interns call home) taking home some silverware in the form of the Challenge Trophy! Both interns stated their personal highlights of the weekend;
Kirsty
"Being able to be a part of such a big and successful event was really special. Having studied Sport Event Management at university I really enjoyed liaising with the sponsors as well as meeting team members and holding the series trophy! It was such an incredible experience and I can't thank USA 7s enough for the opportunity, I hope to be back at this event in years to come!"
Corey
"The Las Vegas leg of the HSBC World 7s Circuit has been on my radar for years and it didn't
disappoint
! We got the best of both worlds experiencing
this event as a fan but also backstage. A particular highlight of mine was engaging with the spectators whilst
coordinating giveaways and pitch side entertainment and of course being part of a home team win! Extremely grateful to all that made this happen! Roll on 2020!"
This was an amazing experience for both Corey and Kirsty, as they thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this special tournament as well as participating in a range of roles contributing to the smooth running of the famous event!
See all the pictures from the BABC Interns, past and present
here!
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Fusion Risk Management
Fusion Risk Management, Inc. was founded in 2006 by industry veterans and peers who wanted to build a better, more economical and more flexible way to manage risk. Focusing initially on Business Continuity and IT Disaster Recovery the solutions we offer now extend to across your entire organization covering Risk Management, Contingency Planning, Enterprise Resilience, Crisis Management, Supply Chain Risk Management, GRC, Enterprise Risk Management, Vendor Risk Management, Integrated Risk Management, Operational Risk Management and Continuity Risk Management.
Fusion helps your company prepare, manage, and act in any situation with our unique combination of consulting services and software solutions, including our award-winning SaaS software, Fusion Framework® System™
. The Fusion Framework®
creates a tailored and engaging experience for all contributors, automates much of the administration workload, and establishes an information foundation that can be used to make better decisions, faster. Ask us 'What's possible' with Fusion?
Choose Success, Choose Fusion.
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Individual and Young Professional Members
Individual
Christian V Bergmann
Michael Ferguson
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Our Thanks to these Renewing Members
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Cyracom
International trade, foreign investment, and an increasingly diverse language mix in the US, UK, and other locales drive the need for translation and localization. You need your legal documents, user manuals, marketing materials, and websites translated accurately and quickly to meet the demand of global markets. CyraCom's professional translators understand complex projects and the importance of critical deadlines.
Support the BABC and experience service from the leading provider of translation services.
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HSBC BANK USA
HSBC is one of the world's largest banking and financial services organisations. With around 6,000 offices in both established and emerging markets, we aim to be where the growth is, connecting customers to opportunities, enabling businesses to thrive and economies to prosper, and, ultimately, helping people to fulfill their hopes and realise their ambitions.
We serve more than 47 million customers through our four Global Businesses:
Retail Banking and Wealth Management, Commercial Banking, Global Banking and Markets, and Global Private Banking.
Our network covers 71 countries and territories in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa, North America and Latin America.
HSBC was born from one simple idea - a local bank serving international needs.
The experiences of the past 150 years have formed the character of HSBC. A glance at our history explains why we believe in capital strength, in strict cost control and in building long-term relationships with customers.
HSBC has weathered change in all forms - revolutions, economic crises, new technologies - and adapted to survive. The resulting corporate character enables HSBC to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
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MacKenzie Communications
Who are we? Well, we call ourselves a marketing communications firm. We've also been referred to as an ad shop, a PR firm, a branding agency, or an outsourced marketing department. And sometimes we're just counselors, helping clients think through how to respond and react to issues and trends. Regardless of where the descriptor falls, clients rely on us for our communications expertise.
For 30 years, MacKenzie has created and implemented marketing, communications and outreach programs that enable our clients to start and drive compelling and meaningful conversations with those who matter most to their success - customers, employees, influencers, community leaders, the media.
We are deeply connected to a wide influencer network throughout California and the nation. The "MacKenzie Network" is a key asset and differentiator for the firm, and one that our clients frequently call upon to open doors, start conversations with potential partners or to establish a presence in the thriving, vibrant Bay Area market and beyond.
Launching a new product or initiative? Looking to expand or strengthen your brand or raise public awareness? Need to motivate or educate your employees? All of our efforts are customized so our clients can start those conversations with their stakeholders and tell them their stories.
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Vistra
Vistra's specialist colleagues provide tailored trust, fiduciary, fund and corporate services. We form strong, trusted connections with our clients, based on a deep understanding of their professional worlds, drawn from our extensive experience of working in those same worlds - across finance, structuring, law, and accounting.
Our approach is always personal. We develop perceptive solutions to the often complex needs of each individual client, from international corporations to high net worth individuals. We always go further for clients, from forming new connections to navigating new jurisdictions, to maximize what is possible in international business.
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Giants Enterprises
Powered by a top-rated management team and loads of creative muscle, Giants Enterprises helps clients host one-of-a-kind experiences at Oracle Park, throughout San Francisco and across the country. Intimate to immense, formal to playful, jaw-dropping to heartwarming - you dream it, we bring it to life. As one of the top hospitality, event, entertainment and sports consultancy teams in the world, we've built a reputation for hitting it out of the park with an unbeatable roster of
venues
and
services.
We'd be happy to do the same for you.
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Kiosk
Kiosk is a full-service marketing agency that believes in strategic data analysis, top-flight creative technology and excellent client service. Founded in 2004 with offices in the San Francisco Bay Area, Toronto and Liverpool, we work with some of the world's most innovative companies. We've hand-picked the boldest, brightest minds in marketing, web, design, strategy and analytics to build a winning team.
We use data to understand what makes your business tick, and develop smart, strategic experiences that are constantly optimized to deliver quality leads and high levels of conversion and retention. When building successful client partnerships, we believe that our people skills are as important as our love of number crunching. Our goal? Benchmark-beating ROI in a spirit of engaged and informed collaboration.
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Carr McClellan P.C.
Carr McClellan is a boutique business and business litigation firm based in Northern California. For 70 years we have served privately held, publicly traded and venture-backed companies, offering a high level of client service which has resulted in client engagements that last for decades.
Innovative, successful businesses in a range of industries turn to Carr McClellan for insightful, trusted guidance on all their legal matters. That combination of insight and integrity is increasingly rare, and it's why our clients stay with us for years, if not decades.
Thanks to our in-depth expertise, you get the most effective advice and strategic solutions. And because we're so deeply involved in your business, we understand your long-term objectives and can offer counsel that helps you reach your goals.
We judge our success on your success. Whi
ch is why, every day, we work on finding the smartest ways to make your vision a reality.
At Carr McClellan, we make it happen.
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20/20 Productions
20/20 Productions is a corporate communications production company, specializing in video, events and digital design. Founded in 1990, based in Edinburgh, Scotland and San Francisco, the company assists Clients throughout the US, Europe and beyond. 20/20 Productions Founder and CEO Andy MacKay has over 30 years experience in the presentation industry, working globally on projects for Clients ranging from start-ups to the United Nations (literally!). The success of the company is based on our creative but 'common-sense' approach to communications.
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InterContinental Hotel San Francisco
Located directly adjacent to the Moscone West Convention Center, the InterContinental San Francisco occupies a strategic location for both business and leisure in America's most dynamic and beloved city. While its convenience for business travelers is unrivaled, San Francisco's newest luxury hotel is also within easy walking distance of Union Square, premium shopping areas, a diverse collection of trendy and upscale restaurants and bars, and a number of major San Francisco tourist attractions.
The InterContinental San Francisco Hotel offers 550 guest rooms (all non-smoking), including 14 suites featuring a spectacular duplex Presidential Suite with unrivaled city skyline and San Francisco Bay views. The hotel has an intimate footprint with no more than 22 guest rooms per floor. Rooms are elegantly appointed with rich wood and marble, striking contemporary art, sleek, stylish furniture, and the latest high-tech amenities. All of this is enhanced by floor-to-ceiling windows through which spectacular city and bay views add to a wondrous experience in San Francisco.
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Spott, Lucey & Wall, Inc
Spott Lucey & Wall is a local CPA firm providing a full range of taxation and attestation services. We have over 30 years of experience assisting our domestic and international business and individual clients manage their demanding cross border transactions. We offer our clients extensive technical skills and resources to provide solutions to complex business issues. Our professional staff has been specially trained with the quality and depth of knowledge to help our clients succeed.
Spott, Lucey & Wall, Inc. offers our clients an extensive technical skill and resource base. We maintain audit and accounting service capabilities for attestation requirements (audits, reviews, compilations, or other agreed upon services). Our clients include middle market companies and membership organizations.
Spott, Lucey & Wall, Inc. also works with many of our clients on international business and tax affairs. We handle matters for foreign corporations investing in or owning United States businesses, foreign citizens working in the United States, as well as U.S. citizens and residents working abroad.
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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.
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Individual and Young Professional Members
Individual
Matthew Lambrinos
Christian Kimball
Mark Heslop
Young Professionals
Meredith Sellers
William Goff
Eira Jones
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Member Offers & Discounts
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If you have forgotten your username and password, you can reset it
here.
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Hot Deal
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Member:
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Wilson Artisan Wineries invite you to stay at 2 of their properties
Relax and Un-Wined at their Grape Leaf Inn
Book a 3 night stay that includes a Tuesday and get the Tuesday free at the Calderwood Inn!
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Try DocuSign eSignature FREE for 30 days
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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
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Excellent Discounts on Goldschmidt Vineyard Wines
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Fairmont San Francisco - 15% Discount Off Best Available rate on hotel reservations
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10% Discount at InterContinental Hotels
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Book your 2019 event at FAIRMONT and SAVE 5%
Fairmont are delighted to offer BABC Members a 5% food and beverage discount on your 2019 events.
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British American Business Council | (415) 296-8645 | [email protected] | www.babcsf.org
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See what's happening on our social sites:
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