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

   
Dear Friends of the BABC,
 
It is with great pride that we can report this month that your BABC Chapter here in Northern California is now the largest and most dynamic chapter of all the 22 global BABC organizations. It has been guided to this extraordinary achievement under the last 4 years ' leadership of Nick Unkovic as former president together with our dynamic, diverse and active board of local business leaders and of course our Executive Director Jo Healey and the amazing team in the office. Thank you all so much!
 
I am so honored to have been appointed as President of the BABC Northern California chapter, and delighted to also report that Nick Unkovic is staying involved with the organization as Chairman.
 
Having known the BABC since my first days in Silicon Valley in 2005, I know that this is an organization that does not stand still. We are active in one of the world's most important hubs for innovation and growth, and so it will come as no surprise that we will be looking forward from this great year, to what else is possible.
 
For now though, as we head into the summer, it's a chance to pause and plan, and hopefully enjoy some time with family and friends.
 
June was a very busy month for the BABC. On June 12th we started the month's events with a strong showing at our June Young Professionals Happy Hour at Cafe Americano. With over 50 attendees the night was an excellent opportunity for all involved to network and get further involved with those in the BABC community.  
 
Our active Young Professionals Committee also hosted our Annual British-American Pub Quiz which was an excellent night of combined trivia and networking. Congratulations to this years winners 'When Seagulls Follow the Trawler' and many thanks to our hosts at Harrington's Bar and Grill along with our many sponsors in-kind. Check out the photos from the event here.  
 
As mentioned earlier, the BABC recently hosted our 62nd Annual General Meeting which by all accounts was a resounding success. In the past year BABC Northern California has overtook both New York and London to become the largest of the 22 BABC Chapters. During the meeting we were proud to announce strong annual financials and the election and reelection of all standing directors.  
 
We have also been hard at work preparing for some big events coming up in July.
We have also been hard at work preparing for some big events coming up in July.  
 
On  July 10th we have our ever-popular Young Professionals Happy Hour now at an exciting new venue, the University Club of San Francisco. This event is open to all especially those who are younger at heart, than in age.
 
Additionally, the British American Business Council Northern California, French American Chamber of Commerce San Francisco , and German American Business Association invite you to join us for our collaboration event, the Young Professionals European Networking Mixer. 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 chance to meet and talk about your careers and businesses, and share tips on life in the Bay Area.   
 
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 tournament is a lot of fun and regularly sells out, so booking now is advised! 
  
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. 
 
I am so honored to have been appointed as President of the BABC Northern California chapter, and I look forward to serving you
Best,
 
Melissa Harkcom,  
President, BABC Northern California
BABC Featured Events




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From The Consul General's Desk


Dear Friends and Members of the BABC,

Before I head off on holiday this summer, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on some of the ideals that truly make the UK a great nation.
 
Last month, I had the chance to walk in my very first Pride Parade in San Francisco as a representative of the open and accepting values of the UK Government - and it was incredible.  
 
In the UK, we've had civil partnerships for over a decade, equal marriages since 2014, and more than 50 years since decriminalisation of homosexuality. Furthermore, the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force marched in full uniform at Pride Parades across UK, with the full support of Government. And MI5 was named the UK's most LGBTQ-friendly employer in 2016.
 
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. The Foreign Office has dedicated more than a $1 million to supporting LGBT rights.We also have LGBT Ambassadors serving in countries like Ukraine and Israel. Our global network also provides a marriage service to couples of the same sex in 26 countries around the world, which is a phenomenal opportunity.
 
There are many more facts I can point out. But I'll end on this: 2018 was the 4th year the British Consulate-General, San Francisco participated in San Francisco's Pride Parade and it's a tradition we will continue for all the reasons I state above - I encourage you all to mark your calendars and be a part of celebration of inclusion both in San Francisco and across the UK by joining us next year. Until then, happy summer!
  
 
Andrew Whittaker,
HM Consul General  

Previous BABC Events
BABC Young Professionals Happy Hour  
June 12th 2018  
 
On Tuesday the 10th of June we hosted our ever 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 we had an exciting announcement to make: we are changing venue! Next months Happy hour will be at the prestigious University Club of San Francsisco please join us to break in the new venue and mark this exciting new chapter for the Happy Hour 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

   

BABC Pub Quiz 2018  
(Hosted by BABC Young Professionals)   
 
On June 25th 2018 the BABC Young Professionals hosted the 5th annual BABC pub quiz at our favorite pub Harringtons's Bar and Grill  This year the coveted trophy was hotly contested by 17 teams of intrepid quizzers, some veterans of the game, and some fresh faced rookies. Top honors went to NCC group's team, "When seagulls follow the trawler" who regained their tittle from 2016.

With huge thanks to our Sponsors Giant Enterprises, Creedo Restaurant, HSBC, 20/20 Productions, Rugby World Cup 7's, RPG and NCC group

Check out the photos from the event here

   

BABC 62nd Annual General Meeting 2018 
 
On Wednesday June 27th BABC Patron member Squire Patton Boggs kindly hosted the 62nd BABC Northern California Annual General Meeting. The proceedings were conducted with stunning views of the bay from their 25th floor offices, our thanks again for hosting us!

During the event the executive committee reported on the activities of the BABC over the past year, and the board of directors and new executive roles were voted in.

President Nick Unkovic reached the end of his term, and moved into the role of chairman, being replaced by Melissa Harkcom. Maya Mancuso was elected to the role of Vice President of membership, while Steven Wares, Ed Grenville and Stephen Legg retained their roles as vice president of events, secretary, and treasurer respectively.

Check out the photos from the event here

   

BABC Member News
Intertrust Group expands into Australia

ntertrust Group are pleased to announce that as of today, they have expanded the Intertrust footprint into Australia through the acquisition of Seed Outsourcing.

Seed Outsourcing is a boutique Australian corporate and fund services firm, providing corporate secretarial, director, domiciliation and payroll services to private equity and real estate fund managers.

Read more
Rugby World Cup Sevens to Host 'NATIONS WELCOME' Celebration To Kick Off Tournament Weekend
 
Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018 event organizers announced today a free-to-the-public event on July 19 that will officially welcome the competing countries and their representative teams to San Francisco. The Welcome Ceremony is being sponsored by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco.

Starting at 5:00 P.M. in Embarcadero Plaza, at the foot of San Francisco's Market Street, the Welcome Ceremony will feature the men and women of the 40 teams competing in Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018.


Read more
AccorHotels adds global luxury brands with landmark acquisition of Fairmont, Raffles and Swiss ôtel

Following the approval of shareholders at the General Shareholders Meeting on July 12, 2016, AccorHotels Group officially announces the acquisition of FRHI Hotels & Resorts (FRHI) and its three prestigious luxury hotel brands: Fairmont, Raffles and Swissôtel.

This addition of three remarkable brands instantly positions AccorHotels as a leading player in the global luxury hotel market, increases long term growth potential and profitability, and significantly expands the company's footprint in North America, the world's largest and most influential consumer market.

Read more
Vistra Doubles International Expansion Services Business with Acquisition of US-market Leader Radius

Vistra, one of the world's leading providers of international incorporations, trust, fiduciary, private office and fund administration services, today announced it has entered an agreement to acquire Radius, a specialist US-based provider of international expansion services. Vistra is acquiring Radius from the private equity firm Hg.

The transaction doubles Vistra's International Expansion Services (IES) business, making it a market leader in IES services, including the number one market position in the USA. Vistra's IES business helps clients navigate expansion into new markets, including establishing offices, obtaining the necessary licensing to operate in foreign markets and ongoing services, such as compliance and payroll.

Read more
BPM LLP Named as One of the Best CPA Firms for Women and Leadership Equity

BPM LLP, one of the 50 largest public accounting and advisory firms in the country, has been named among the list of Best Public Accounting Firms for Women and Best Firms for Leadership Equity, based on the 2018 Accounting MOVE Project report.

The Best CPA Firms for Women list, sponsored by the Accounting and Financial Women's Alliance (AFWA), is based on each year's MOVE results. The firms named to the list demonstrate three characteristics:
  • Consistent, measurable progress in advancing women to leadership
  • Proven and continually evolving programs that retain and advance women
  • Clear and compelling integration of the business case for advancing women with business results
Tenant Engagement Platforms: Digitising the Workplace Experience

Technology, demographics and rapidly evolving employee preferences are driving companies to think more profoundly about the role of the workplace in attracting and retaining talent.
 
At the same time, office landlords are seeking to distinguish themselves from competitors by providing amenities and services that will appeal to tenants, raise occupancy and boost rents.


Play Rugby' USA's Mark Griffin joins USA Rugby as Commercial Director

We are excited to share that Play Rugby USA Founder and CEO, Mark Griffin, will be joining the team at USA Rugby as Commercial Director.

View the USA Rugby Press Release here We know that collaboration across stakeholders in American rugby is vital for grassroots growth, and Mark has demonstrated a unique ability to establish partnerships and inspire investments around youth rugby programs.

We anticipate his work at USA Rugby, strengthening their commercial strategy and partnerships, will open up opportunities for Play Rugby and other organizations like us, so that together we can reach thousands more young people in America, over the coming years.

 Aer Lingus Fall Sale to Europe

Don't miss Aer Lingus' Fall Sale to Europe. Now is the time to book your fall getaway and save with great fares.

Fly from San Francisco (SFO) to Europe from $699*. Offers wll not last forever so hurry by booking by July 12, 2018.*Travel select dates Sep 10 - Oct 31. Round-trip per person, includes air transportation charges, taxes & fees.Restrictions apply. For more routes and rates please got to www.AerLingus.com/plan-and-book
BABC Network News
British-American Business Council (BABC) Appoints Stuart Bagshaw as President

BABC has announced the appointment of Stuart Bagshaw as its new President, taking over the role from Tom Stevens, of BABC Chicago who left the role earlier this year.


Bagshaw boasts extensive experience in the transatlantic economic space, as current Chief Executive of British American Business LEAP (Land Expand Accelerator Program) LLC and past President, Chairman and current board member of the British-American Business Council Northern California.

Read more
Meet our New Members
New Individual and Young Professional Members  
   
Individual Members
David Tollen  
Jerry Lundblad 
Our Thanks to these Renewing Members
Individual and Young Professional Members  
 
Individual Members
Ian Burditt
Michael Basoah 
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:
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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