Jo Healey

Executive Director, BABC

Northern California

Dear Members and Friends of the BABC,

We hope you are enjoying the summer. Though typically quieter for us during this time, it seems we have a lot going on! Numerous upcoming events, lots of new and renewing members, lots of news from our existing members and some postings on our job board! We are particularly excited about the upcoming educational event with our Premier Member, Simmons & Simmons – Navigating the New Frontier: A practical approach to the AI EU Compliance Act and of course the Golf Tournament is always a favorite. We also have the annual Pub Quiz organized by the NeXtGen | Emerging Leaders Group. This year, to be held at the Irish Times pub in downtown San Francisco. Start getting your teams of four together and swatting up on your US/UK knowledge to compete for the prized Trophy – with thanks to our Premier Member, Zedra for sponsoring this event!  

And, in case you missed it, we launched the 2024 Christmas Lunch back in July and already the room is filling up! Early Bird Tickets and Tables are now on sale through Labor Day or when the Early Bird allotment is sold out. Don’t delay to lock in last years pricing and secure your spot for the best holiday party in town.

You can check out all the upcoming events here.

As usual, the BABC appreciates all its new and renewing members. Thank you for being a part of our community.

Sincerely,

Jo Healey

Tammy Sandhu MBE

HM British Consul- General

San Francisco

Dear Members of the BABC,

I’m delighted to be writing from San Francisco once more after an inspiring and action-packed journey through Montana and Wyoming, where my team and I had the opportunity to engage with leaders and innovators across politics, trade, clean energy, and technology. Our visit was a testament to the incredible progress in America’s heartland – and the value of a good road trip.

This region of America is home to so many exciting developments paving the way for future innovation, from the onshore wind farm under construction in Wyoming near Rawlins – set to be one of the largest in the world – to Bozeman, a fast-rising center for technological advancement which hosts one of the highest per-capita densities of optics companies in the world.

During our visit, I had the pleasure of meeting with Governor Mark Gordon of Wyoming, Lieutenant Governor of Montana Kristen Juras of Montana, and key figures like the Director of Environmental Quality Sonja Nowakowski and the Director of Agriculture Christy Clark. Our discussions were filled with optimism and shared goals, highlighting the potential for US-UK collaboration as we navigate the future of technology.

As it was my first visit to the region, we made a bit of time for some local sightseeing, from a rodeo to a brewery with a unique UK connection. I was also lucky enough to visit the room in the Wyoming Capitol building where women in the US were first given the right to vote in 1869.

Back in San Francisco, I had the remarkable opportunity to engage with a pioneer in minimally-invasive surgery: not a person, but rather Intuitive’s da Vinci robot, which is being deployed in the UK through the NHS. Seeing this piece of technology up close reinforced the importance of our work and the value of emerging technology in advancing healthcare on both sides of the Atlantic.

I'd like to close this month’s letter by welcoming a new Director of Trade for Silicon Valley and the Northwest United States: Tim Roper, who has made great strides working at the Consulate since last November. His expertise in business, trade, and technology coupled with his entrepreneurial spirit will be a tremendous asset as he works to strengthen our trade partnerships and advance our regional goals.

I know many of you will have the chance to meet Tim in the coming months, and I encourage you to give him a warm welcome as he steps into this important role.

Keep up to date on all our activities and opportunities for involvement via our Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. In the meantime --

All the best, 

Tammy Sandhu MBE

As artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly influences our legal, social, and economic realms, the EU AI Act has emerged as a pivotal regulatory framework, setting a global precedent. This Act is particularly crucial for US businesses operating in the EU, underscoring the importance of understanding and adapting to its requirements.

Our panelists from Simmons + Simmons and Venable will provide insights from a business perspective on how to approach this fast paced technology as well as explore the practical steps for navigating, implementing, and ensuring compliance with the EU AI Act.

Whether you're a seasoned AI professional, a business leader seeking to leverage AI solutions, or simply curious about the future of technology, this event offers unparalleled insights and networking opportunities.

Save the Date and plan on joining us for the last BABC Happy Hour gathering of the year, organized by the dynamic NeXtGen | Emerging Leaders Group Happy Hours in 2024. 

Our goal is to unite young ambitious professionals and emerging leaders in their careers with established professionals. We offer the opportunity to expand your network and to connect with industry leaders in a wide variety of fields, under the BABC Northern California umbrella. If you'd like to join our vibrant group of Emerging Leaders, follow this link. 

Membership for those 37 and under is just $100 p.a. and provides you with access to ALL BABC networking and educational events at the member rate translating into savings to you and the opportunity to grow your network! Be part of something GREAT!

TICKETS NOW ON SALE! TICKETS AVAILABLE TO THE FIRST 30 GUESTS WHO REGISTER. CAPACITY IS LIMITED. SIGN UP TODAY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT!

Join us on September 18th, 2024, for a rare opportunity to taste the renowned iconic wines of Penfolds at the Penfolds Masterclass – A tour of 3 continents and 3 hemispheres all in one experience.

Penfolds has redefined the wine industry over 180 years. Discover how Penfolds achieved global iconic status and continues innovating one of the world’s oldest industries. Starting with a delicious amuse bouche and mingling for 45 minutes followed by a seated, wine masterclass taking you on a virtual visit through Australia, France and California. Enjoy this immersion into winemaking, history and…best of all… wine tasting. This is an intimate opportunity to taste 7 iconic, 90+ point wines of Penfolds, including the world-famous Grange. Penfolds offers tasting exclusively through small private and sponsored events. 

Fees/Admission:

Member Ticket price - $75

Non-Member Ticket - $95

Thank you to Cooley for hosting this much-anticipated event!

Penfolds is also generously providing a Discount Code for the community to enjoy a 10% discount on current Penfolds Vintages and FREE GROUND SHIPPING.

Visit www.penfolds.com and use the Code PEN10 at checkout to secure your discount.

In cooperation with the Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations, the British American Business Council Northern California, French American Chamber of Commerce San Francisco, and German American Business Association invite all Young Professionals and Young at Heart to join us for an evening of networking.

Join us for drinks and nibbles at SAP'S San Francisco office, where you can connect with young professionals from diverse countries, businesses, and industries. This event is an excellent opportunity to discuss careers, share business insights, and exchange tips on life in the Bay Area!

A special thank you to our sponsors, Currencies Direct and SAP.

Fees/Admission:

$25 for Members

$35 Non-Members

$45 Day of Event

Join us for the 12th Annual International Golf Scramble this year to be held at the sunny Crystal Springs Golf Course in Burlingame on Thursday, October 3, 2024.

The Tournament offers a unique opportunity to target your company to an excellent field of international golfers and to the mailing lists of the international chambers of commerce who will be joining us. Each year, we welcome over 100+ golfers competing in a scramble format.

The teams will be made up of both corporate and individual groups. 

The player foursomes included with the Presenting, Platinum, Eagle and Birdie level sponsorships offer an excellent opportunity to entertain key clients or reward deserving employees.

Individual players will be paired with other individual registrants or just sign up your foursome to enjoy a fun day out.

Participants will have the opportunity to join in the on-course games and competitions and the chance to win great prizes -- INCLUDING $20,000 cash prize for a Hole in One!

The post tournament Awards Dinner will recognize not only the overall winning team, but also players or teams that have the longest drive and closest to the pin. There will also be a putting competition and a hitting competition at the Driving Range.

Finally, we will have some exciting Live and Silent Auction items that go to the highest bidder as well as a Raffle Drawing.

BABC, in partnership with Bia Mindset, invite you to join us for our second session of the NeXtGen Leadership Workshop Series. In this 90-minute session titled "Adaptability: Thriving in Change - Mastering Learning Agility," we delve into the crucial skill of adaptability to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of today's world.

Join us as we explore how to thrive in change by mastering learning agility. In this interactive session, you'll discover practical strategies to embrace change, cultivate resilience, and adapt quickly to new challenges and opportunities.

Through engaging discussions and hands-on exercises, you'll learn how to harness the power of learning agility to stay ahead in your personal and professional life. Whether you're facing career transitions, organizational changes, or personal challenges, this session equips you with the mindset and skills to navigate change with confidence and grace.

Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your adaptability and thrive in today's fast-paced world. Join us for an empowering session of growth and transformation in the BABC Empower Now: Leading Self series.

Get your thinking caps on and start swatting up on your US/UK knowledge to compete for your national honor — we'll have rounds of questions catering to all interests! The evening will consist of a spirited competition among teams to win the coveted ZEDRA | Florin Pensions Trophy and some excellent prizes to boot. 

BABC NeXtGen | Emerging Leaders Group (Formerly Young Professionals) are upwardly mobile, creative, and enthusiastic group of emerging leaders making waves. They are actively forging their path and are destined for leadership positions within the transatlantic business community operating in our region. Join them for this annual dynamic, engaging and fun program that includes networking and an entertaining game of UK-US pop culture trivia.

To learn more about the BABC NeXtGen | Emerging Leaders Group, click here.

TICKETS AND TABLES NOW ON SALE WITH SPECIAL EARLY-BIRD PRICING NOW THROUGH LABOR DAY!

Please note: There are a limited number of tickets and tables available at the Early-Bird Pricing. Guests are encouraged to purchase asap to lock in last year's pricing!

The Annual Christmas Luncheon is the BABC's flagship social event and a real highlight of the City's holiday season. There is no other gathering like it!

Typically attended by over 1000 members of the Bay Area business community, this year, we will celebrate the 61st Annual Christmas Luncheon which will once again be held at the spectacular Fairmont Hotel, atop Nob Hill on Friday, December 13th, 2024.

Moving to a new home is an exciting adventure, but it can also be a significant financial undertaking. A proper moving budget can help alleviate some of the stress and ensure that you’re financially prepared for all aspects of your move. Ace Relocations Systems presents a comprehensive guide on how to budget effectively for your move.

Continue reading HERE.

As commerce becomes increasingly integrated on a global scale, many companies are venturing into international waters. Facilitated, in part, by technological advancements, we’re seeing capital, goods, labor and services flow more freely across borders than ever before. 

Handling overseas financial transactions, like managing currency exposures, pricing, foreign bank services and overseas counterparty risks, can be challenging for treasury staff. With that in mind, here are some key considerations when expanding your company’s global footprint, presented by Bank of America.

Continue reading HERE.

The legal experts at Simmons & Simmons present key employment law changes affecting UK employers over the last month.

Read about key cases and developments HERE.

Our Corporate PLUS Member Denton's presents an excellent webinar on how companies can best create an AI Strategy for their Teams and Organization, also sharing key global AI regulatory developments and implications for business and in-house legal teams.

Watch webinar HERE.

We’re delighted to share Woodside Capital Partners’ new report “How Companies Get Acquired – Lessons from 45,000 Startups."

In the report, they reveal new insights about investments, ROI, time-to-exit, exit size, impact of capital raised, success factors, and about company failures from a large proprietary data set supplied by Pitchbook. They also review tech M&A in the first half of 2024.

Continue reading HERE.

CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen) proudly co-sponsored the Startup World Cup event held at the iconic Computer History Museum in Silicon Valley on August 1, 2024. The event showcased the innovative spirit of the Global Start Up Capital and provided a platform for startups to connect, network, and learn from each other.

Continue reading HERE.

Never skip a beat in a crypto market that's moving quickly. Easily fund your CoinZoom account with a debit or credit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay, and instantly buy Bitcoin or other supported cryptocurrencies. 

You can maintain your crypto in your secure CoinZoom wallet, or you can withdraw it to another wallet. Enjoy the lowest fees in the crypto industry and the easiest way to get money into the market.

Learn more HERE.

An encounter with an elephant is one of the most special and memorable moments of a safari in Africa – their majestic size, gentle grace, sharp intelligence and emotional sensitivity make for compelling and moving wildlife viewing.

Monday 12th August marks World Elephant Day and Safari Consultants is taking this opportunity to celebrate these incredible animals and highlight the best areas in safari Africa, thanks to incredible conservation efforts, to see elephants in the wild.

Continue reading HERE.

The British Benevolent Society (BBS) is excited to invite you to their August no-host happy hour on Wednesday, August 28th, 2024 at State Street Market in Los Altos!

Join them for an evening of music and a variety of delicious food options. Plus, enter the raffle for a chance to win a special surprise!

The $20 fee is optional and considered a charitable donation. All donations received will help the BBS continue to provide financial relief to Brits in need.

Join US supporters from California and beyond as we gather in the Bay Area to celebrate the transformative impact of Tusk’s conservation initiatives to preserve Africa’s unique biodiversity, presented by NEW BABC Member Silicon Valley Tech Foundation.

Supporting Tusk’s programs, the Tusk in Silicon Valley events promise compelling content, meaningful inspiration, and great fun, along with food and drink at one of Silicon Valley’s most historical venues, the Menlo Circus Club.

In addition, entrance into Tusk in Silicon Valley gains attendees into the Conservation Cup Polo Tournament (Same Location, 4PM-6PM). Tusk was one of HRH Prince William’s very first royal patronages; with Polo being a family tradition of the British Royal Family. Register to attend Tusk Silicon Valley in order to attend the Conservation Cup afternoon of Polo at the Menlo Circus Club.

The SECURE Act of 2019 and SECURE Act 2.0 have revolutionized retirement savings, offering unprecedented opportunities for you and your employees.

Join Tamalpais Asset Management for 2 exclusive seminars, the first one at Werqwise San Mateo on Tuesday, September 24th and the next seminar at Werqwise San Francisco on Thursday, September 26th to:

• Uncover Hidden Advantages: Learn how these landmark laws can benefit your small business and your employees' financial futures.
• Navigate the New Landscape: Gain a clear understanding of the latest 401(k) rules and regulations to ensure compliance and avoid costly mistakes.
• Unlock Tax Savings: Discover powerful tax credits and deductions specifically designed for small businesses like yours.
• Boost Employee Participation: Implement proven strategies to encourage your employees to save for retirement and attract top talent.

Make sure you don’t miss out on these opportunities…Secure the future of your business.

Fees/Admission:

The seminar is free to attend but pre-registration is required. Non BABC Members should use the Non-Member registration area after you click on the Registration button.

Lite bites and beverages provided.

BABC Community Partner Member, Atlas Foundation Americas, is looking to raise $5,000 to pay for 75 teenage boys from the most under-resourced areas of Los Angeles to participate in the High School Boys Rugby Clinic organized by the Todd Clever Foundation. Expenses include:100 custom shirts for participants; 90 tickets to the evening match at Dignity Health; field hire; coaching fees; insurance; water and snacks for the clinic; BBQ for family and friends. 

If you would like donate or participate as a sponsor, please contact Jon Passmore, or use the link below to donate. Atlas Foundation Americas is a 501c3 Non-Profit and your donation will be tax deductible.

BABC Members can advertise their job opportunities in the BABC Newsletter which reaches 4000+ subscribers. Contact jhealey@babcsf.org to learn more.

Deputy Director - Capital Investment Sector - North America

Be part of the Department for Business and Trade’s (DBT) mission to drive more trade and investment between North America and the UK.

Senior Trade and Investment Officer – Technology

Be part of the Department for Business and Trade’s (DBT) mission to drive more trade and investment between North America and the UK.

Looking for opportunities? Join BABC Northern California as a Young Professional/NeXtGen or Individual Member to let our members know all about you.

Meet Olivia Daly:

I combine 6 years of Creative Industry experience with a passion for research and leveraging Cultural Insights. Its my mission to help brands connect more powerfully with the world around them and I’m on the hunt for my next opportunity in the marketing industry. 

Take a look at my promotional video and get in touch if you think I’m a good fit: Odaly97@gmail.com

BUSINESS MEMBERS



Meritage.Group is a premier boutique strategy and advisory firm dedicated to empowering businesses across the Atlantic to thrive. With a presence from London to the San Francisco Bay Area, we deliver expert consultative services tailored for founders, entrepreneurs, and enterprises. Our comprehensive offerings span capital raising, go-to-market strategies, product-market-fit, partnerships, AI adoption, business/corporate/ecosystem development and thought leadership. Leveraging our cross-border expertise and networks, we provide the strategic guidance and execution support to navigate complex markets, drive innovation, and unlock growth potential. Meritage.Group is your trusted partner, bridging Great Britain to North America to create enduring business success.

Woodside Capital Partners is a global, independent investment bank that delivers world-class strategic and financial advice to emerging growth companies in the technology and health-tech sectors. With a strong track record in M&A, strategic partnerships and private placements, Woodside Capital Partners has been providing worldwide investment banking services since 2001. Woodside Capital Partners has offices in Silicon Valley, London, and Zurich and leading domain experience in SaaS software, internet services, electronics, communications, materials, and health tech. The team of Woodside Capital Partners has completed transactions totaling more than $10 billion.

CORPORATE MEMBERS



Founded in Chicago in 1924, Grant Thornton LLP (Grant Thornton) is the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd, one of the world’s leading organizations of independent audit, tax and advisory firms. Grant Thornton has revenue in excess of $1.3 billion and operates 57 offices across the United States with more than 500 partners and 6,000 employees.

Grant Thornton works with a broad range of publicly and privately held companies, government agencies, financial institutions, and civic and religious organizations. Core industries served include consumer and industrial products, financial services, not-for-profit, private equity, and technology. Grant Thornton focuses on serving dynamic organizations that pursue growth holistically — whether through revenue improvement, leadership, mission fulfillment, or innovation.

Osborne Clarke is a full-service international law firm providing a comprehensive and pragmatic global legal solution for US businesses. With over 1,600 expert lawyers in 26 locations in Europe, the US and Asia, the firm offers its clients a unique combination of deep sector expertise, tailored legal advice, and market insights. The entire US team is based in the US with offices in Miami, New York and San Francisco, allowing them to better understand the needs of the companies they work with. Osborne Clarke offers comprehensive solutions for businesses, drawing on extensive experience in various legal fields: Global Compliance; International HR; Data and Technology; Global Contracts; Transaction Support; International Expansion and Growth; Dispute Resolution; IP and Patent Support; Real Estate; Finance and Banking; and Global Tax.

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS

Nicky Barber

Alexandra Berven

Jerry Lundblad

One of the benefits of membership in the BABC Northern California is the opportunity to access Member-to-Member-Only special offers and hot deals.

To learn how to access codes and instructions, log in to your BABC Account and click on the Member-to-Member Deals button.

To take advantage of these Member-to-Member offers, join the BABC today to obtain the discount code. Click here to learn more about membership.