December 2023 Newsletter

A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear BABC Members and friends,

This year in the UK has been momentous, notably marked by King Charles III’s coronation. This historic event ushers in a new chapter for the British monarchy and, alongside other significant events like Eurovision in Liverpool and the Women’s World Cup, highlights the UK’s vibrant role in global culture and sports.

In 2023, BABC OC has proudly hosted a series of remarkable events: our Annual Golf Tournament, the engaging First Thursday Beer, Business, and Banter Networking events, the inspiring ‘Leading Ladies in Business’ Panel, the 3rd Annual Best of British Brands Showcase, a comprehensive panel on ‘Currency Transfer, Tax Planning, UK Pensions, Immigration, and Banking’, and the International Business Mixer with various international business chambers. In partnership with BABC LA, we presented the ‘Fashion & Sustainability Reimagined’ Speaker Luncheon and, in collaboration with BABC LA and BABC SF, the captivating ‘Fireside Chat with Stewart Pearce’ in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Orange County. Your support for these events has been invaluable.

Your generosity over the years has enabled us to profoundly impact the lives of young people in Orange County. Thanks to your contributions, numerous students have experienced the UK firsthand, broadening their horizons and enriching their lives. We are deeply grateful for your unwavering support.

As we enjoy the Holiday festivities, we also launch our goal for the coming year: to expand our scholarship program to include cash scholarships for graduating seniors in Orange County. Your donations, whether through silent auction items, raffle prizes, or simply attending the Christmas Luncheon, play a crucial role in changing young lives. Like a pebble creating ripples in a pond, your support has a lasting, positive impact.

Finally, we extend our warmest wishes to each of you for a festive and joyous holiday season. May your days be filled with warmth, laughter, and cherished moments with loved ones and family. Stay safe and revel in the spirit of togetherness and celebration. Here’s to a season of happiness and a new year filled with prosperity and joy.

Happy Holidays to you all from the BABC OC family!

 Jennifer Timm 

Real Estate Planner & International Real Estate Consultant 

The Welcome Home Global Group

Helping you grow, protect and transfer generational wealth across the globe through real estate. 

 jennifer@welcomehomeglobal.com | 512.627.7719

A NOTE FROM THE BRITISH CONSUL GENERAL

Thanks to all that turned out in their finest of festive wear to the 29th Annual Christmas Luncheon. It was a fabulous day, made extremely special by a lot of wonderful people. We send a sincere and heartfelt thank you to all the sponsors, supporters, guests, staff, volunteers, entertainers, speakers, performers and vendors that made it all possible.

And Congrats to the “Brit of the Year”, Stewart McDougall

Check out the official photos HERE

Photo Credit: Marissa Ruiz Photography

Check out the photo booth pictures HERE

Photo Booth courtesy of: Frias Agency

GET TO KNOW OUR CHRISTMAS LUNCH

WINE SPONSORS

Grassini Family Vineyards is a family-owned and operated estate winery located in California’s gorgeous “Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara” AVA in the Santa Ynez Valley. The vineyard and winery are set on two hundred acres of oak-dotted rolling hills, with fifty acres under vine. Specializing in the handcrafted production of Bordeaux wines, the estate farms the property to its fullest potential using only renewable and sustainable resources. With an approach centering around craftsmanship, Grassini Family Vineyards aims to create wines of distinction which represent the uniqueness of this special site and climate.  

Their tasting room in downtown Santa Barbara features rustic reclaimed wood bar tops, a crackling fireplace indoors, and a sun-soaked outdoor patio set amidst the historic El Paseo, creating the ideal space for guests to enjoy a glass or two in Santa Barbara’s beautiful Presidio Neighborhood. If you’re looking for a more elevated and exclusive experience, tastings by reservation only are offered at their Estate in Santa Ynez as well. During the summer, tastings take place beside their idyllic pond, underneath the shade of ancient oak trees. In the cooler winter months, semi-private tastings are offered by appointment only at their vineyard villa, La Tarantella. Nestled in the hillsides of the Santa Ynez Valley and surrounded by the family’s vineyards, this newly remodeled Italian villa is the perfect place to sip away the afternoon! 

All of the most current releases of the Grassini Family Vineyards wines are available at www.GrassiniFamilyVineyards.com, and they are offering BABC-OC members & friends a discount of 10% using the code BABCOC from December 7th 2023 - April 1st 2024. If you are interested in setting up an appointment to taste at the Estate in Santa Ynez, please email winery@grassinifamilyvineyards.com and be sure to mention your BABC affiliation!

To visit their tasting room in Santa Barbara, reservations are recommended but not required, and can be made online here.

SAVE THE DATE!

THE BABC ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

Thursday May 16th 2024

ORANGE COUNTY SOCCER CLUB FOUNDATION

2ND ANNUAL GALA

The OCSC Foundation is back to host its second annual Foundation Gala! 🧡

We hope to see you there as they raise funds for the OCSC Foundation’s programs – including free after school soccer leagues in Santa Ana and Anaheim.

4th ANNUAL GROWTH & SCALE SUMMIT

NETWORK NEWS AND EVENTS

Welcome to the November BABN Policy and Trade Update.

Over the past few weeks, we saw the 7th installation of the US-UK SME Dialogue, hosted in California, with a busy two-day schedule of discussions to continue the ongoing conversation of how to best support SMEs in the US and UK.

Another highlight in the transatlantic space was the first Global AI Safety Summit. Hosted at Bletchley Park in the UK for two days, we saw PM Rishi Sunak and VP Kamala Harris lead the US and UK in talks between governments, businesses, and organisations across the globe. 

CLICK HERE for a breakdown of policy and trade headlines and our published works.

WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS

CORPORATE MEMBER

Frias Agency, established in 2006, is an award-winning experiential agency offering full-service events and marketing support, specializing in the media entertainment, and corporate sectors. We excel in creating dynamic, interactive experiences for brand storytelling, enhancing visibility, customer engagement, and loyalty. Our services extend to web design, SEO, social media, email marketing, and print collateral. 

With a focus on building unique, live experiences, we help elevate brands from concept to execution. Our success stems from our dedicated, collaborative team culture, emphasizing integrity and respect. Frias Agency is committed to helping businesses—from start-ups to established ones—expand their market presence and attract new customers through effective experiential marketing. 

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS

British American Business Council OC

recognizes our Top Tier Members and Partners