LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT | |
Maya Mancuso
President, BABC
Northern California
US Business Relationships Manager
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Dear Members and Friends of the BABC,
As summer arrives and many of us take some well-deserved time off, our events are transitioning to relaxed and social networking gatherings. We have several exciting opportunities coming up.
On Thursday, June 27th, come along to the Werqwise SF Lounge for the second of three BABC Happy Hour gatherings organized by the dynamic NeXtGen | Emerging Leaders Group. If you're interested in joining our vibrant group of Emerging Leaders, follow this link.
Join us on Saturday, June 30th, in San Francisco as we celebrate San Francisco Pride alongside fellow Europeans in the Bay Area! We'll march down Market Street, celebrating freedom, love, and equality in support of the rainbow community. Feel free to dress up in festive attire (hats, banners, flags, skirts, etc.) and show your British pride. Register HERE.
Then, on Wednesday, July 17th, enjoy drinks and nibbles on the beautiful Werqwise rooftop in San Mateo at our Summer European Networking Evening. In partnership with the French American Chamber of Commerce San Francisco and the German American Business Association plus all the other European Chambers in the Bay Area, we bring together young professionals and businesses from an array of industries. This event is a great opportunity to discuss careers, businesses, and life in the Bay Area.
We look forward to seeing you at these events!
Previously, on May 29th, we held the 68th Annual General Meeting of the BABC Northern California with thanks to Grant Thornton for hosting us. We shared the activities of the organization over the past year and our plans for the future. We also voted in the directors for the 2024-2026 term. Congratulations to both the re-elected and newly elected directors – click here to view the directors. The officers will be appointed by the Board of Directors at the July Board meeting.
On Transatlantic matters, we are pleased to share a report produced by the BritishAmerican Business, our London/New York sister chapter highlighting the need for continued focus on the Atlantic Declaration.
Additionally, BAB has just launched the 2024/2025 Trade & Investment Guide – Finding Your Way – this year, designed to help companies from the UK coming to the US. The Guide offers a comprehensive overview of the mix of useful information available to companies keen to expand to the US. Whether you plan to export a product or service, or you are a company seeking to win a contract and build a US presence, this Guide walks you through key areas of practical advice on the issues that companies must consider when expanding – from logistics and HR, to legal services and finance.
As always, we would like to thank all our renewing members and welcome our new members who are listed below. Please let our Executive Director, Jo Healey, know if you would like any introductions to them.
Wishing you all a great summer,
Maya Mancuso
Bird & Bird
maya.mancuso@twobirds.com
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LETTER FROM THE BRITISH CONSUL GENERAL | |
Tammy Sandhu MBE
HM British Consul- General
San Francisco
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Dear Members of the BABC,
This is a genuinely thrilling time to be a British expatriate in San Francisco. From groundbreaking innovations to strategic collaborations, the UK is at the forefront of technological advancement, driving progress and shaping the future – both here and around the world.
The AI Summit in Seoul last month saw several historic moments, including Day One’s agreement between global tech companies committing to developing AI safely. An incredible sixteen leading tech companies from OpenAI to Meta have signed up to the Frontier AI Safety Commitments, which prevents developing or deploying AI models if the risks cannot be sufficiently mitigated. Each company will now publish safety frameworks on how they will measure risks, helping to structure the frameworks that will allow emerging technologies to scale both rapidly and safely.
Here at the consulate, we’re echoing that momentum – both through our London Tech week activities as well as our engagements in the Bay Area. In May, I attended the Joint California Summit on Generative AI, with Governor Newsom examining how GenAI will shape the future of work in California – and how we can continue to keep humanity at the forefront. The panelists’ conversation affirmed that equity and augmentation over replacement continue to be principles that California is putting at the heart of its approach to AI, and, more generally, that this continues to be a crucial area of focus for California’s politicians and tech innovators.
This month, we are also looking towards two exciting landmarks: Pride and the 2024 Portland Formula E-Prix. If you would like to join the British contingent in the Pride Parade, please do register HERE – although I’ll be celebrating Pride in the UK myself, our new Deputy Consul General, Peter Newman, will be representing the UK in the parade and marching with the rest of the European contingent. Peter will also chair a panel event on the sidelines of the Portland Formula E Prix all about the transition to zero emission vehicles, highlighting business leaders in Oregon like Daimler Trucks and Jaguar Land Rover.
I’d like to close out this letter with a timely reminder to my fellow expatriates before the election on July 4th: British citizens living overseas can now register to vote in the UK no matter how long ago they left or were last registered to vote in the UK. The deadline for registering to vote is 11:59PM BST on Tuesday 18 June!
Otherwise: keep up to date on all our activities and opportunities for involvement via our Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
All the best,
Tammy Sandhu MBE
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BABC Happy Hour Organized by the NeXtGen | Emerging Leaders Group | |
ONE WEEK TO GO! REGISTER TODAY!
Join us on Thursday, June 27th at Werqwise SF for the 2nd of 3 BABC Happy Hour gatherings 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 $110 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!
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DATE:
THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2024
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Summer European Networking 2024 | |
DATE:
WEDNESDAY, JULY 17, 2024
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Tonight!
Werqwise Summer Solstice Party
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Get ready for an unforgettable evening at the Werqwise Summer Solstice party tonight, June 20th! Join us on our San Mateo rooftop from 5:00pm to 10:00pm for the longest day of the year, packed with fun, festivities, and community spirit.
This is your chance to bask in the sunshine, mingle with fellow members, and create lasting memories. The rooftop will be alive with energy, laughter, and fantastic vibes, all set to the beats of DJ Colibiri.
For our San Francisco members, this event is the perfect opportunity to explore our San Mateo location and enjoy the stunning rooftop views!
We’re also excited to announce that our partner, Alpha Acid, will be hosting a beer tasting, adding a unique flavor to the celebration.
Members and guests will need to RSVP here so we can ensure we have enough food and drinks for everyone.
We look forward to seeing you there!
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Fairmont Drag Me to Wine Country Pride Brunch! | |
Celebrate Pride this Saturday at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn with the most exciting brunch in wine country! Join activist & icon, Sister Roma, for a delicious brunch followed by show-stopping performances by the hottest Queens & Kings in the business! This is one afternoon you won’t want to miss.
A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to Face2Face Sonoma County, whose mission is to expand their work ending HIV in Sonoma County while supporting the health and well-being of people living with HIV/AIDS.
Tickets:
- $125 per person plus tax
- Cash tips wildly accepted!
Important Info:
- We kindly request that groups of 2+ book under 1 reservation to sit together, communal style. Seating is open and first come, first served.
- Cash Bar Available offering cocktails, beer & wine
- This is a 21+ over event. Strong Language, Adult Situations and Themes – Parental guidance recommended
- Doors at 10:30am, show starts at 11:30am
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DATE:
SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 2024
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Penfolds Masterclass – A Tour of 3 Continents and 3 Hemispheres All in One Experience | |
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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.
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DATE:
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2024
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A Message to BABC Members From the Atlas Foundation Americas | |
Atlas Foundation Americas has had great success in supporting inner-city children around the world through the game of rugby.
In addition to improving personal fitness and general health, Atlas-funded programs provide a host of services that under-resourced, inner-city communities can rarely offer. Through the funding of inner-city rugby, participating kids can receive health education and services, academic support, life mentoring and college scholarship contributions.
Atlas is engaged in 19 countries around the world but the US needs these programs too.
Please take a look at the this brochure which outlines the Atlas approach, its successes and needs. Atlas Foundation Americas, a registered 501c-3 organization, is looking for financial partners to continue its work in the US. Rugby programs in major cities around the US are already having a positive impact but there is much work to be done.
Please contact me for further information about how we can work together.
Jon Passmore
jon@atlasfrc.org
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Safari Consultants:
Top 6 Activities in Southern Africa
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Southern Africa offers a rich tapestry of activities that cater to a wide range of interests, from thrilling wildlife encounters to awe-inspiring natural wonders and vibrant cultural experiences.
Safari Consultants, the leading experts in tailor-made holidays to Africa for over 40 years, discusses the top six activities to consider when visiting Southern Africa. These activities showcase the diverse and captivating experiences Southern Africa has to offer, making it a top destination for travellers seeking adventure, amazing wildlife encounters, natural beauty, and cultural richness.
Read the article HERE.
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Bird & Bird Releases International Green Hydrogen Report 2024 | |
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Bird and Bird are delighted to announce the 2024 edition of their International Green Hydrogen Report. The report covers the latest updates across the globe, including key jurisdictions across Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and The Americas, highlighting key funding and support schemes, and exciting projects happening across the space.
Read the report HERE.
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London Most Supportive Hub for Developing AI | |
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New research by London & Partners shows that over three-quarters (77%) of international business leaders in the AI sector consider London to be more supportive of AI development than other leading AI hubs. These findings come as international delegates gathered earlier this month in the capital for London Tech Week, Europe’s hottest tech event.
Nearly half (45%) of respondents cited supportive government incentives and policies tailored for AI development as London’s key advantage, while 44% highlighted access to international markets and global business opportunities as another significant benefit of being located in the capital.
Continue reading HERE.
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Competition Law: Balancing Innovation and Regulation | |
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A new discussion paper by law firm Squire Patton Boggs features key learnings from a recent roundtable co-hosted by the firm and the International Institute of Communications (IIC), and other industry participants who are developing and utilising AI products and services. It examines the key competitive concerns relating to AI and the guidance provided by the cases decided thus far; the regulatory approaches being taken by the UK, as well as the EU and the US, and the common themes that underlie them; and some practical considerations for companies as they navigate this evolving landscape.
Access the discussion paper HERE.
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The Future of Climate Tech 2024, Presented by Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) | |
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A new report by Siicon Valley Bank (SVB) examines the trends and innovations in cleantech and sustainability. While the challenges to avert climate change remain considerable, the long-term technology trends are clear and bright. It is now cheaper to develop new renewable energy than it is to maintain fossil fuel generation...
Download the full report HERE.
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Startup Grind Featured in Forbes Article: A Culture Of Innovation: Inside The Bay Area's Thriving Tech Scene
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Congratulations to BABC Community Partner Member Startup Grind for being published in a recent Forbes article discussing the Bay Area's thriving tech scene. James Gee, Global Partnerships Manager, and Derek Andersen, Co-Founder & CEO delve into the importance of connections and the sense of community fostered within the industry.
Read the article HERE.
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InterContinental San Francisco Early-Bird Holiday Promo Offer | |
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At InterContinental San Francisco, the early bird gets the…Champagne! And/or IHG Rewards points!...Plan & book your holiday party, large or small, in one of the varied event spaces at InterContinental San Francisco and receive 2 rewards, from a selection of choices. Our experienced team can help you get creative.
Contact Johanna at 415-616-6651 or johanna.mercado@ihg.com for more information.
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BritishAmerican Business June Updates | |
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BAB Launches 2024/25 Trade & Investment Guide | This updated edition of the BAB Trade and Investment Guide to the US is being released at a time of great momentum for the US-UK trade and investment relationship. The US economy is leading the developed world in growth. The US government’s investment packages on infrastructure, chips technology, and green industries have created additional incentives for British and other international companies... | |
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BAB Highlights Need for Continued Focus on Atlantic Declaration |
BAB has warned in a new report that the Atlantic Declaration is at risk of becoming a missed opportunity and is urging the UK and US governments to fulfil their commitment to this agreement.The Declaration, signed one year ago by UK Prime Minister Sunak and US President Biden, aimed to establish a robust framework for a twenty-first century US-UK economic partnership, setting out 16 commitments in areas such as economic security, defence, technology, and clean energy.
BAB’s new RAG (Red, Amber, Green) report, released to mark the one-year milestone, analyses the progress made to-date and shows mixed results...
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Europe for SF Pride Parade 2024 | |
It’s time to gather our fellow Europeans in the Bay Area to celebrate San Francisco Pride!
The San Francisco Pride Parade is the largest gathering of the LGTBQ+ community in the U.S., we will come together and march for freedom, love and equality to show our support for the rainbow community!
As representatives of the European Consulates in the Bay Area, we will march down Market Street together as Europeans into the heart of downtown San Francisco on this vibrant day of celebration. So grab your friends, family and co-workers and join us, as we dress up, have fun and show our love and support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Feel free to dress up for the festivity (hats, banners, flags, skirts etc.) and make sure to also wear/bring something that shows which country you are representing. We want to see as many different countries as possible!
When signing up remember to let us know which country you will be representing, so we know which European country gathered the most people! (Because who doesn't love a competition among fellow Europeans)
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DATE:
SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 2024
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Enjoy an Exclusive Chelsea FC experience in the USA | |
WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS | |
BUSINESS & COMMUNITY PARTNER MEMBERS | |
In 2023, the Anglo-American Studies Program joined the Institute of European Studies and its Center for British Studies.
The underlying purpose of the Program is to widen and deepen campus interest and knowledge of British political, legal, and cultural affairs and their implications for the United States and the broader Commonwealth of Nations.
With a generous endowment of $2.1 million from the Robert Kirk Underhill Trust, the Anglo American Studies program supports faculty and graduate student research, conducts scholarly conferences, and features an annual R. Kirk Underhill lecture at UC Berkeley by a leading figure from political or scholarly circles.
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We are the world’s largest startup community.
Startup Grind was founded in 2010 when our founder, Derek Andersen got some friends and fellow entrepreneurs together to crack the same problem they were all facing: the growing challenges of launching a company. What became clear was these obstacles were extensive and stretched far beyond their group. Their gatherings soon spurred a local startup movement that attracted founders and experts from every industry, all coming together to share their advice and inspirations for early entrepreneurs. Eventually, vibrant Startup Grind communities (“chapters”) began developing in Los Angeles, Tel Aviv, London, New York, Beijing, and many more.
Our community proves that entrepreneurs are in fact, stronger together. We aim to give startups everywhere the education and opportunities they need to build, grow, and scale their companies.
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WITH THANKS TO OUR RENEWING MEMBERS | |
At Inspire Business Law Group, PC we pride ourselves on developing a unique relationship with each client, we take the time to thoroughly understand our clients’ industry and its drivers, and proactively develop a legal approach to meet their business and legal objectives.
We strive to work collaboratively with your company to implement your legal objectives both efficiently and cost-effectively allowing your business to move forward. We creatively resolve your legal issues and overcome obstacles to enable your company to reach its corporate goals.
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WITH THANKS TO OUR SUSTAINING
PATRON & PREMIER MEMBERS
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MEMBER-TO-MEMBER OFFERS
Enjoy the perks of being a Member
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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.
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SAVE WITH CURRENCIES DIRECT!
Currencies Direct offers BABC members discounts when using their platform for currency transfers. In addition to no fee when opening an account, you will receive preferential rates on transaction fees. Discounts are tied to amounts transferred. To secure your special rate, following the link below to set up an account. For questions, please contact Amanda Dunn at Amanda.dunn@currenciesdirect.com.
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Log in to your Member account to obtain the discount code for:
A 30-minute free consultation and to take advantage of this special offer
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Log in to your Member account to obtain the discount code for:
A complimentary 60-Minute Initial Consultation with BIA Mindset Founder, Fiona Roberts
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BABC Members get one month membership on Spot+ and Office+ (w/ 6+ mo contract) | | | |
British American Business Council | (415) 296-8645 | info@babcsf.org | www.babcsf.org | |
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