Jo Healey

Executive Director, BABC

Northern California

Dear Members and Friends of the BABC,

We hope you have had an enjoyable summer and are all charged up for the Fall busy time!

Numerous upcoming events are keeping us busy in the office including the Fall European Networking evening at SAP on September 25^th. Always a fantastic opportunity to expand your networks with 100+ guests expected. We also have the 12th Annual International Golf Scramble which, all of a sudden is getting quite filled up. Register now to lock in your spot and join members from 10 other international chambers of commerce.

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, don’t forget to grab your tickets or tables to the BEST holiday party in town. The BABC Annual Christmas Luncheon at the fabulous Fairmont Hotel on Friday, December 13^th.

You can check out all the upcoming events here.

As usual, the BABC appreciates all its new and renewing members – check them out below. Thank you for being a part of our community and don’t hesitate to be in touch if you have any questions.

Best Regards,

Jo Healey

Tammy Sandhu MBE

HM British Consul- General

San Francisco

Dear Members of the BABC,

With the announcement of an ambitious new green energy initiative, an eventful London Fashion week, and a fantastic victory for the English rugby team, it’s been an exciting month in the UK – and an exciting month for us here on the West Coast, where the new government’s momentum towards innovation and economic growth is reflected in our cross-consulate activities.

This month, we celebrated some incredible milestones. The first: the UK's status as the largest foreign investor in California by number of jobs, which we marked by with friends and partners across California governance to discuss our economic partnership and shared priorities. My team and I had warm, productive meetings in Sacramento across trade, tech, and climate that emphasized our common values and goals – and the continued importance of state-level engagements. State Treasurer Fiona Ma and I even filmed a short video, which you can find on our social media channels later this fall.

We also celebrated an event of an entirely different kind: It was my honour to help open 158^th Scottish Highland Games in Pleasanton, where we celebrated Scottish culture, congregated as a community, and helped raise funds for some incredible organizations.

 We can see the tangible evidence of UK influence everywhere around us in the Bay Area from the Robert Louis Stevenson memorial in San Francisco’s Portsmouth Square to the statues in Golden Gate Park. But the strong, enthusiastic turnout at the Scottish Highland Games did more than demonstrate the staying power of UK influence – it also brought home to me the strength of our ties as a diasporic community. I hope many of you had the chance to see the festivities.

As families across the city prepare for the school year, we’re entering our own academic season at the Consulate, with the Marshall Scholarship application closing on September 26^th. As the UK’s flagship scholarship for US students to study at any British university of their choosing, the Marshall Scholarship is an important – and long-running—vehicle for forging strong US-UK connections. This year’s class of Marshall Scholarship recipients will head to the UK in mid-September, and I truly cannot wait to see what these bright students will accomplish over the next couple of years. Come October, I’ll be resuming my annual duties as a member of the Marshall Scholarship Selection Committee by reviewing this year’s applications and interviewing the finalists in person at the consulate.

On a larger level, there are a couple of important milestones to look towards in the coming month: New York Climate Week, the International Investment Summit, and the UN General Assembly. Our new labour government’s rejuvenated emphasis on climate, economic stability, and international engagement will be reflected in all these activities.

I’d like to close this letter with an opportunity to get involved in British arts from the West Coast. Our friends and partners at the American Associates of the National Theatre have extended complimentary tickets to the BABC community for the screening of Suzie Miller’s one-woman play Prima Facie, starring tour de force Jodie Comer (flyer seen below). This production, captured live from the Harold Pinter Theatre in London's West End, is a wonderful chance to meet the AANT at the reception and enjoy some top-tier British art.

To reserve a special complimentary ticket including both the reception and the screening on September 22, you can reach out to RSVP@aarnt.org.

Otherwise, you can 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

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, Vontobel and SAP.

Fees/Admission:

$25 for Members

$35 Non-Members

$45 Day of Event

Join us in a little under 3 weeks 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.

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!

Join over 750 guests from the Bay Area’s international business community at the City’s most anticipated holiday event. Mark your calendar for Friday, December 13th, 2024, and experience the festive spirit at the spectacular Fairmont Hotel atop Nob Hill.

Please note: Currently, only members can purchase tickets and tables to the BABC’s Annual Christmas Luncheon. Not a member yet? Click here to explore membership options and get in on the best Holiday Party in town!

Is it safe to say that companies are fully committed to sustainable corporate travel? If recent RFPs are any indication, we’d say yes. Global businesses are no longer looking for sustainability mission statements packed with green buzzwords. Nope, they want evidence. And why not? Green business is good business.

Continue reading HERE.

Five Lewis & Llewellyn attorneys were recently named by Best Lawyers as leaders in their field for the 2025 edition.

With a selection process based on a rigorous peer review survey comprising more than 27 million confidential evaluations by top attorneys, this list is designed to capture the consensus opinion of leading lawyers across the country. 

Continue reading HERE.

The Aer Lingus European Sale is now on! Act fast to get super savings on your flight to Europe and start the autumn and winter season on a high note. There are less than 250K seats on sale so don’t wait to book your dream European vacation.

Travel October 7, 2024 until March 31, 2025. Book by September 17, 2024.

Book HERE.

We at the British Benevolent Society (BBS) are deeply concerned about the recent fires and displacement in Boyles at Clearlake, California, and throughout the West. We can only imagine the profound impact these events have on the individuals, families, and communities affected.

Sadly, wildfires have become very common on the West coast. We encourage everyone to Make A Plan and discuss options with family, loved ones and friends. 

At the BBS, our mission is to offer specialized support to British nationals facing such crises. If you or someone you know has been affected by these natural disasters, please reach out to us as we may be able to help. We are here to provide compassionate assistance and stand by British nationals in these challenging times.

The BBS Events Team is thrilled to partner with The Great Dickens Fair for the holiday season! This immersive event transports visitors to Victorian London, complete with music halls, pubs, and festive shops, brought to life by costumed performers.

We’re launching an outreach program on weekends in late November and December and are seeking volunteers to staff our table, share information about BBS, and guide prospective donors. Volunteers will receive complimentary parking and admission to the fair.

This is a great chance to engage with the community and support our mission. Whether you can help for one shift or multiple weekends, your time would be greatly appreciated. Please let us know your availability by November 1st, 2024. Your participation makes a big impact—thank you for your support!

6 Complimentary spots available for BABC Members! 6-Week Series starting Friday, September 20th, 2024.

Workshop 1: The Power of Purpose

Transform Your Leadership

Friday, September 20, 2024 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM EST

If you want to elevate your performance, enhance your well-being, and make a greater impact, this is the perfect starting point. Sharpen your focus, cultivate balance, deepen connections, boost your energy, and discover greater meaning. These outcomes—and more—all begin with purpose, allowing us to experience more joy, fulfillment, and inspiration in both work and life. Join us—you deserve it!

The Bay Area Council Economic Institute, the Consulate General of Ireland and Team Ireland partners Enterprise Ireland, IDA Irelandand Tourism Ireland, invite you to the release of the Economic Institute’s new report, Growth and Transformation: Economic Ties Between the San Francisco Bay Area and Ireland, which assesses Ireland’s economy and its unique ties to the San Francisco/Silicon Valley Bay Area. 

Deeply based in history, those ties include a wide range of Ireland-based European headquarters and production facilities representing leading Bay Area technology and life science companies. The report documents the Bay Area’s economic presence in Ireland and Ireland’s economic presence in the Bay Area, and analyzes the reasons for Ireland’s economic success and the outlook for expanded ties. A panel of government and industry leaders will discuss the findings. The forum will also feature remarks by Ireland’s Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke, T.D.

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.

Duncan Edwards OBE

CEO

BritishAmerican Business

At the beginning of August, usually a very quiet period for BAB convening, we were pleased to be asked to host an event for the UK Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, who made her first overseas trip since the election to New York. As the first women in the role since its inception more than 800 years ago, the theme for the reception was celebrating and championing Women in Finance and we had a fantastic turn out for the event. Thanks are due to BAB Advisory Board member, Paul Taylor, CEO of Fitch Group, for hosting us at the ever-impressive Hearst Tower and to Gillian Tett of the FT for moderating the fireside chat with the Chancellor.

Continue reading HERE.

Come and watch the AFL Grand Final on a cinema screen at the Cinelounge in Tiburon, presented by The Australian American Chamber of Commerce.

Tickets include one drink (wine or beer) and a meat pie.

Join the Millbrae Japanese Cultural Festival Committee for a fun-filled event, comprising good food, including beer and sake, live stage performances, exhibits and demonstrations, hands-on participation in tea ceremony, calligraphy, origami, games and activities for all.

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

Commercial Director, US



An exciting opportunity to join Zedra and be an integral part of our expanding global sales team as a Commercial Director/Associate Director.

CORPORATE MEMBERS



Commenda empowers cross-border companies to streamline and automate their global tax workflows. From incorporation to direct and indirect tax, sales tax automation, transfer pricing, inter-company agreements, and business licensing, we simplify every aspect of your international operations.

For accountants and service providers, Commenda enables you to expand your practice globally. We provide the tools and support needed to help your clients thrive in foreign markets with ease.

Commenda has a growing base of US customers incorporating in the UK and UK customers incorporating in the US. We support the UK and US for incorporation, compliance, annual taxes, and sales tax/VAT.

Through the warmth and service of the Delta Air Lines people and the power of innovation, Delta never stops looking for ways to make every trip feel tailored to every customer. 100,000 Delta people lead the way in delivering a world-class customer experience on over 4,000 daily flights to more than 280 destinations on six continents, connecting people to places and to each other.

Delta, its Delta Connection® carriers, and Partner Airlines offer service to more than 1,000 destinations in over 60 countries on six continents. SkyMiles Members can redeem and earn miles and have access to premium benefits where eligible.

SkyBonus® is now SkyMiles® for Business. SkyMiles for Business is a travel rewards program built for small and medium-sized enterprises. Our program provides exclusive benefits and a comprehensive suite of travel management resources.

We are distillery, an independent creative practice trusted by world-leading B2B, purpose and consumer organisations to deliver tangible value through our marketing specialisms.

Our purpose is to empower ambitious business leaders and marketers to make a difference. We achieve this through compassion, curiosity and a commitment to achieve outstanding results every time.

Immerse yourself in the scenic luxury of Wailea Beach Resort - Marriott, Maui, a stunning travel destination just steps from the ocean. Experience stylish comfort along the water's edge in beautifully appointed, family-friendly resort accommodations with ocean-inspired décor, mini-refrigerators, plush bedding and high-speed Wi-Fi. Elevate your experience with luxury amenities like a modern fitness center, championship-level golf courses and a tranquil spa. Ignite your senses during your Maui vacation by sampling our diverse dining options, lounging in private floating cabanas and witnessing a vibrant luau show. Refresh in the sparkling waters of our six resort pools, featuring the longest hotel water slide in all of Hawaii.

With offices on the US East and West Coasts, and in London, Whitewall Creative is uniquely positioned to take your message to US customers and prospects in a language they understand.

We don’t just offer creative services like design, digital and experience; we immerse ourselves in your vision to energize, elevate, and enhance your presence in the US market. Expect innovation, collaboration, and unparalleled support from our passionate and experienced multi-national team. Expect content and experiences that get results.

We translate your British roots into Stateside success; ensuring every interaction resonates with US audiences. We’re invested in understanding both cultures deeply. Our dedicated team turns challenges into opportunities and opportunities into results. Trust us to support your growth, value, and success. Trust us to give your content the maximum impact.

Read more about Whitewall here and by clicking the button below.

BUSINESS MEMBER

Welcome to The Ethical Silk Company, your premier destination for luxurious mulberry silk products. Here, we marry the allure of timeless elegance with the commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainable production. Our collection, ranging from exquisite sleepwear to elegant accessories, promises an indulgent experience that pampers you while being kind to our planet.

Designed in Ireland, block-printed by hand and ethically tailored in Jaipur, India, we use mulberry silk (momme weight 19) with a satin weave for all our products. Made in India, it is extracted from the cocoon after the silk moth has left the cocoon. Because of the particular way it is produced, it is more like a fine linen with a beautiful matte luster rather than the shiny finish of traditional silk.

PREMIER MEMBERS



We are SambaNova Systems, Inc. Founded in 2017 in Palo Alto, California to create the next generation of computing, our mission is to bring AI innovations developed in advanced research to organizations around the world. Established by industry luminaries, hardware and software design experts, and world-class innovators from Sun/Oracle and Stanford University—we aim to help bring AI to everyone, everywhere.

SambaNova Systems Reconfigurable Dataflow Architecture is our software-defined hardware approach that powers SambaNova Systems DataScale—from algorithms to silicon. Our innovations are pushing past the limits of today’s solutions to accelerate AI and usher in a new era of computing.

ZEDRA is a global powerhouse providing Corporate & Global Expansion, Active Wealth, Pensions & Incentives and Fund services, all aligned under one common goal: to embrace the future with certainty.

The firm’s highly experienced teams enable high net worth individuals and families as well as medium to large sized companies, pension funds and trustees, asset managers and their investors to focus on their core activities by choosing ZEDRA as their trusted partner. As an experienced, reliable and innovative adviser, ZEDRA helps them successfully navigate estate planning, governance and global operations.

CORPORATE MEMBERS



Michelmores is the destination law firm for the ambitious, the imaginative and the distinctive. We help businesses and individuals who are navigating change to find a more positive future.

Our collaborative, creative and commercial lawyers focus on our clients’ next steps, starting with today's challenges, but growing success and impact for tomorrow. We understand what today’s individuals and enterprises need to do to stay ahead and that’s what we deliver, every time.

As a firm of over 450 people, we offer the full spectrum of legal services, advising clients across the UK and internationally. Underpinning our legal work is a strong commitment to promoting sustainable business practices.

BUSINESS MEMBERS

Our clients are ambitious, growing and leaders in their field – just like us. Whether you’re a start-up or an established global organisation – we have the team, the time and the experience to help you navigate even the most complicated commercial challenges facing your business. With offices in the UK and Europe and clients around the world, Fieldfisher can help you thrive in a global economy.

Clients choose us because we understand their business, we’ve been in their shoes, and together we find solutions. It is our in-depth industry knowledge and down-to-earth delivery that means you can trust us to provide the best possible advice.

GroupA is a Northern California-based certified Minority Business Enterprise and Woman-Owned Small Business, providing Digital Transformation Services for a wide range of customers including public agencies. Our Consulting Services are centered around Enterprise Cloud Software and helping our customers operate their businesses on cutting edge technology.

GroupA Cloud Consulting Services are streamlining how our customers deploy, implement, integrate, and support their Cloud based environment. We execute project-based work, both individually and team based, throughout the technical arena. Some key areas we specialize in, but not limited to are IT Support, Network Security and Engineering, Development, Implementations and Integrations of Systems/Software, Digital Marketing and Professional Services.

Kennedys is an international law firm headquartered in London, with offices in 22 countries. Our lawyers handle both contentious and non-contentious matters, for clients in insurance, reinsurance, recoveries, banking, finance, construction, engineering, healthcare, life sciences, marine, shipping, international trade, sport and leisure, transport, logistics, travel and tourism. We have particular expertise in litigation and dispute resolution, especially in defending insurance and liability claims.

London & Partners is the business growth (economic development - trade, investment and innovation) and destination agency for London. Our mission is to create economic growth that is resilient, sustainable and inclusive.

We help international businesses set up in London, support small and micro London business to thrive, help London-based businesses expand globally and bring leisure tourism and major events to the city.

Since 2011, London & Partners has helped to add £3.4bn to London’s economy; supported or created more than 90,000 jobs; and helped more than 2,000 overseas companies to set up or expand in London.

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.

Imagine the power of 180,000 people with a common purpose - building relationships that create value for you and your business. This is PwC. Every day, our people work with you to build the value you are looking for.

We'll start by getting to know you. Our tailored solutions will help you meet the challenges and opportunities of doing business in the US market, and beyond.

We offer a global perspective and in-depth knowledge of local, state and US issues and focus on audit and assurance, tax, and consulting services . In the US, PwC concentrates on 16 key industries, providing targeted services including - but not limited to - human resources, deals, forensics, and consulting services . We help resolve complex issues and identify opportunities.

INDIVIDUAL MEMBER

Kelly Ducourty

NEXTGEN MEMBER

Joseph Cormack

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.