British Chamber of Commerce Philippines Chairman Chris Nelson delivering his opening remarks at the Dutertenomics Forum on 10 August 2017 at Fairmont Makati.

(Phil. Star) – The British Chamber of Commerce Philippines summoned key government officials to discuss the 10-point socioeconomic agenda—President Rodrigo Duterte’s economic and development blueprint for the Philippines.

The event last August 10, attended by around 250 industry leaders, stakeholders and guests, was held at Fairmont Makati, in cooperation with the Presidential Communications Operations Office, the Makati Business Club, the Management Association of the Philippines, and the Philippines British Business Council.

Speakers, including several cabinet secretaries, explained specific strategies expected to result in a more globally competitive economy—such as the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022, the Philippine Investment Plan 2017-2022 and AmBisyon Natin 2040.

 

BCCP Chairman Chris Nelson (L) and UKTI Director Iain Mansfield at the Business Breakfast on Exploring Business Opportunities with UK Trade and Investment held at Tower Club, Makati, 9th September 2015.

 

WEDNESDAY, 9 September 2015 – The British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) hosted a Business Breakfast on “Exploring Business Opportunities with UK Trade and Investment” at Tower Club in Makati. UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) Director Iain Mansfield was invited as the keynote speaker of the event.

 

As the highest European investor in the Philippines, the UK holds a net FDI stock of over $5 billion. With the increasing interest of UK businesses in the Philippines and vice versa, the bilateral trade between the two countries is now worth around $1.8 billion annually. Mansfield also shared the recent investments of the following British companies Tesco, John Lewis, and Costa Coffee.

 

Considered as one of the most open countries in the world to foreign investments, the UKTI Director also imparted various investments and business engagements of PH companies in the UK such as the Philippine National Bank and Emperador.

 

In addition, the UKTI Director also launched the highlights of the most-awaited GREAT Britain Campaign which showcases the very best of what Britain has to offer.

A spectacular evening was held on October 18 at the New World Makati Hotel to celebrate the victory of Admiral Lord Nelson and his fleet at the 1805 Battle of Trafalgar. A collaborative effort between the Manila Club and the British Chamber of Commerce Philippines, the evening was steeped in a rich blend of British culture and tradition. With over 150 guests gathered, the night was ushered in by a few words and a toast in commemoration of the Admiral by Mr. David Reynolds, president of the Manila Club, and by His Excellency Asif Ahmad, British Ambassador to the Philippines.

To keep the spirit of celebration alive well throughout the night, guests were treated to music by KO Jones over a sumptuous 5 course dinner. A grand raffle draw was also held were tickets to the UK and Europe were given away by Etihad Airways. Drinks, laughter, and merriment was had by all as the evening was a true spectacle of the triumph and immortal memory of Lord Nelson and those who fell  with him. 

Photos may be viewed at the Gallery section of the website, wth thanks to BCCP Member, Dean Homer for taking the photos.

On October 17, An Introduction to Lean Management was held at the BCCP office. Mike Grogan, a Personal and Organisational Improvement Specialist, was the guest speaker for the morning as he shared his wealth of knowledge about Lean Management to the twenty nine guests that attended.

Mike Grogan has coached and trained over 1200 people around the world on the application of Lean Principles. Mike is an expert in Lean with over 8 years’ experience in applying and realising the extraordinary results that Lean Thinking generates.

At the talk, guests from key companies and various professional backgrounds were urged to apply Lean Management in their own organisations as they were introduced to its basic principles which revolved around developing systems and leadership behaviours at maximum efficiency to solve the right problems faster.

It was a great night for the members and guests of BCCP as the British & Irish Lions won their first test match against the Qantas Wallabies in their 2013 Australian Tour.

BCCP’s first family-oriented social event last Saturday, 22 June 2013 was itself a winner among members and guests.

The afternoon started with BCCP Chairman, Roger Lamb, welcoming everyone, giving a rundown of the activities and thanking the event’s gracious hosts, Trevor and Claire Lewis for opening their home as venue for the event.

Trevor Lewis is the British Embassy’s Deputy Head of Mission and is a frequent guest at BCCP events.  He welcomed the guests and spoke of the importance of cultural and sports events in the Embassy’s efforts of enhancing diplomacy in a relaxed social environment.

Special guest, Paul Ingram of the Philippine Volcanoes gave a very entertaining albeit brief presentation, covering the history of Rugby and how the game has evolved over time.  Paul is a member of BCCP being the company representative of Genric Worldwide Security Consultants.  He also spoke about the Philippine national rugby union team, the Philippine Volcanoes, which he joined in 2009.

Paul shared his views about the British & Irish Lions, the prestige of being  part of the team, their tours and general rivalry with the Southern Hemisphere nations: Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. His presentation finished just in time for the start of the match.

The children were entertained with activities throughout the afternoon and evening, with many ending up in swimming pool.  This meant that the parents were free to enjoy the game.

The match started at 6 o’clock, and while the Wallabies were the first to score with 7-0, 20 minutes into the game, the Lions were able to pull this in, with a one point lead at 13-12 just before halftime.  It was a very close and thrilling game between 2 evenly-matched sides.  Cheers and fist-pumps dominated the night among the BCCP crowd.  In the end, it was an incredible victory for the British & Irish Lions, closing in the match with a slim 2 point lead at 23-21.

It was a memorable first for BCCP to hold a family social event, and what better way to end it than with a victory from the British & Irish Lions!

Photos may be viewed in the website's Gallery page here.