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British Expertise, formerly BCCB, is the leading UK private sector organisation for British companies offering professional services internationally. We introduce members to key British and international contacts, we can identify potential partners and clients, and we offer market intelligence and training. Our events provide excellent networking opportunities. British Expertise can and does lobby effectively in our members' interests.
After many years operating in an international environment, British Expertise has a well-earned reputation for a responsive, professional and highly efficient service to members.
British Expertise offers the following benefits to members:
Networking |
We hold frequent meetings on markets and sectors. Some take place overseas, for example in Brussels, the Gulf, and China. We receive visits by overseas delegations, often at Ministerial level. We organise special events such as lunches with Government Ministers and visiting Ambassadors. British Expertise is the UK member of the European International Contractors (EIC), whose activities provide excellent additional networking opportunities for contractors and consultants alike that take on infrastructure work. See our programme of forthcoming events.
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Missions |
We organise and lead high profile missions overseas in a range of sectors for UK Trade & Investment, with a focus on specific opportunities in those markets. These involve meetings, seminars and workshops, enabling our members to present their expertise to potential clients. We offer global coverage, including both developed and developing countries, and we have good contacts within the international financing institutions. Our programme is supported by British diplomatic missions overseas. We also run specific infrastructure missions in a joint venture with Emap Ltd. These high quality missions are focussed on putting companies in the construction sector in front of developers, senior Government officials and local businesses in the sector. See details of our overseas mission programme.
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Consortium Building |
We can suggest potential partners in other sectors to help members establish relationships. Members can and do use our website and networking activities to create profitable linkages with other members. Contact Graham Hand or see the message board.
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British Expertise International Awards |
We run an annual awards competition designed to showcase some of the excellent work done abroad by member companies. For details see the 2009 Awards Application Form.
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Website |
All staff of member companies can register on our website and make use of the message board which offers virtual networking facilities. Each member company has a directory entry which may be seen at any time by visitors to the website. The Directory is fully searchable and is accessed frequently by firms and individuals looking for potential partners. In addition, members may place free announcements and advertisements on the message board.
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Market Intelligence |
We disseminate targeted leads for potential business across a whole spectrum of sectors and disciplines, from all over the world. Members are encouraged to keep their Directory entries up-to-date in order to facilitate keyword searches.
For more formal business information and access to Credit Reports across the globe, we have negotiated a special arrangement for British Expertise members through Risk Disk. Click for more information or access the service through our Risk Disk portal. |
Lobbying |
We act robustly on behalf of members when that is necessary. We can tackle British Government agencies, funding agencies such as EuropeAid and the World Bank, and foreign governments. Even when members prefer to pursue matters themselves, we may be able to help through our knowledge of countries and the agencies. When a pattern emerges we can, and do, act for a group in seeking a policy change.
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Training |
Our programme includes a variety of excellent value training seminars, designed to improve the ability of members successfully to win, deliver and secure payment for overseas business. These are also relevant to continuing professional development (CPD) requirements. See our training programme here.
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Newsletter |
We issue a concise and highly popular weekly electronic newsletter with information about our events and summary reports on key issues. Sign up for the newsletter here.
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Problem Solving |
We have expertise, experience and knowledge of overseas markets. We have, for example helped successfully with debt recovery, finding staff and with problems encountered in the short-listing and selection process.
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Advice |
We can provide advice on how members may best approach overseas markets. We can also offer more detailed help on countries and regions in which we have a current focus, and we can often advise in depth on specific sectors.
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Projects |
We encourage members to give us information about contracts they completed and those which they have recently won. The information supplied features prominently in members' directory entries and the most recent submissions are highlighted on the sector and regional pages of this website. This gives extra publicity for members' successes.
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UKTI Aid-Funded Business Service |
In partnership with Birmingham Chamber of Commerce we run the Aid-Funded Business Service, under contract to UKTI. The service raises the awareness of UK companies about multilateral aid-funded business opportunities, and provides training and advice on how to win this business. We also take AFBS missions to the World Bank in Washington DC, the Asian Development Bank in Manila, the African Development Bank in Tunis and the UN in its various locations. More about the AFBS.
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Other Benefits: |
Discounted Services such as the hire of our conference room.
Discounts for certain conferences as indicated in our Newsletter.
Access to professional indemnity insurance.
Access to good value overnight accommodation in London.
Access to UN subsistence rates.
For further information on these benefits please contact British Expertise.
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The Advisory Council |
British Expertise is fortunate that a group of very eminent people make available to us the benefit of their expert advice, knowledge and networking ability. The purpose of the Advisory Council is to advise and assist the Board of Directors and the Chief Executive in relation to the strategy, policies and objectives of British Expertise, rather than matters of day-to-day management. Their experience is also at the service of member companies. See details of the Advisory Council here.
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Engagement |
Active members see the best value from membership, because close engagement makes it possible for us to give a really good service. Good communication is therefore vital, and we welcome regular interactions with members in person, by email or by telephone (+44 (0)20 7824 1920). |
Interested in knowing more about becoming a member of British Expertise?
CRITERIA FOR MEMBERSHIP |
