Dear Members and Friends,
As you read this, I shall be in Cambridge at an event organised by one of the bilateral fora that the UK has developed to bring together political, business, academic and civil society leaders from the two countries (in this case, since you asked, Greece). As in our own work convening people from different fields can often be valuable. But the emphasis on building bilateral relationships is important too. The specialist networks built around multilateral institutions can play an important role in addressing shared challenges. But much of the real progress made at the multilateral level is the result of bilateral relationships based on mutual interest and understanding, reinforced by people-to-people links. The Prime Minister’s visit this week to India is a graphic example, highlighting collaboration across everything from trade and technology to films and football. This is, as our colleagues at BFPG would remind us, soft power in action: much of the work done around the world by BEI members contributes to the painstaking process of growing the UK’s soft power through partnerships in many countries around the world, even if it isn’t always recognised as such. That’s why, in and among the thematic activities and content we create, there will always be a big place for our programme of engagement with partner countries. We have a number of events in the pipeline: for a start, I’m looking forward to hosting Dean Macpherson, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure of South Africa, next week (more detail below).
We had a very useful meeting this week with Clerks from the International Development Select Committee. The discussion focused primarily on the Committee’s latest inquiry on the Future of UK aid and development assistance. The Clerks made clear that the Committee is keen to hear from as wide a range of expert voices as possible, which I hope will serve as an invitation to BEI members to consider submitting written evidence (the deadline is end of October). For our part, from BEI’s position as a convening rather than advocacy organisation, we will be looking to provide the Committee with our own contribution including practical examples drawing on members’ experience of “what works” and what could be done to maximise the impact of the UK’s future aid programmes. Though our submission will inevitably have to be selective, we’ll ensure it’s based on as many discussions with members as possible.
Also this week, we were delighted to be joined by Scott Gilfillan, Associate Director at Global Counsel for a discussion with our International Development Heads of Business. Scott drew on his extensive political experience, including as SPAD to Anneliese Dodds, former Development Minister, to explore the context for the UK’s approach to international development and to suggest approaches to sustaining a strong and durable British role in the future. Many thanks to Scott for joining us; we look forward to welcoming him back on 19 November for a panel discussion on the intersection of International Development and National Security, alongside expert speakers from across the sector. If you are interested in joining, see more information and the registration page, here.
Coming up next week were delighted to be able to host on 14 October from 15:00 – 17:00 an in-depth discussion with Mr Dean Macpherson, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure of South Africa. This will provide the Minister with the opportunity to engage with UK companies with an interest in South Africa, as well as providing a platform for UK infrastructure specialists to gain market insights and demonstrate their expertise. If you are interested in joining, please email Alex Murr via am@britishexpertise.org.
We also look forward to another joint BEI/D Group event, this time in association with the Global Summit series, here at Birdcage Walk on 22 October from 14:00 – 16:30. We will be hosting key stakeholders in the water sector, exploring strategies and insights needed to tackle water-related challenges. We look forward to hearing from: Simon Ayley, Director of Strategic Growth Partnerships at WRc; Andy Roby, Senior Water Security Adviser at FCDO; Charlie Stratford, Head of Business and Partnership Development at UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology; and Jonathan Clark, Associate Director of Data Centres & Advanced Technology at Gleeds. If you are interested in joining, register here.
On 23 October, we look forward to two online events. First, an Education Deep Dive: Tajikistan (10:00 – 11:00 BST), will be led by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan. They will provide us with an overview and insights into the key education sector opportunities available for British businesses, advice on cultural understanding and tips for navigating the market. If you are interested in joining, register here.
Our second event, Trade and Investment Opportunities in the British Overseas Territories (14:00 – 15:30 BST), will be a valuable opportunity to explore the growing business potential across the British Overseas Territories (OTs), focusing on key industries including infrastructure, professional services, and more. We will hear from our colleagues at the FCDO, and from government officials across the British OTs. If you are interested in joining, register here.
Finally, our friends at the International Centre for Sustainability are hosting an evening discussion on “Whither Tibet in the Climate Crisis Agenda” on 22 October in London. The Tibetan Plateau, often called Earth’s “Third Pole,” is warming faster than almost any other region on the planet, with consequences that ripple far beyond its borders. Its melting glaciers, disrupted rivers, and fragile ecosystems shape not only the lives of communities in Tibet but also the water security of millions across Asia. This roundtable led by Dr. Panda and Shruti Kapil seeks to examine the unfolding climate crisis on the Tibetan Plateau, highlighting its far-reaching human, environmental, and geopolitical implications. If you’re interested in attending, please register with ICfS direct at Whither Tibet in the Climate Crisis Agenda? Tickets, Wed, Oct 22, 2025 at 6:30 PM | Eventbrite.
It’s a wonderfully sunny day in Cambridge. I hope the weekend is equally bright for you,
Executive Chairman
British Expertise International
Key events coming up include the following:
- 14th October 2025 15:00 – 17:00 BST: Meet the Minister of Public Works, South Africa - Join us for an in-depth discussion with Mr Dean Macpherson, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure of South Africa. This roundtable event will provide the Minister with the opportunity to engage with UK companies with an interest in South Africa, as well as providing a platform for UK infrastructure specialists to gain market insights and demonstrate their expertise.
- 16th October 2025 12:00 – 12:30 BST: Water Resilience Working Group - The UK has a distinctive offer and world-leading expertise in sustainable and climate-resilient water services. This group, in partnership with UK government, IFIs and other key stakeholders, aims to define that offer and leverage it to increase exports.
- 22nd October 2025 14:00 – 16:30 BST: Turning Water Risk into Resilience - By bringing together key stakeholders who operate outside the regulated water sector yet face equally pressing water risks, this event, delivered in partnership with the Global Summit series, aims to provide UK organisations with the strategies and insights needed to safeguard their operations and adapt to future water-related challenges.
- 23rd October 2025 10:00 – 11:00 BST: Education Deep Dive: Tajikistan - Join us for a webinar deep dive into education opportunities in Tajikistan led by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan. Colleagues will provide us with an overview and insights into the key education sector opportunities available for British businesses, advice on cultural understanding, and tips for navigating the Tajik market.
- 23rd October 2025 14:00 – 15:00 BST: Trade and Investment Opportunities in the British Overseas Territories - This webinar is a valuable opportunity to explore the growing business potential across the British Overseas Territories (OTs). Discover what makes these jurisdictions unique and learn about exciting opportunities in sectors such as infrastructure, professional services, and more. Whether you're looking to expand, invest, or collaborate, this session will offer key insights into dynamic markets across the OTs.
- 4th November 2025 10:00 – 11:30 GMT: India - Water Resilience - India is facing growing pressure on its water systems due to a combination of climate change, rapid urbanisation. Extreme weather events such as floods and heatwaves are becoming more frequent, while challenges like pollution and ageing infrastructure are making water resilience a national priority. This presents a significant opportunity for UK companies with expertise in water management, climate resilience and sustainable infrastructure.
- 19th November 2025 09:30 – 12:30 GMT: Intersections of International Development and National Security - Given the growing national security priorities of the UK Government and the recent cuts to the aid budget, this event will offer a timely and engaging platform to explore the intersection between international development and national security. It also presents a valuable opportunity to discuss how development actors can align their programmes more closely with the UK’s strategic interests.
- Date TBA: Infrastructure Opportunities in Nigeria - This webinar offers a focused deep dive into Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape with a focus on several specific projects well suited for the UK supply chain.
External Events and Reports:
- 20th October 2025 - Perpetrator-Centred Prevention - Join the Safeguarding Leads Network, with speakers Sarah Maquire and Elizabeth Wright on Perpetrator-Centred Prevention. The session will explore the hidden risks organisations face in inadvertently recruiting perpetrators, how workplace culture can either deter or enable misconduct, and practical steps to prevent Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH). This session is designed for Heads of Business Units (HoBs), senior leadership, and heads of HR, Ethics, Compliance and Legal. To register your interest in the session, please email sln@britishexpertise.org.
- 28th – 31st October 2025: AME Trade - 15th edition of Africa PPP in Windhoek, Namibia - Africa PPP 2025 is the longest running infrastructure finance, investment, and partnership summit, focused on increasing private sector participation in infrastructure development through viable PPPs and innovative financing mechanisms, for a sustainable economic growth. The event is organized with the support of Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board and the Ministry of Works and Transport of Namibia at the prestigious Hilton Conference Centre in Windhoek, Namibia. Africa PPP includes two-days Conference, one day masterclass on Project Preparation and one day Touristic and/or Technical Tours.
Register for an upcoming event →
Not a member?
Learn more
For more information about British Expertise International: Sign up to receive this Weekly Update
- View our upcoming events
- Becoming a member
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Linkedin
%20(3).jpg)
