BEI Weekly Update - 22nd May 2026

Dear Members and Friends,

If this newsletter is rather long (my apologies), it’s because we’ve had a very full week at BEI, with the added bonus of seeing so many members and friends in person at several events across London. It’s good to see collaboration in action.

It’s been encouraging to hear from members and international delegations attending Education World Forum (EWF) about the continuing high profile of UK expertise at every stage, from early years to higher and special education, as well as the new contacts which have been established over the week. It was a pleasure to host Central Asian delegations at our now traditional EWF reception and to hear from Trade Envoy Lord Alderdice and FCDO Director Chris Allan on the strength of the UK’s relationships in the region. We were grateful to Pearson, represented by Freya Thomas Monk, for their generous support for the event.

Along with a number of BEI members, I spent part of the week at the Global Partnerships conference, which took place at a time of radical change to the international development model and against a backdrop of conflict in the Middle East that threatens serious harm, particularly to food supplies, in developing countries. The organising team deserves congratulations for a very well-run event, with many international delegations and a complex programme of sessions, activities and exhibitions.  I came away with the sense that there is an opportunity to innovate, not just in the effective and sensitive use of technology but also in the “business models” of development including greater local initiative and ownership.   If this ambition is to be realised, there’s an important role for the practical skillsets represented by our members. This deserves a higher profile: that’s where we at BEI aim to play a role in taking forward the discussion launched at the conference. More to follow soon.

On Monday this week, we were delighted to host a senior Omani delegation for talks on private-sector investment partnerships, as part of their visit to London under the umbrella of the Strategic Advisory Group (SAG). The roundtable was a joint initiative by BEI and The D Group, made possible through our collaboration with FCDO and DBT colleagues. The roundtable explored opportunities to expand UK-Omani trade and investment with both BEI and The D Group’s membership base, particularly in logistics, green energy, technology, education, space, infrastructure, and architecture. Fortuitously, this discussion took place just hours before the announcement of the signature of the UK-GCC Free Trade Agreement, which provides an excellent backdrop for taking forward the contacts that were made during and after the event. You can read more about the dialogue here. After the FTA announcement, I spoke to Arab News about how the deal will impact our members and the wider British professional services sector. You can read the article here.

Our education roundtables this week in the margins of EWF covered several regions.  On Tuesday, we were joined by H.E. Mohamed Saad Berrada, Minister of National Education, Preschools and Sports from Morocco, and Mrs Rahma Bourqia, Président du Conseil Supérieur de l’Éducation, de la Formation et de la Recherche Scientifique, to discuss strengthening school leadership in the pre-school and primary education sectors and pedagogical support throughout the education journey. You can read an interview with Mrs Bourqia, drawing on insights from EWF and Tuesday’s roundtable, here.

On Wednesday, before our UK-Central Asia reception in the evening, we fitted in two roundtables. In the morning we were joined by Dr. Carmela Oracion, Undersecretary for Learning Systems at the Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines, accompanied by Hanna Cortez from the DepEd International Cooperation Office in the Philippines, for a roundtable on the implementation of teaching and learning reforms in the Philippines for the 2026/2027 school year and onwards.

We were grateful for the support of our members NOCN and Cambridge University Press and Assessment for a roundtable with the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organisation (SEAMEO) Secretariat. It was a pleasure to welcome back to BEI Datuk Dr Habibah Abdul Rahim, Director of the SEAMEO Secretariat, and Carlo Fernando, Learning Innovation and Information Specialist at the Secretariat. The discussion explored SEAMEO’s most recent report on teacher training and provided a valuable opportunity for our members to discuss key areas of collaboration in education across Southeast Asia.

Our final event this week was a Thursday roundtable with the Philippines Commission on Higher Education (CHED), joined by Shirley Agrupis, Chairperson of the Commission, and Dr. Christine Nabor Ferrer, International Affairs Services Director, along with a delegation from across the higher education sector in the Philippines. The session focused on aligning higher education with human capital and the employment needs of the Philippines.

Also this week, convened the Water Resilience Working Group to discuss its forthcoming report on financial mechanisms for water resilience. More to follow on this soon: we’re grateful to the Working Group members for devoting so much time to help prepare the report.

Our events continue in the week after next. On Tuesday 2 June please join us for a session with Amanda McLoughlin, FCDO Development Director in Ethiopia, who will present the UK’s development strategy, programming and pipeline of opportunities in Ethiopia. If you are interested in joining, please register here.

‍On Wednesday 3 June we look forward to the first event in a series on inclusive health. This will provide insights into gender and disability inclusion in health-related international development programming and include a deep dive into Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). The panel of speakers will include representatives from Sightsavers, MSI Reproductive Choices, and IOD PARC. If you are interested in joining, please register here.

Finally, a reminder for education members that today is the last day to apply for the EdTechX awards. Through our partnership with the EdTech Global, BEI members have exclusive access to 25% off tickets and 5% off sponsorship opportunities at the EdTechX Summit on 16 June. The summit is Europe’s leading gathering of influential stakeholders shaping the future of the education, training and work landscape. If you apply for the EdTechX Awards today, your ticket discount increases to 50%. Email Sofia Pennacchietti via sp@britishexpertise.org for details.

I hope the holiday weekend’s promising weather provides an opportunity to rest after a busy week.  We look forward to seeing you again soon.

David Landsman

Executive Chair  

British Expertise International

Event Recordings and Resources:

(Member access only)‍

• Preventing Tech-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV)
• FCDO Development Director Series: Nigeria
• Transforming India's Water Sector Non-Revenue Water Trends & Growth Opportunities
• Towards COP17: Urban and Rural Synergies for Water Resilience in Mongolia
• Skills for the Future
• FCDO Development Director Series: Sudan
• Opportunities for Partnership and Innovation in African Tech Sectors

Upcoming BEI Events:

• Tuesday 2nd June 2026 10:30 – 11:30 BST: FCDO Development Director Series: Ethiopia - Join us as we host Amanda McLoughlin, Development Director in Ethiopia for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), who will present FCDO’s development strategy, programming and pipeline of opportunities in Ethiopia.
• Wednesday 3rd June 2026 10:00 – 11:30 BST: Strengthening Equitable and Inclusive Health - This webinar will explore best practices for strengthening global health systems. With a focus on equitable and inclusive health, the session will highlight gender and disability inclusion, with a deep dive on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SHRH) programming within international development programming.
• Wednesday 10th June 2026 09:00 – 10:00 BST: Procurement Opportunities with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Australia - This webinar with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Australia, will provide UK companies with insights into DFAT's procurement processes. This session will be an opportunity for UK organisations to learn about and access opportunities to work with DFAT, and to provide a platform for DFAT to meet with UK private-sector and NGO delivery partners.
• Wednesday 10th June 2026 14:00 – 15:00 BST: Rwanda Market Opportunity Overview - Join us for a virtual market opportunity overview session on Rwanda. We will be joined by speakers from the British Chamber of Commerce in Rwanda, the British High Commission in Rwanda and the Rwanda Development Board.
• Wednesday 17th June 2026 18:30 – 20:30 BST: Strategy International Summer Reception - Join British Expertise International and the organisations across Strategy International for our annual summer reception. BEI members should register through this page, or otherwise email events@britishexpertise.org.
• Tuesday 7th July 2026 14:00 – 15:00 BST: FCDO Development Director Series: Ukraine - Join us as we host Andrew Ockenden, Development Director in Ukraine for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), who will present FCDO’s development strategy, programming and pipeline of opportunities in Ukraine.
• Wednesday 8th July 2026 09:30 – 11:00 BST: Infrastructure Deep Dive - Republic of Korea - Join us for a virtual Market Opportunity Overview on the Republic of Korea to explore opportunities for UK organisations looking to work in the region. This session will highlight available support for UK private sector delivery partners and offer a platform for discussions of success, challenges and market access barriers.
• Date and Time TBC: Working with the Inter-American Development Bank - Preceding the Inter-American Development Bank's (IDB) visit to the UK in early June, join us for this virtual session exploring the IDB's work as a principle source of financing, technical expertise and knowledge for sustainable and inclusive development. Our panel of speakers from the IDB will share an update on its strategy, alongside information about how it works with suppliers and guidance on navigating its procurement process.

Register for an upcoming event →

External Events and Resources:

• 22nd May 2026: London EdTechX Awards Application - The EdTechX Awards celebrate the companies making a substantial impact on the transformation of education, training and work. Applications are welcome from companies of all sizes and growth stages - from early-stage innovators through to mature, profitable businesses. The Awards present a powerful opportunity to gain recognition in front of an audience of investors as well as potential partners and customers. Applying for the Awards before the deadline unlocks a 50% discount on your Summit ticket. Email Sofia Pennacchietti via sp@britishexpertise.org for details.
• 15th-19th June 2026: London EdTech Week - London EdTech Week (LETW) is a partner-led programme of events focused on education, training and work innovation. Over five days, it provides a platform for innovation, collaboration and networking for 1,500+ global attendees. Whether you’re looking to host a side event, meet potential partners, or stay at the forefront of global EdTech trends, LETW is the place to be. BEI member benefit: 5% discount to list your event in the official London EdTech Week programme. Email Sofia Pennacchietti via sp@britishexpertise.org for details.
• 16th June 2026: London EdTechX Summit - The EdTechX Summit is a highly curated, one-day event that brings together an elite community of 300+ senior decision-makers working in the education and skills industry. Designed as a quality-first, content-rich experience, the Summit fosters informed debate, meaningful insight-sharing and an environment purpose-built for forging high-value strategic connections. BEI member benefits: 25% discount on Summit attendance, 50% discount on Summit attendance if you submit a complete EdTechX Awards application before 22 May 2026, 5% discount on Summit sponsorship package. Email Sofia Pennacchietti via sp@britishexpertise.org for details.
• ‍Cambridge Education Legacy Webinar Series - A special legacy webinar series sharing key lessons from 45 years of supporting education systems worldwide, with a look ahead to the future of the global education sector.
• AI for Social Impact Webcast Series from Accenture - A series of one-hour sessions, open to all organisations in the social impact sector, including non-profits and social enterprises. Each webcast will focus on a key theme within AI, designed to be relevant and applicable to social impact organisations of a variety of sizes, geographies, and current levels of AI proficiency.
• City & Guilds: Essential Digital Skills: Employer Perceptions Survey
• C4C Global Awards - The C4C Global Awards have been created to spotlight and champion real-world solutions driving sustainable transformation across business and the business events industry. The awards recognise pioneering technologies, impactful events and trailblazing leaders who are redefining how the industry is designed, delivered and experienced. C4C is seeking scalable, innovative solutions with the potential to create meaningful and lasting impact across the entire value chain.

News & Articles:

• News: Beyond the deal: How the GCC-UK trade deal opens new era of economic partnership - Arab News
• Press Release: UK Government and industry partners host senior Omani delegation for talks on private‑sector investment partnerships ahead of the UK-GCC FTA announcement
• Article: Blue-Green Infrastructure in Urban Areas: UKCEH Contributions to the Overseas Territories Trade & Investment Dialogue by British Expertise International
• Article: Innovative Solutions to Water Challenges: HR Wallingford's Contributions to the Overseas Territories Trade & Investment Dialogue by British Expertise International
• Article: Ocean Economy Satellite Accounts: Water Research Centre’s (WRc) Contributions to the Overseas Territories Trade & Investment Dialogue by British Expertise International
• Article: Delivering a Better World: AECOM's Contributions to the Overseas Territories Trade & Investment Dialogue by British Expertise International
• Press Release: British Expertise International (BEI) to receive board seat and support secretariat for Infrastructure Exports UK (IE:UK) by British Expertise International
• Showcase: Gender Equity in Action – Building a Fairer Future by British Expertise International and its members
• Article: Integrated Masterplanning: Arup’s Contributions to the Overseas Territories Trade and Investment Dialogue by British Expertise International
• Press Release: BEI and FCDO Co-Convene Trade and Investment Study Visit with a Ministerial Delegation from the Overseas Territories (OT’s) by British Expertise International
• Article: Leading with Science®: Tetra Tech’s Contributions to the Overseas Territories Trade & Investment Dialogue by British Expertise International
• Article: British Expertise International (BEI) hosts a ministerial delegation from the Ministry of Roads and Highways (MoRH), Ghana by British Expertise International
• Article: Middle East High-Risk Insurance by Bellwood Prestbury
• News: John Pelton MBE Joins British Expertise International (BEI) as Senior Adviser by British Expertise International
• News: Strategy International Group’s Advisory Board Member: The Lord Forbes of Newcastle CBE by British Expertise International
• Press Release: Minister Gabriel Oddone travels to the United Kingdom to strengthen economic and financial ties by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Uruguay
• Press Release: British Expertise International – Helping UK Education Service Providers to Forge Global Partnerships by British Expertise International
• Yearly review: Strategy International 2025 Yearbook by Strategy International
• Article: 2025 Christmas Message from British Expertise International
• Report: From Strategy to Delivery: What New Zealand Can Learn from the UK Infrastructure System from Infrastructure New Zealand
• Written evidence: Future of UK aid and development assistance from British Expertise International
• Communique: UK and Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council 2025: communiqué from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
• Article: Infrastructure as Legacy: UK Perspectives on Strategic Delivery and Innovation by Sasha Barnes and Sofia Pennacchietti
• Press Release: Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council Business Engagement Session from British Expertise International
• Article: Why Water is Everyone’s Business: A UK Perspective on Global Water Challenges by Evie Ramsay
• Article: Ukraine’s Recovery – Mobilising Private Sector Engagement by Sasha Barnes
• Article: Global Energy Landscapes: Key Takeaways and Insights by Sofia Pennacchietti
• Press Release: Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, South Africa, Mr Dean Macpherson at British Expertise International (BEI) from British Expertise International
• Article: Shaping the Future of the Higher Education Sector by Evie Ramsay
• Article: With FCDO slashing budgets, where will UK NGOs turn for funding? from DevEx
• Report: Water Resilience - Unlocking local and global benefits through collaboration (Second Edition) by British Expertise International & Water Resilience Working Group
• Report: Systems Strengthening: The UK Education providers’ contribution to the global education systems by British Expertise International & Education Working Group
• Report: Beyond Boundaries: The Role of UK-Based Organisations in Advancing Global Gender Equality and Social Inclusion by British Expertise International and its members delivering GES

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