Oct 23, 2026

BEI Weekly Update - 23rd October 2026

by

David Landsman

by

Dear Members and Friends,

Those like me who’ve spent much of their careers working in large organisations, often disparagingly called “bureaucracies”, may find it surprising how opaque they often appear to outsiders. This may be a particular challenge for SMEs, but even those who themselves work in big corporates can find the processes, language and frequent changes of structure impenetrable. It can still be a problem when the organisation is doing its best to be open and collaborative. That’s why some of our most important events are those with Government, development banks and other institutions which help demystify how they operate and how to do business with them. This week, we’ve organised or supported engagements with IDB, AIIB and the FCDO Commercial Directorate. In each case, we’re most grateful to all our partners for taking the time to work with us; it’s really appreciated. Watch this space for more similar events in the coming weeks

Our programme however ranges more widely still. Just yesterday (Thursday), we were delighted to have the opportunity to welcome a delegation from Oman, in London as part of the Omani Sultan’s State Visit for a meeting with British businesses. The discussion explored how collaboration on supply chain continuity, maritime security and risk can strengthen bilateral relations and regional stability in the Middle East. Many thanks to our partners at the Oman-British Society as well as to FCDO and the British Embassy in Muscat for their support. You can read more about the discussions here.

It’s good to see members supporting strongly our work with MDBs. On Tuesday we were pleased to be a part of a successful Inter-American Development Bank Roadshow, which focused on the role of IDB Invest in creating opportunities for UK organisations to work in Latin America and the Caribbean, in particular in energy, infrastructure, critical minerals and the digital economy. Our focus on Wednesday was Asia with a webinar with the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) on private sector business opportunities, which like our earlier event on public sector opportunities was well attended.

It’s always a pleasure to be joined by our friends “from across the Park” at FCDO (not to mention Scotland too...). This week, our International Development Heads of Business Group met in person with Gareth Nugent, Chief Commercial Officer and Nicola McDonald, Deputy Commercial Director (Programmes) for a very productive discussion about the next phase of FCDO’s international development work in the light of the “four shifts”, the Department’s own transformation programme as well as the Government-wide reforms to public procurement. With a smaller overall programme, there’s much that BEI members can do to ensure that the UK’s international development budget is spent as effectively as possible to deliver development impacts and an open collaborative relationship between FCDO and the sector is vital to making it work. We’re grateful to Gareth and Nicola and look forward to seeing them again soon.

While some of our members doubtless take a half-term break next week, we resume our programme in a few days with a Skills Working Group on the Green Transition on Tuesday 3 November from 09:00-12:00. This session will bring together members from BEI and The D Group to explore the international mobility of skilled workers necessary for the green transition. Guest speaker will be Helen Dempster, Co-Director, Migration and Displacement and Policy Fellow at the Center for Global Development. If you are interested in joining, please click here to register.

On Wednesday 4 November from 14:00-16:30, we will host an incoming delegation of Women in Business from Pakistan across a range of sectors for a discussion on workforce skills. Access to skills programmes, through the State, businesses or institutions, is central to opportunities for women and girls as well as for sustainable business growth. This session will explore how skills and workforce development drive women’s economic empowerment in Pakistan and the UK. You can register here.

On Thursday 5 November from 09:00-10:00, we will host a Market Opportunity Overview focusing on Thailand. This webinar will provide insights from the UK Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade in Thailand, the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand and the Thailand Board of Investment. Registration is here.

Also in South-East Asia, BEI member Pearson will next week be in Kuala Lumpur together with AWS presenting from their recent report on AI Readiness in the country. The report is here and details of the event here.

Whether you are recharging for next week or preparing for a break, best wishes for an enjoyable (and storm-free) weekend,

With best wishes for the weekend,

David Landsman

Executive Chair

British Expertise International

Upcoming BEI Events:

Tuesday 3rd November 2026 09:00 – 12:00 GMT: Skills Working Group: The Green Transition - Join us for our next in-person Skills Working Group meeting, which will explore the international mobility of skilled tradespeople relevant to the green transition. This meeting will bring together members of BEI and the D Group with guest speaker Helen Dempster, Co-Director, Migration and Displacement and Policy Fellow, Center for Global Development.
Wednesday 4th November 2026 14:00 – 16:00 GMT: UK - Pakistan Perspectives on Skills and Workforce Development - We will be hosting an incoming delegation from Pakistan for a conversation around workforce development and managing talent pipelines in key industries. This event will be for members in the Skills and Education sectors. More details to come soon.
Thursday 5th November 2026 09:00 – 10:00 GMT: Market Opportunity Overview: Thailand - Join us for a virtual Market Opportunity Overview exploring business and investment opportunities in Thailand with the UK Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade in Thailand, the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand and the Thailand Board of Investment.
Thursday 26th November 2026 12:30 – 14:30 GMT: Business Opportunities in the Overseas Territories: A Discussion with OT Leaders - Join us for a business engagement event and networking lunch with a visiting delegation of leaders from the Overseas Territories (OTs), as we explore economic diversification across the OTs and the opportunities this presents for UK businesses. Please note that this event will take place at Lancaster House, Stable Yard, St James’s, London SW1A 1BB.

Event recordings and resources

Event recordings - BEI member access only

External Events & Resources:

11th - 13th November 2026: Africa PPP Summit in Nairobi, Kenya: the 16th Africa PPP Summit is co-convened by Kenya PPP Directorate and supported by the State Department for Public Investment & Asset management, National Treasury, Kenya. This years theme is "Building Africa’s Prosperity: Transformative Infrastructure, Investment and Partnerships to Accelerate Economic Development”. BEI members have an exclusive 10% discount. Please email Sofia Pennacchietti via sp@britishexperitse.org for more information.
17th - 19th November 2026: Ed Tech Pavilion at Africa Tech Festival in Cape Town, South Africa - A curated exhibition floor inside Africa's largest tech event - 13,500+ decision-makers, 650+ policymakers, 250 investors. Stands, pitch slots, and pre-qualified buyer meetings for education and skills companies entering African markets. Packages close early September. Contact: ernest@edtechexchange.africa or Complete the expression of interest form.
19th November 2026: Jordan–European Union Investment Conference at the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre, Dead Sea, Jordan - The conference will bring together senior government representatives, investors and business leaders to explore investment opportunities in Jordan and strengthen cooperation across a number of key sectors.
6th - 8th April 2027: Innovation Africa 2027 in Harare, Zimbabwe: Innovation Africa 2027 is a Ministerial summit for Education, Skills and ICT Innovation which connects Africa's leaders with global technology partners. BEI members interested in joining can view partnership and participation options at this link: Innovation Africa Participation Options.