BEI Weekly Update - 29th May 2026

Dear Members and Friends,

At present the news, domestic and foreign, reads increasingly like a badly written novel: you just want to skip through to the end of the chapter as quickly as possible and find out what happens.  So it’s refreshing to have some good news in the shape of the UK/GCC Free Trade Agreement signed a few days ago.  Like the UK-India deal we have recently been promoting, this agreement promises exciting opportunities for BEI members in a fast-growing region with an appetite for the high-quality UK technical, design, education, and project delivery services it can offer. Over the past few months, we have welcomed Ministers and senior officials from a number of countries across several continents to discuss their ambitions and to explore how British expertise can help realise them. We look forward to welcoming more, as well as to supporting members in making the most of the FTAs as they come into force.

You can read more about our recent roundtable with an Omani delegation, which highlights the role of the FTA in shaping future opportunities, here. I also contributed to this Arab News article exploring how the deal will impact our members and the wider British professional services sector.As we continue to focus on the wider Middle East region, I look forward to hosting a small gathering with the Minister of Investment of Jordan next week as part of our growing collaboration with the Embassy of Jordan. We will report back with our conclusions on the opportunities for UK companies.

This week at BEI, we have been preparing for what will be a busy June. Please ‘save the date’ for our annual “Meet the Ambassador” series (26 June-3 July), when we engage with UK Heads of Mission in London for FCDO Leadership Week. The sessions will run from Friday 26 June to Friday 3 July. Details to follow soon.

Next week we will be hosting two webinars. On Tuesday 2 June from 10:30-11:30 BST, the next in our series of discussions with FCDO Development Directors will feature Ethiopia.  Amanda McLoughlin will present FCDO’s development strategy, programming and pipeline of opportunities in the country. Following last week’s Global Partnerships Conference, this will be a timely opportunity to discuss the implementation of the FCDO’s new development approach in a key geography. If you are interested in joining this session, please click this link for more information and to register.

‍Also next week we will have the first in a series of health-related events. This session will provide valuable insights into the mechanisms that help create equitable and inclusive health systems. It will highlight gender and disability inclusion and include a deep dive into Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) programming within international development. We have an expert panel of speakers from Sightsavers, MSI Reproductive Choices and IOD PARC. If you are a BEI member and interested in joining, please register via our website. We have a few spaces available for non-members: if you are interested in joining, please email Sofia Pennacchietti, Communications and Programmes via sp@britishexpertise.org or our general events inbox via events@britishexpertise.org.

Our website now has more details of the exchanges during the Overseas Territories (OT) delegation visit in March, covering their time at Edmonton EcoPark with London Energy and WSP – an impressive waste-to-energy site.  Do take a look.

Finally, the next cohort of the Future Leaders Group (FLG) will come together in September. If you would like to know more about how FLG could support your talent development, or if you have high-potential candidates who might be suitable for the next programme, you can find more information on the FLG website or LinkedIn page. Please get in touch with Olivier Beroud, FLG Programme Director, at olivier@futureleadersgroup.uk if you would like to book a call to find out more.  As we all like to make decisions based on evidence, I share this testimonial from Björn Christianson, Director of Business Development at BEI member, UCL Consultants:

‍“The FLG experience provided a masterclass in effective collaboration at the leadership level. My cohort was packed with a passionate, ambitious group of learners, all facing their own diverse challenges with distinct styles and approaches.  The experienced, pragmatic practitioners didn’t just teach us the content of the modules but guided us through the ways a leadership team would work together to apply the concepts to our working realities.”‍

Enjoy the rest of the summery weather,

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.
• Thursday 4th June 2026 09:30 – 11:30 BST: Roundtable with the Minister of Investment, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan - We are pleased to welcome H.E Minister of Investment of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Tareq Abughazaleh for a private roundtable discussion with British Expertise International and D Group members. This roundtable is taking place in collaboration with the Strategic Advisory Group and it will facilitate a high level discussion around the UK-Jordan partnership and areas of opportunity.
• 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 BEI on 10th June for a Market Opportunity Overview of Rwanda. As one of Africa’s fastest‑reforming economies, Rwanda continues to position itself as a hub for innovation and investment. Against this backdrop, there is a compelling landscape of opportunities for UK organisations to work in Rwanda across a wide range of sectors.
• 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.
• Thursday 18 June 2026 14:00 – 17:00 BST: Africa – UK EdTech Partnerships: Pathways for Youth Skills and Employment - Join us for a panel event during London EdTech Week exploring the opportunities for Africa-UK EdTech partnerships to enable new pathways for youth skills and employment. This event, in partnership with the Africa EdTech Exchange (AEE), aims to foster collaboration between Africa and UK in the EdTech space.
• Tuesday 23rd June 2026 09:30 – 12:00 BST: International Education Strategy (IES) Briefing - We are delighted to be joined by representatives from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) the Department for Education (DfE) and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for an in-person discussion about the newly published International Education Strategy.
• Friday 26th June - Friday 3rd July 2026: Meet the Ambassador Series -  Save the date for British Expertise International's annual "Meet the Ambassador" Series, which will see sessions taking place between the dates of Friday 26th June to Friday 3rd July. Our “Meet the Ambassador” series is an important part of our collaboration with HMG, and allows BEI members the opportunity to hear direct from UK Heads of Mission on the political and economic context affecting British companies and organisations working in country, as well as on where the best opportunities for “British expertise” can be found.
• 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:

• 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:

• Article: North London Heat and Power Project: WSP – EcoPark Contributions to the Overseas Territories Trade & Investment Dialogue - British Expertise International
• 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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