Dear Members and Friends,
There is a different feeling to this new phase of national lockdown, perhaps reflecting in part the renewed sense of cautious optimism many are feeling as we approach the end of 2020, and particularly fitting ahead of Diwali.
BEI events this week have focussed on Singapore-UK legal links and prospects, with speakers from BEI members The Law Society of England & Wales, and BCLP. We also hosted a fascinating ‘deep dive’ into the pipeline of opportunities for UK exporters in Nigeria with colleagues from the British High Commission and UKEF in Abuja and Lagos. Finally; we examined the impact of Covid-19 on social development, exclusion and gender inequality amongst less developed countries with speakers from FCDO, Mott MacDonald, Cardno Emerging Markets and Social Development Direct. A reminder that recordings and presentations from these events and others are now available on our website for members to use for business development and this is proving an increasingly valuable source of leads and information on opportunities and issues in key markets globally. Accessing the information requires a short and simple sign-up process, on which we’ll be providing a short video to help next week. Do check for updates!
Separately BEI participated in the latest formal board meeting of Infrastructure Exports: UK — the DIT-Industry initiative to drive more UK content into large global infrastructure projects, as well as the plenary of the new revitalised UK-UAE Business Council led by Lord Lister. News from these events will be shared among our own members’ Infrastructure Exports Working Group shortly, so do sign up to participate if you haven’t already. I have also written for Infrastructure Intelligence about the recent UK-Peru G2G infrastructure deal — what it is, how it came about and where next. As many members know, we have paid close interest in this important initiative and will continue to do so to encourage even greater opportunities for our members and the UK supply chain in the future.
Finally; I would like to welcome the latest addition to the British Expertise team, Sharon Lupton who has started this week as the new FCDO funded Programme Manager of our Safeguarding Leads Network — a group of suppliers delivering aid programmes on behalf of the UK government. Sharon will be supporting the network to implement private sector commitments on safeguarding, and brings invaluable experience as many members will know from her time at Cardno, Coffey, and in a truly diverse range of other roles. Sharon has already hit the ground running and brings a welcome range of skills to our team and wider membership and networks. More news on this shortly!
Our membership continues to grow, and we are pleased to welcome new members — Gleeds, Space Syntax, Alinea, and Triple Line Consulting. During these challenging times this is a real testament to the value UK companies increasingly recognise in British Expertise International membership, and particularly the growing role we are playing in identifying global opportunities and partnerships with government and others in pursuit of new export opportunities. Thank you to all our members, whose deepening collaboration and teamwork continues to bolster UK success.
Next week…
On 18th November, join us for what will be a fascinating event exploring Green Financing in the post-Covid Era. How can finance make the most of the Covid-19 recovery, whilst maintaining the goal of sustainability, and where are the emerging areas borne from the green agenda?
Future Events Highlights…
On 27th November, we are co-hosting an event with our media partner Infrastructure Intelligence looking at the key trends, developments and the prospects for UK firms looking to work overseas. Join BEI CEO Tom Cargill and a panel of industry experts to understand the fast changing global Infrastructure landscape in a Post-Brexit, Post-Covid era working towards Zero Carbon.
On 9th December, we’re hosting the Independent Commission for Aid Impact for an event on their latest review on UK Aid & Tackling Modern Slavery. Join us and ICAI to discuss the findings of the review, the role of the aid sector, and what’s next.
Remember to join our LinkedIn Group!
We are more active than ever on the BEI LinkedIn Group, where we share insights, highlight upcoming events and showcase our members’ latest news and thought leadership. Join the group here.
With Best Wishes
Tom
Tom Cargill
Chief Executive Officer
British Expertise International
