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| This is a particularly significant year for BritishAmerican Business Inc (BABi). In September 2005, we will celebrate the fifth anniversary of the creation of BABi following the merger of the American Chamber of Commerce (UK) and The British American Chamber of Commerce of New York and London. Since its inception, the organisation has evolved to the point where it now has over 700 member companies in the UK and US, and truly stands at the heart of transatlantic business. In 2004, there were a number of significant developments for BABi. Notable was the creation of the BritishAmerican Policy Group. Led out of London and with teams in London and Washington, this initiative allows BABi to speak in a timely and authoritative manner on policy issues that can benefit us all in our common goal of developing UK/US trade. Indeed, the transatlantic business relationship that we represent is now stronger and more valuable than ever. In fact, in 2003 alone, the UK exported over £50.9bn worth of goods and services to the US and imports from the US amounted to £36.3bn. Today, more than one million people in the US are employed by UK-headquartered companies, and the European Union-US trade relationship means six million European jobs and about seven million American jobs. The UK is the gateway to those looking to invest in Europe so, naturally, BABi’s reach is much wider than just London or New York. With our association with the British-American Business Council (BABC) and the European Council of American Chambers of Commerce (ECACC), we have a business network that extends to more than 60 cities right across North America and Europe. (More information can be found on the BABC on page 133.) By offering a broad range of products and services, BABi provides real help and support to American and British organisations of all sizes as they seek to grow and develop transatlantic business. The BritishAmerican handbook is just one of those products and its purpose is to help those US organisations looking for investment opportunities in the UK. This 2005 edition is packed full of information and practical advice, and includes introductory articles from Douglas Alexander, UK Minister of State for Trade, Investment and Foreign Affairs; David Johnson, Chargé d’Affaires, US Embassy in London; Sir Stephen Brown, Chief Executive of UK Trade & Investment; Sir Philip Thomas, KCVO CMG, British Consul-General New York and Director General of UK Trade & Investment USA; and Wilf Stevenson, Director, The Smith Institute. This handbook is, of course, also useful for those companies involved in setting up operations in the UK, as it includes details of the various professional bodies, agencies, governmental departments and individual companies that will guide you through the issues of starting a business in this country. An excellent reference section can also be found at the back. I am sure you will find the BABi handbook to be a valuable reference tool. If you would like further information on any
of BABi’s publications, please contact: |