On Thursday, March 3, 2016, the British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia hosted the Fifth Annual New Jersey Networking event and dinner at The British Chip Shop in Haddonfield, New Jersey. This signature regional event has gained momentum. BABC members and friends took over the entire restaurant for a fun-filled pub night. Chip Shop proprietors offered attendees a superb selection of specialty beers and a wonderful meal including delicious appetizers and a truly indulgent dessert including: sausage rolls, Welsh rarebit, devils on horseback, fish & chips, bangers & mash, tikka masala, vegetable curry, and sticky toffee pudding. To complete the meal homemade British biscuits and English brewed tea sent everyone home stuffed to the gills. Adding to the enjoyment of the evening, Philadelphia Union presented each attendee with two complimentary tickets to the season opener on March 20th – New England Revolution vs. Philadelphia Union – in addition to raffling off a few branded items.
Rhett Workman, BABC President, welcomed guests and provided a brief introduction about the organization. Rhett discussed the important relationship the State of New Jersey has with the United Kingdom. According to 2014 data, the UK is the largest market in the EU and 3rd largest in the world for NJ exports; 5.9% of NJ exports go to the UK. Top exports from NJ to the UK include: waste and scrap $720 million; chemicals $340 million; printed matter $168 million; and transportation equipment $170 million. The UK is the 5th largest source of imports into NJ; 5.2% of NJ imports come from the UK. Top exports from NJ to the EU include: chemicals $2.1.billion; petroleum and coal products $1.6 billion; computer and electronics $1.1 billion; and waste and scrap $831 million.
Rhett explained while this program is more social in nature, throughout the tristate area the BABC offers approximately one event per month, including educational seminars and business roundtable discussions with leading industry experts and government officials. We are proud to offer policy and thought leadership information about current events affecting the trade relationship via our Parent Organization based in London, and to provide members with several electronic and hard copy regional publications throughout the year. Through face-to-face meetings and publications the BABC helps members create valuable business connections and increase their bottom line. Members have exclusive opportunities to develop business with more than 20 Chapters and 2,000 other BABC member companies, based in major business centers throughout North America and the United Kingdom. BABC constituents include many of the world’s largest multinationals as well as thousands of middle-market and privately held entities. Rhett appealed to non-members, suggesting they speak with Jane Rosenberg, BABC Executive Director; Howard Silverstone, Dennis DiMarco, Patrick Riley or himself about joining.
Before introducing event sponsors, Rhett thanked British Chip Shop owner, Gary Coleman for his continued support and interest in working with the BABC to not only host our annual NJ program, but for donating gift bags for our holiday lunch, as well as a raffle prize donation for the Victoria Freehouse in Philadelphia. Rhett added how this event would not be possible without the support of our lead sponsor UK US Tax and supporting sponsor Forensic Resolutions.
UK US Tax is a BABC Corporate Member with offices in Pitman, NJ and London. The Firm specializes in international US tax advice, compliance services, and structuring. Leon Dutkiewicz, Partner, UK US Tax spoke briefly on behalf of the Firm, discussing the Firm’s global work and upcoming move into Center City Philadelphia. Leon is a certified public accountant specializing in all aspects of international business and tax planning for businesses with operations in multiple countries and US citizens who reside abroad. His extensive international experience with manufacturers, professional services firms and real estate businesses includes structuring global acquisitions/divestitures, analyzing income tax treaty benefits, assisting with transfer pricing documentation and managing multi-state tax issues and compliance services. Leon also provides personal tax planning and compliance services for the owners and employees of international entities. With more than 20 years of experience, Leon is frequently called upon to speak for professional organizations and has authored articles on various tax-related topics.
Forensic Resolutions is a forensic and investigative accounting firm, providing solutions to complex business problems and insurance claims. The Firm has extensive experience in the fields of economic damages, fraud investigations, and claims assessment, among other areas of service. Howard Silverstone, Founding Partner of the Firm has served on the BABC Board of Directors for more than two decades and was the immediate past President. Howard recently turned the President role over to Rhett at the start of the new calendar year. Rhett explained he has big shoes to fill as Howard not only did a marvelous job leading the BABC into our 25th anniversary year, but his British wit and wisdom always kept members on their toes. Rhett suggested Howard perform during one of the Victoria Freehouse British comedy nights.
Following sponsor remarks winning business cards were drawn for Philadelphia Union branded scarves and a pennant. Finally the intimate group was invited to sit and enjoy dinner. Guests remained long into the evening, continuing to mingle and enjoy the atmosphere. Business cards were exchanged and new connections were made. The BABC encourages those who were unable to attend the program to take the quick trip to New Jersey to check-out the British Chip Shop.
We extend very special thanks to lead event sponsor, UK US Tax; supporting sponsor, Forensic Resolutions; and door prize and raffle gift sponsor, Philadelphia Union.
Click here to view photos from the event.
