This year’s PS Festival Concert in Verizon Hall will include an unusual performance of a contemporary work by British composer, Graham Fitkin. Performed only once, in Britain, Fitkin’s Concerto for Recorder and Orchestra became one of three celebrated orchestral works to be nominated last year for the BBC’s British Composer Awards 2018. Click through the […]
Past
BABC Past Events
British Government’s US Regional Envoy Visits Philadelphia
On Tuesday, April 16, 2019 Mark Garnier MP, the US regional Envoy for the Department for International Trade London, visited Philadelphia with Alexandra Hall Hall, Brexit Counsellor from the British Embassy in Washington, D.C. The BABCPHL had the honor of welcoming Mr. Garnier and Ms. Hall Hall for a VIP luncheon discussion about Brexit at The Palm restaurant in Philadelphia. The visit was perfectly timed as the world watches the UK’s momentous decision evolve.
Appointed by the Prime Minister, Mr. Garnier is the British Government’s US Regional Envoy. He is focused on promoting UK/US trade and investment ties across the US, through engagement with local governments, relevant trade bodies, Congressional representatives in their districts, investors and regional media. Mr. Garnier is supported by the UK’s US network, and plays a key role in helping open markets, unlocking barriers, and promoting deeper trade and investment links. Previously, Mr. Garnier was Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for International Trade from July 17, 2016 to January 9, 2018. He was elected as the Conservative MP for Wyre Forest in May 2010. Before coming to Parliament, Mr. Garnier spent 27 years as an investment banker and investment manager. During this time, he spent 15 years specializing in the emerging markets of South East Asia.
Welcome Lunch for Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the United States
On Monday, May 20, 2019, the British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia welcomed His Excellency Sir Kim Darroch KCMG, British Ambassador to the United States, to Philadelphia. Ambassador Darroch’s diplomatic career spans three decades, and has been primarily focused on national security issues and European Union policy. From 2004 to 2007, he was EU Advisor to the Prime Minister. Ambassador Darroch served in Brussels as the UK Permanent Representative to the European Union from 2007 to 2011. From January 2012 to September 2015 he served as the Prime Minister’s National Security Advisor, and was Secretary of the National Security Council. Sir Kim was appointed British Ambassador to the United States in January 2016, and this was his first official visit with the Greater Philadelphia international business community.
A Musical Adventure with the British American Business Council and the Philadelphia Orchestra Recap
On Thursday, February 28, 2019, the BABCPHL partnered with the Philadelphia Orchestra for a magnificent concert held at Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center. Nearly 50 BABCPHL members and friends gathered for a special behind the scenes tour; meet and greet with musicians; and reserved seats for the concert, featuring special guest, British performer, Benjamin Grosvenor.
Welsh Minister Visits Philadelphia
On Thursday, March 1, 2019 the BABCPHL welcomed the Welsh Government Minister for International Relations and the Welsh Language, Eluned Morgan, Baroness Morgan of Ely, Labour Assembly Member in the National Assembly of Wales to Philadelphia for an official visit and exclusive, by invitation only VIP lunch hosted by Drinker, Biddle & Reath LLP. The Minister’s day in Philadelphia began with private sector company meetings and a visit with Mayor Kenney and the Commerce Department. Mayor Kenney and Minister Morgan share similar political views on several hot button topics. The Minister led an open forum discussion with the BABCPHL about pressing global matters during the last stop on her itinerary in Philadelphia.
The Death of LIBOR Not SOFR Away… Are You Ready? Secured Overnight Financing Rate: The New Benchmark – Expectations & Implications
On Thursday, May 16, 2019, the BABCPHL hosted a finance seminar about The Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) at the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia. In 2021, the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), the world’s most important financial rate, will go away, but it is unclear what will replace the index used in virtually every significant credit arrangement, bond, swap and financial instrument. The volume of financial contracts based on LIBOR is estimated at $200 trillion. The change will affect every company and financial institution. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York has proposed that SOFR become the new lending resource rate. It is the rate banks will pay on the repurchase agreement market for borrowing overnight. US regulators anticipate SOFR will be widely adopted to back the derivatives and loans market, and to be the universally accepted replacement for the outgoing LIBOR.
Need for Speed – Around the World in 90 Minutes
On Thursday, April 25, 2019, the BABCPHL Young Professionals Group (YPG) hosted the eighth annual panel discussion and networking event: Need for Speed – Around the World in 90 Minutes. The BABCPHL in collaboration with the Chilean, French and Irish Chambers of Commerce offered an exciting evening of speed networking with global professionals at Philadelphia’s premier whiskey and go go bar – the Trestle Inn. Industry experts led a brief discussion about the importance of networking; how to pitch yourself and your business; and how to deliver the perfect elevator speech. Following introductory remarks, attendees rotated in small groups so each person had the opportunity to interact with as many attendees as possible. Guests brought plenty of business cards to exchange with executives representing various industry sectors with operations throughout the world. Volume and energy were running full throttle; questions between participants were flying across the tables in both the front and back rooms of the Trestle Inn for 90 minutes. More than 60 people played the game, rotating every eight minutes to meet additional contenders.
Jay Jumper, Partner at Pepper Hamilton and BABCPHL Programs & Events Chairman welcomed guests and introduced the topic and speakers. Jay explained this is one of our signature events. “Each year we choose a different topic to present – today we will be speaking about professional networking, the action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts is one of the most important components of professional success.” The art of active listening and the ability to promote oneself are very important components for self-advancement and achievement. After a brief intro about the topic, Jay turned the microphone over to our three panelists.
2018 Signature Annual Holiday Luncheon – PHL International: Regional Economic Engine Connecting Philadelphia to the World
On Thursday, December 6, 2018, the BABCPHL hosted our Signature Annual Holiday Luncheon in the Grand Ballroom at the Ritz-Carlton. Throughout the year we are proud to offer the international business community opportunities to gather with likeminded individuals to create valuable relationships, and to learn more about links with the UK. Nearly 200 global executives and leading UK and regional government officials participated in this event. The room was buzzing with networking and merriment. This year’s program featured Harold Epps, Director of Commerce for the City of Philadelphia, and Chellie Cameron, Chief Executive Officer of Philadelphia International Airport.
GlobalConnect
On Thursday, January 31, 2019, the British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia partnered with the Chilean, French, German, Irish, Israeli, Japanese, Norwegian, and Russian Chambers of Commerce as well as the Delaware Division of Small Business, the Delaware Prosperity Partnership, the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, and the World Trade Center Delaware, for a tristate area networking event. More than 150 global business professionals and government leaders participated. Internationally minded executives with operations in Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania mingled and exchanged ideas in the striking, bright, open, main lobby of Hercules Plaza. Business cards were exchanged and global connections were made throughout the two hour program.
Brits, Beer & Bites Meetup
On Thursday, November 8, 2018, the British American Business Council hosted a membership development and Young Professionals Group (YPG) happy hour at the Pyramid Club. Approximately 75 people gathered for a great evening of networking. The views of the Philadelphia skyline were outstanding, and the British-inspired food and drink were delicious. Michael Pedrick, BABCPHL President, welcomed guests and spoke briefly about the BABCPHL mission and history. He thanked all attendees and recognized sponsors: The Bartlett Group and Lord Abbett. Bartlett is a third generation family-owned boutique international insurance broker. The Company is a 75 year old UK-based business with US headquarters in Philadelphia. They recently celebrated their 25th anniversary in Philadelphia, and are one of the founding members of the BABCPHL. Bartlett is a Club Level member with a seat on our Board of Directors. Lord Abbett is a private investment management company offering a variety of fixed−income and equity strategies to individual and institutional investors. We were introduced to Lord Abbett by Jason Walker – one of our Young Professional Group Co-Leaders.
