BRITISH BUSINESS FORUM
BBF Sector Groups Defined
T
he British Business Forum of Kuwait currently has a range of sector groups, open to anyone who has an interest in the respective business sectors. Each sector group has a convener who is a point of contact for the group and who arranges periodic meetings throughout the year, normally at least once a quarter. The sector groups are usually the first point of contact for British firms looking for assistance in entering or doing business in Kuwait, and provide a useful forum for exchanging ideas for members with similar interests. The sector groups are seen as a key function of the BBF. If you are interested in joining any of the sector groups, or starting a new group, please contact either the sector group coordinator Donald Teale at donald.teale@bbfkuwait.com, or the respective sector group convener.
Aviation, Travel & Hospitality The Aviation, Travel & Hospitality group is the most active sector group within the BBF with regular quarterly meetings. The ethos of the group is to mix business with pleasure in a nice environment. This has been achieved by meeting in some of the most prestigious hospitality establishments in Kuwait. The format typically includes a presentation from a member of the industry followed by an informal networking session over dinner. Previous presentations have been delivered by representatives from airlines, hotels, and travel companies, and even a concert exclusively for the group by internationally renowned violinist, Michal Cwizewicz. If you are interested in joining this group or wish to attend the next meeting, please contact the sector group convener Hanna Jerczynska at hanna.jerczynska@bbfkuwait.com
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Banking and Finance The Banking and Finance Sector Group is open to any members of the financial industry sector including banking, insurance, investment companies, and related services. The group is a forum for exchanging ideas and latest industry and market information, assisting both companies entering the Kuwait market and Kuwait companies wishing to do business in the UK. The financial industry sector in Kuwait is one of the largest in the region and a major contributor the Kuwait GDP after the oil and gas industry. If you are interested in joining this group or wish to attend the next meeting, please contact the sector group convener Geoff Webster at geoff.webster@jw-vca. com
Construction and Consultancy The Construction and Consultant Sector Group is one of the original groups within the BBF, lead by Jeff de Lange, who recently hosted HRH Prince Andrew on his trade mission to Kuwait. Construction is a key pillar of the Kuwait Five Year Development Plan generating large scale opportunities for British industry. British companies are already successfully involved in projects such as the new Kuwait Metro System, the new terminal at Kuwait Airport, and numerous other major infrastructure projects included in the Kuwaiti Five Year Development Plan. The sector group meets roughly once a quarter and meetings are usually arranged around site visits to innovative and
DISPATCHES A
utumn 2011