18 hours ago15 min read

2024 - Thank you!

Thank you for being part of our journey in 2024! Below is a snapshot of what this incredible year has meant for us and our members.

We’re excited about what’s ahead and look forward to connecting with you again soon to create an even more remarkable 2025, filled with thriving UK-Canada business collaborations!

Index

Trade and Investment Factsheets UK-Canada
Special Advice: Expanding Your Business into Canada
UK/Canada AI Inward Mission - 2024
Host Cities Mission to Canada March 2024
First European Networking Event of 2024
BCCTC in Niagara Economic Development | Niagara Canada
Expanding Your Business into Canada
Celebration of International Women’s Day
6th European Chambers Networking Event
BCCTC Welcomes New Sponsor Member: Trajectory
BCCTC Members featured with EUCCAN
BCCTC Welcomes New Sponsor Member: Thinc
Trade update: Are critical minerals getting more critical?
May Newsletter: BCCTC in Niagara, Industry news and more!
Government of Ontario: Innovation Road Trip
Multi-British Chamber Statement in Response to the UK's Ratification of CPTPP
Trade and Investment Factsheets UK-Canada, DBT
Canada-United Kingdom Colloquium
June Newsletter: Industry news, welcome new members, upcoming events and more!
European Chambers Meetup June 2024
"Leveraging the CPTPP: Opportunities for UK and Canadian Businesses" with Al Parsai, CEO of Parsai Immigration Services.
UK Election: What's happened
Overview of 2024 UK Election Brief by BABA US-U.K. Trade Policy Roundtable
August Newsletter: Bank of England’s interest rate cut + Industry news + more
MOU between the City of Brampton and the UK charity Lord's Taverners.
September Newsletter
International Summer Cocktail
Exploring Ontario's MedTech Ecosystem
European Chambers Meetup September 2024
October Newsletter
Tech Canada Advocates launch Advanced Manufacturing Working Group
European Chambers Meetup November 2024
A Very British Christmas with members and friends of the BCCTC

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Trade and Investment Factsheets UK-Canada

Periodically, we presented to our members with Trade and Investment Factsheets UK-Canada, generated by UK’s Department for Business and Trade.

These factsheets present the latest statistics on trade and investment between the UK and Canada. It summarises a wide range of publicly available data, from data providers such as the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), as well as international data providers.

This factsheet is part of a wider range produced by the Department for Business and Trade which draws together many data sources into one single compendium document for each individual trade and investment partner. The full set of factsheets for different individual partners can be found on the Trade and Investment Factsheets website on GOV.UK. Click here for the full report.

Special Advice: Expanding Your Business into Canada

BCCTC Corporate Members Fiona Brown from Aird & Berlis provided updates and Q&A excerpts about expanding into Canada.

If you’re looking for a more in-depth overview to establishing and operating a business in Canada, we’re delighted to present the Aird & Berlis guide to expanding into Canada. This guide sets out an overview of Canada’s legal landscape, incorporation considerations, how to reduce exposure to liability, Canadianizing your agreements, drafting effective intercompany agreements for transfer pricing and understanding Canadian regulations.

You may contact: Fiona Brown | Partner | Aird & Berlis LLP fbrown@airdberlis.com

UK/Canada AI Inward Mission - 2024

The UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT) invites interested Canadian Technology companies to register their interest to join the upcoming UK/Canada AI inward mission to the UK, scheduled for March 3-8, 2024.

The week-long, in-market emerging technologies investment mission is focused on Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and Deep learning. It offers an opportunity for selected Canadian technology companies, to meet key contacts, explore UK technology ecosystem and learn about the support and opportunities within the UK market. The mission involves visits to AI hubs throughout London, Scotland and Cambridge.

Host Cities Mission to Canada March 2024

Call for expressions of interest from UK suppliers providing thought leadership experience and innovative solutions across the #SportsEconomy sector to participate in a delegation visit to Canada (Toronto, Ontario and Vancouver, British Columbia) 4-8 March 2024. Themes of this mission will include: Attracting sports and major events: Lessons learned; supporting future success; and legacy planning to deliver city priorities and Fostering local sports initiatives: Building momentum through community/city level ecosystems

First European Networking Event of 2024

We joined one more time 6 European Chambers of Commerce in Toronto for the bi-monthly European Networking Event, this time it was hosted by the Swiss Canadian Chamber of Commerce (Ontario), on January 25th in Toronto - a total success of business networking, drinks and delicious food.

This event was possible with the collaboration of Ireland Canada Chamber of Commerce Toronto, The British Canadian Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Swiss Canadian Chamber of Commerce (Ontario), Canada Finland Chamber of Commerce, Belgian Canadian Business Chamber, and Holland House Canada enthusiastic member and friends - thanks for turning this evening in yet another fun and fruitful network event.

Special thanks to Linda Mountford, owner of Truefitt & Hill North America, for donating the fantastic Truefitt & Hill Ultimate Gift Set that was won by a happy attendee; and to Christophe Shammas and Adwet Sharma, Directors of the BCCTC for waving the flag that day.

BCCTC in Niagara Economic Development | Niagara Canada

We have the pleasure to present BCCTC Corporate Member - Niagara Economic Development. Discover the unique strengths of the Niagara Region for economic development. Our community boasts numerous competitive advantages, and our extensive network is dedicated to fostering business success, distinguishing our region. Despite its rapid growth, Niagara maintains a welcoming small-town atmosphere. With a wealth of trade experts, networking organizations, research hubs, and business incubators, Niagara stands ready to champion your business growth. Explore how Niagara Economic Development can take a forefront position in propelling your business to success.

Connect with Niagara Economic Development on Social Media:

LinkedIn: Niagara Canada – Economic Development

Twitter/X: @NiagaraEconomic

Facebook: Niagara Economic Development

Celebration of International Women’s Day

It’s never too early to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. As in previous years, BCCTC kick-started the week’s celebrations with a joint event with the UK Consulate in Toronto, "Women of Influence Afternoon Tea" on Tuesday March 5th. This year we were overjoyed to be celebrating IWD at the official Residence of the UK Consul General, Fouzia Younis MBE.

As the first Muslim woman to hold a diplomatic post at this level within the UK Government, Fouzia epitomizes the objective of this Day: accelerating women's equality.

The theme for International Women’s Day 2024 is #InspireInclusion and this was a key element of the Consul General’s speech to those assembled at her Residence. Ms Younis encouraged us all to actively work with each other to Inspire Inclusion, to improve the culture in the workplace, to make it more supportive of women throughout their lives.

We are extremely grateful to all those who attended the event and committed to making a difference including The St. George's Society Toronto, and The Honourable Company of Freemen of the City of London of North America. In particular we would like to highlight Parsai Immigration Services and Diageo Canada and thank them for helping us make this event possible. Read more here.

6th European Chambers Networking Event

Another vibrant & memorable networking event with our fellow European Chambers on Tuesday March 19th ~ we were specially delighted to see so many members of the BCCTC attending!This time it was organized by the Belgian Canadian Business Chamber and joined by business professionals and members of the European Chambers:

🇬🇧 British Canadian Chamber of Trade and Commerce

🇫🇮 Canada Finland Chamber of Commerce

🇳🇱 Holland House Canada (previously Canadian Netherlands Business and Professional Association)

🇮🇪 Ireland Canada Chamber of Commerce, Toronto

🇨🇭 Swiss Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Ontario

🇧🇪 Belgian Canadian Business Chamber

It was a night filled with engaging, even hilarious conversations and vital networking possibilities. We were very pleased to have Ambassador of Belgium, Patrick Van Gheel, attending the event, at this sold out event at the Prenup Pub - which has one of the best selection of European beers. Special thanks to Morgan Williams International Inc. for donating a scrumptious British basket!

BCCTC Welcomes New Sponsor Member: Trajectory

Trajectory is the brand development partner of choice for growth-oriented organizations of all types including economic development, tourism destinations, professional services, and new ventures.

A boutique agency, based in Toronto, Canada, our client base extends across North America – from Washington, DC to Vancouver Island. We enable organizations to create compelling value propositions for customers, talent, investors, and partners. Our tools: brand strategy and messaging to fuel growth; identity and design systems to build visibility and drive marketing; plus implementation tools that equip your teams for success.

Trajectory’s clients range from “next stage” ventures business primed for growth, to leaders in technology, environment, finance, services, creative industries, education and place development. Read more here.

BCCTC Members featured with EUCCAN

A new membership benefit for BCCTC Corporate and Sponsor Members is the opportunity to be featured with EUCCAN - the European Union Chamber of Commerce in Canada, and we are delighted to present 3 of BCCTC's Corporate and Sponsor Members: Truefitt & Hill, Parsai Services Immigration, and Trajectory, details here: https://www.britishcanadianchamber.com/post/bcctc-members-featured-with-euccan

BCCTC Welcomes New Sponsor Member: Thinc

Thinc helps ambitious SMEs scale up to reach their full potential. We provide the cutting-edge finance software, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, managed IT support, cyber security solutions, and cloud management to help businesses empower their people.

With a ‘connect, collaborate, amplify’ ethos, our goal is to help our clients become ‘intelligent companies’, where technology works in harmony with people and processes.

For Canada’s scale-ups, Thinc’s arrival represents the opportunity to engage with an IT services provider that has developed a broad understanding of the challenges, roles, and functions across all sectors - from manufacturing to non-profits.

May Newsletter: BCCTC in Niagara, Industry news and more!

BCCTC’s May’s Newsletter included UK-Canada Industry News and Updates

Revolutionary £37.6m UK Digital Twin Centre announced for Belfast!; UK Americas Minister boosts UK-Canadian collaboration; 2024 Federal Budget – Canadian Chamber of Commerce Policy Experts’ Insights; Plastic Pollution Treaty 🇬🇧🇨🇦; and a Trade update: Are critical minerals getting more critical?

Government of Ontario: Innovation Road Trip

The Government of Ontario, together with municipal partners, invited BCCTC and the international delegates travelling to Toronto for Collision 2024 to participate in a complimentary Innovation Road Trip! More info here.

Multi-British Chamber Statement in Response to the UK's Ratification of CPTPP

Background

The UK has ratified the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). In June 2020, the government confirmed it intended to join the CPTPP. The formal request to join the CPTPP was made in February 2021, and the CPTPP commission agreed to start negotiations with the UK later that year. The UK government signed an accession protocol to the CPTPP on 16 July 2023, and has today announced it’s ratification. Only six economies, in addition to the UK, need to ratify by October for the deal to enter into force by the end of the year. Singapore, Japan, and Chile have already ratified, with other countries in the works. The government has confirmed its expects the protocol to come into force in the second half of 2024.

With the UK's eventual accession to the agreement, the collective GDP of the CPTPP is anticipated to grow from £9 trillion to £11 trillion, reaching 15.4% of global gross domestic product. Read more here.

Canada-United Kingdom Colloquium

With the recent announcement of the UK Election on July 4, I thought it was worth highlighting this report from the Canada-United Kingdom Colloquium, focusing on strategic risks for our two countries.

The objectives of the Canada-UK Colloquium are to:

Build networks of contact and friendship between Britain and Canada.
Contribute to the development of public policy in both countries.
Identify ways in which Britain and Canada can work together in an international context to meet their objectives in specific policy areas.
Encourage implementation of recommendations from its meetings.
Involve promising young people to ensure that the benefits of the exchanges are carried forward into the future.

In late 2023, the BCCTC was invited to contribute to the Canada-United Kingdom Colloquium, held at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto. I encourage you to read and share the Rapporteur's Report from the Colloquium, written by Douglas S. Proudfoot, link here: https://www.cukc.net/2023

Martin Buckle,

VP and Treasurer, BCCTC

June Newsletter: Industry news, welcome new members, upcoming events and more!

In May we were delighted to represent our members at the Niagara Networks and Industry Collective, sponsored by BCCTC member Niagara Economic Development and hosted by the South Niagara Chambers of Commerce.

The day was filled with conversation and connection, with morning roundtables focused on 4 main topics identified by last year’s participants: Employer Learning and/or Capacity Building; Demographic Changes; Modernizing Employee Recruitment; and the use of A.I., and a roundtable on getting newcomers into the workforce.

While there was a very diverse group of local businesses and organizations, there were very clear trends and consistent themes that were identified and it was a great opportunity to learn about priorities and challenges in the market.

This was BCCTC’s first participation in the tradeshow and it was highly valuable - the opportunity to connect one on one is the most powerful tool we have in business. Many thanks to those who participated as exhibitors, and also those who took the time to walk through and have real conversations with real people. Congratulations to the winner of British scrumptious basket of goodies donated by Morgan Williams International Inc.

Apart from an excerpt on the latest news and special offers from our members, a recap of our activities + a list on curated events, this newsletter included an update from BAB CEO Duncan Edwards "The Big Story From the Last Couple of Weeks….and the UK Election!"

Read more here.

August Newsletter: Bank of England’s interest rate cut + Industry news + more

After been busy these last couple of months with lots of excitement from politics to football, and even thou we are in the middle of the summer, we want to give you an excerpt on the latest news and special offers from our members, a recap of our activities + a note about a very special BCCTC member, and a list on curated events for you. Read more here.

MOU between the City of Brampton and the UK charity Lord's Taverners.

Mayor Patrick Brown of Brampton, UK Consul General Fouzia Younis MBE (centre), and Beckie Howie, Head of Major Donors and Special Events for the Lord's Taverners, announce the signing of a MOU between the City and the UK charity.

The launch of the project will provide 300 kilos of cricket equipment to local communities in need, with more to come over the life of the programme. Mayor Brown has designated Brampton as the Cricket Capital of Canada, and this project is just one of a number of initiatives that will cement Brampton's reputation. This month the City will host professional teams from across Canada as they compete in the GT20, North America's first ever major T20 tournament. Investments in 25 community cricket field enhancements over the last few years mean grass roots cricketers in Brampton are also enjoying this fantastic game. The equipment gifted by the Lord's Taverners this week means that nobody should be left behind as the sport sees astonishing growth in Canada.

Martin Buckle, Director of the BCCTC, and Ranil Mendis, Director of the Ontario Schools Cricket Association, we're on hand to thank Mayor Brown for his support of youth cricket in Brampton.

Read more about Lord’s Taverners https://www.lordstaverners.org/

City of Brampton press release - here.

September Newsletter

After a very enjoyable Canadian summer. We are back with a full agenda to support your business endeavours - from providing you with key information on Canada-UK relations to offering you opportunities to meet like minded business people.

BCCTC September Newsletter’s included: UK-Canada industry news and updates, Members success stories, updates, events and offers, as well as news of interest of our affiliated organizations such as EUCCAN, BAB, the British Community in Canada and the Chevening Awards. More info here.

International Summer Cocktail

A huge success! the International Summer Cocktail brought together over 210 professionals from various sectors. This exclusive event allowed leaders and entrepreneurs from across the region to connect, collaborate and grow their network in a friendly and dynamic atmosphere. Organized in partnership with 9 international chambers of commerce and the Canadian Club of Toronto, this cocktail offered a rare and valuable opportunity to build strong relationships within Toronto’s Francophone community.

Click here to see photos and videos of the International cocktail

Exploring Ontario's MedTech Ecosystem

The Government of Ontario, in partnership with municipal partners, invited BCCTC and international delegates travelling to Toronto for the MedTech Conference 2024 to participate in a complimentary Innovation Road Trip. A road trip within Toronto taking place on Thursday, October 17, 2024, immediately following the end of the MedTech Conference program. And a road trip to Brampton taking place on October 18, 2024. More info.

European Chambers Meetup September 2024

What an incredible evening we shared with our fellow European Chambers on Tuesday, September 24th, at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto! A heartfelt thank you to the Ireland Canada Chamber of Commerce Toronto for hosting such a stellar event. The venue was stunning, the food was exceptional, and the atmosphere was simply unforgettable.

A special thanks to everyone who joined us and contributed to the night’s success. It was truly a pleasure to connect with so many amazing individuals. Read more here.

October Newsletter

Our focus is on keeping you informed about key developments in Canada-UK relations and offering opportunities to connect with like-minded business professionals. Whether you're looking to expand your network, explore new markets, or stay updated on the latest bilateral trade news, we’re here to provide the resources and connections you need to succeed.

BCCTC October Newsletter’s included: UK-Canada industry news and updates, Members success stories, updates, events and offers, as well as news of interest of our affiliated organizations such as EUCCAN, BAB and the British Community in Canada. Read more.

Tech Canada Advocates launch Advanced Manufacturing Working Group

The British Canadian Chamber of Trade and Commerce in partnership with Tech Canada Advocates and B2BeeMatch launched on October 29th the Advanced Manufacturing Working Group. This group unites leaders to explore ways to drive innovation in Canada’s advanced manufacturing sector by building an impact platform and an advisory committee.

Sponsored by Gowling WLG and London Consulting Group we had the pleasure to have the presence once again of The Honourable Victor Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, and with Fouzia Younis, OBE, the British Consul-General to Toronto. They both set the tone for this working group alongside other industry voices.

European Chambers Meetup November 2024

Just marvellous! Our 2nd European networking event was all about creating meaningful connections, enjoying great company, and sharing unforgettable moments with both new and old friends. Thanks for joining us!

And special thanks to Duke Pubs for your superb hospitality; and our partners this evening: Canada Finland Chamber of Commerce the Swiss Canadian Chamber of Commerce (Ontario) , Belgian Canadian Business Chamber, Holland House Canada , Ireland Canada Chamber of Commerce Toronto, Canada-Poland Chamber of Commerce, Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Canada.