Dear Members and Friends,
It’s always a pleasure to see members, in person or online, at our events. I mention below a few of our upcoming events after (for some) the half term break; the full range appears on the website as soon as they are confirmed. In addition to our regular schedule, we also aim to respond to major developments or visits by relevant international delegations. In this vein, we are in the process of putting together an initial discussion on the ripple effects – challenges and opportunities – from the decision by the Trump Administration to suspend and then reshape the US foreign assistance programme. Please save the date: Tuesday 11th March at 14:00. More detail to follow soon.
Our events programme is only part of what we do at BEI. The Asia-Pacific region, and Southeast Asia in particular, is a big focus as these markets provide an amazing potential for growth for the UK supply chain, with many of our members actively prioritising business in the region. As part of our engagement programme, Sasha will be travelling to several markets in Southeast Asia in late March/early April. The confirmed programme includes Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore, with others to be added shortly. Sasha plans to meet with our key HMG partners in the region, as well as visiting some of our members’ operations, ADB and other key regional funding and capacity building organisations. If you are interested in contributing to the visit or have specific ideas for the programme, please get in touch with Sasha (ab@britishexpertise.org).
Before then, UK companies will have the opportunity to explore opportunities in the Indo-Pacific region through a Roadshow programme run by the UK Government between 4th and 13th March. The programme, across all the four nations of the UK, aims to provide advice on a range of issues faced by companies. We particularly encourage our infrastructure members to join the 12th March session in London on Scaling-Up Sustainable Infrastructure, exploring the scale and scope of infrastructure across the SE Asia and India. The ADB are the most active MDB in the region with extensive programmes. The session will provide sectoral focus from the ADB Transport, Water and Climate projects, and signpost companies on how to engage and bid for work. This will be followed by short session from UKEF and BIP Toolbox which highlights the programming and funding options. You can sign up at the link above.
From Asia back to Grafton Street (virtually at least), next week we have an online event on affordable housing solutions in Africa with Altair and their partners, Shelter Afrique, the pan African housing finance development bank, and the Nigeria-based multi-disciplinary property services company, Modern Shelter.
Looking forward, on Monday 24 Feb, we will be hosting a delegation from Brazil focusing on water resilience, including two of the main utilities (SABESP and SANEPAR) alongside the regulator (ANA) and São Paulo’s planning authority (SEMIL). The delegation is coming to London to meet with a range of UK-based stakeholders and discuss partnerships, collaboration and specific business opportunities in Brazil’s water sector.
Kazakhstan will once again be our focus on 3 March, as we host a panel session and networking reception with senior government and business representatives for an in depth discussion on decarbonisation in hard-to-abate sectors and industries. Given the UK Government’s commitment to clean energy and decarbonisation, this event will provide an excellent opportunity for members to share valuable experiences and insights.
With warm wishes for the weekend and (if you are taking a break) the half term holiday,
David Landsman
Executive Chairman
British Expertise International
Recordings of recent past events:
- 16th January 2025: AI and Innovation in International Development
- 21st January 2025: FCDO Development Director: Tanzania
- 21st January 2025: Harnessing Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning for evidence-based policies and programmes in Climate and Nature
- 6th February 2025: Disinformation: Countering Divisive Narratives
- 5th February 2025: Philippines - Market Opportunity Overview
Key events coming up include the following:
- 20th February 2025 10:00 – 11:30 GMT: Unlocking Potential: Expanding Affordable Housing Solutions in Africa - BEI members Altair alongside their partners Shelter Afrique, the pan African housing finance development bank, and the Nigeria-based multi-disciplinary property services company, Modern Shelter are delighted to invite you to join a free webinar exploring affordable housing solutions in Africa.
- 24th February 2025 13:00 – 15:30 GMT: Brazil – Water Delegation Roundtable - Meet a Water delegation from Brazil, including two of the main utilities (SABESP and SANEPAR) alongside the regulator (ANA) and São Paulo’s planning authority (SEMIL). The delegation is coming to London to meet with a range of UK-based stakeholders and discuss partnerships, collaboration and specific business opportunities in Brazil’s water sector.
- 25th February 2025 14:00 – 15:30 GMT: Education Working Group: Driving Operational Effectiveness in International Schools - Join us for our February Education Working Group on Driving Operational Effectiveness in International Schools, with speakers from EDT, Ardingly College, Etio and DBT. The online panel will identify and explore key factors that contribute to operational effectiveness in International Schools and how to best ensure the delivery of quality education.
- 26th February 2025 13:00 – 15:30 GMT: Opportunities for UK expertise in Mongolia - Explore Mongolia's ambitious vision for economic development and infrastructure megaprojects as we welcome a senior delegation headed by the Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia, Amarsaikhan Sainbuyan. This is a prime opportunity for UK businesses and investors to explore potential collaborations and expand their presence in Mongolia's burgeoning market.
- 27th February 2025 16:00 – 19:00 GMT: Climate Change Networking Evening - Join us for an evening of thought-provoking conversation, potential new partnerships and the chance to meet with members of our Climate Change Working Group. Our keynote speaker this time is Andy Blackhall, Managing Director of WRc. Andy will reflect on his career and his hopes for the future.
- 3rd March 2025 15:30– 17:00 GMT: Decarbonisation in Kazakhstan: Unlocking Investment Opportunities - This panel session and networking reception will bring together senior government and business stakeholders from Kazakhstan and the UK to facilitate an in-depth discussion on ways to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors and industry.
- 6th March 2025 10:00 – 11:30 GMT: Angola – Market Opportunity Overview - This webinar, featuring speakers from the Department for Business and Trade based in Angola, alongside the Angolan Investment Board (AIPEX), will provide insights on the current business climate, policy frameworks, and opportunities for trade and investment in Angola with a focus on the Agribusiness, Infrastructure and Education sectors.
- 11th March 2025 11:00 – 12:00 GMT: FCDO Development Director Series: Kenya - Join us as we host Leigh Stubblefield, Development Director in Kenya for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), who will present FCDO’s development strategy, programming and pipeline of opportunities in Kenya.
External Events:
- 25th & 26th February 2025: World Water Tech Innovation Summit - The World Water-Tech Innovation Summit is the premier networking event for water leaders, investors and innovators to share and showcase best practice in delivering climate-resilient, energy-efficient water systems. The summit returns to London on February 25-26, 2025, bringing together forward-thinking water utilities, regulators, engineering firms, investors and start-ups from around the world for two days of pivotal discussions, partnership building, and innovation discovery.
- 11th March 2025: Marketing for growth in international settings webinar with Jonathan Ledger, Skills and Professional Bodies Specialist, International Education Team, Department for Business and Trade - These 90-minute webinars will provide skills and training providers with essential insights on how to effectively shape and tailor their marketing strategies for international markets. Participants will learn how to align their marketing approaches with specific country needs and ambitions, ensuring their messaging resonates with target cohorts. The session will explore key variations in marketing strategies across different regions, providing practical advice on cultural nuances, digital marketing trends, and local business practices. By delving into market insights, the session will equip skills and training providers with some tools and top tips to adapt their offering, optimise outreach, and boost their global visibility, ensuring they remain competitive in the evolving international training landscape. If you are interested, please contact Amalie (ac@britishexpertise.org) for further information.
- 11th & 12th March 2025: 4th UN International Procurement Seminar with the United Nations at the UN City, Copenhagen. This two-day seminar will include panel discussions, presentations from the UN Agencies and inform suppliers about procurement needs, procedures and how to do business with the UN. There is also a unique opportunity to request 1-2-1 meetings with the 10 participating Agencies & 2 Development Banks.
- 7th & 8th May 2025: Global Leakage Summit - The premier event for the international leakage community to listen, learn, and build relationships, tackling the toughest challenges together. Join presenters and panelists from leading UK and international water companies, and explore the latest technologies, data innovations, and software solutions from our exhibitors. In the face of climate change and record-high global investment in leakage management, this two-day conference promises a world-class knowledge-sharing program and invaluable networking opportunities.
- 2nd - 6th June 2025: Asia Clean Energy Forum 2025 at ADB Headquarters, Manila, Philippines. This is one of ADB’s signature events where clean energy practitioners from across the world convene to share insights and experience in the design and implementation of concrete actions that accelerate the financing of clean and efficient energy solutions. Registration will be open soon. For more details on how the 2024 ACEF transpired, you may refer to this link: Home ACEF 2024 - Asia Clean Energy Forum.
- 3rd - 5th September 2025, KazBuild 2025, Kazakhstan: Stand booking is now open for international exhibitors at KazBuild exhibition in Kazakhstan - the largest international building and interiors exhibition in Kazakhstan, annually welcoming over 7,000 specialist trade visitors to the show. KazBuild will be held 3-5 September 2025 in Almaty, the biggest city of Kazakhstan. Held since 1994, the exhibition showcases the latest products, services, technologies, and projects available on the market, and provides a key platform for governmental and building industry professionals to exchange experiences, establish cooperation and share the latest industry developments. Please contact Mrs. Tatyana Borodikhina by email: tatyana.borodikhina@exhibitions-conferences.com to learn more about how KazBuild can help to establish your business in Kazakhstan.
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