Dear Members and Friends,
Less than a month into 2025 and it already looks as though this will be a year, internationally and perhaps at home too, in which much changes and some familiar paradigms shift. While we hope that the ceasefire in the Middle East holds, it’s hard to predict how the landscape will evolve in the next few months, not least with President Trump challenging long-established assumptions. If the situation in Ukraine changed little in 2024, it would be unwise to predict a similar course for 2025. So far, Trump’s second term looks as though it could be much more transformational than his first. His strongly realist statement of US foreign policy, alongside the suspension and review of foreign assistance programmes will doubtless have an impact not only on how the US operates and is perceived around the world, but also on the behaviour of other international actors. We will be following closely the implications particularly for FCDO but also for the other major bilateral donors. Similarly, Trump’s (hardly surprising) decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord may resonate more the second time around on a West which is less economically confident than in 2017.
In the UK, the Government is grappling with the challenge of promoting economic growth while pursuing other priorities, most obviously the country’s net zero commitments and the pressure for higher defence spending. Politics is more often than not about the management of trade-offs, often between apples and pears. Whatever the long-term benefits, public investment will for long into the future remain under severe pressure, so it will lack credibility to argue that we can have it all. In the sectors in which BEI members operate, we have a challenge on our hands. We are keen to be working with members to help make the case for programmes they are involved in which are of most value, for the UK and the world. We will be continuing our ongoing discussions with members on how BEI can best contribute. Do please share your thoughts.
This week we hosted two events, both reflecting the work of BEI members enabling environmental, social, and economic benefits in diverse parts of the world. For our first Climate Change Networking Evening of 2025, our keynote speaker was Kate Hargreaves, Director for Climate and Environment at DAI. Kate spoke about DAI’s climate portfolio, with interesting observations on the political economy of climate transitions, localisation, gender and inclusion dynamics, as well as the crucial nature of data for climate decisions.
On Wednesday, we held a workshop for our International Development Heads of Business group on how to maximise the UK’s development impact on a global scale. Chaired by Evie Aspinall, Director of the British Foreign Policy Group (BFPG), the discussion explored how the sector contributes to the Government’s five foreign policy priorities and how it can enhance the UK’s soft power, itself a focus area following the establishment of the Soft Power Council by the Foreign and Culture Secretaries. The discussion took advantage of our unique ability to leverage the combined power of BEI and BFPG to articulate the value of development in terms of soft power as well as the UK’s wider foreign policy agenda. We will be building on the insights shared during this session to develop with members the next stage of our engagement with stakeholders. In the same vein, the Foreign Affairs Committee has announced a new inquiry into the extent and effectiveness of UK’s Soft Power. The call for evidence is now open and will close on 3 March. As always, if you’d like to know more about how you can get involved in the UK Soft Power Group’s work, please get in touch direct with BFPG (hello@bfpg.co.uk) or through your BEI contacts.
Next Tuesday, 4th February, we are looking forward to hosting a hybrid event with the International Finance Corporation. This is an opportunity to engage with the Head of the IFC London office supported by industry specialists joining from across Europe and North America. The session is designed for both new and established partners, offering an annual update on key developments and opportunities. If you can’t join in person, please do register to join us virtually for the panel portion of the event.
On Wednesday, we will be holding a virtual Market Opportunity Overview event on the Philippines. Speakers from the DBT team in Manila, Lindsey Gilbert-Crouch, Country Director for Trade & Investment; Rachel Gancia, Deputy Country Director for Trade & Investment; David Rosario, Trade Manager for Clean Growth; and Jon Perez, Trade Manager for Technology, will bring insights on the latest developments in the UK-Philippines bilateral relationship, as well as some of the key business opportunities across infrastructure, energy, and technology.
On Thursday 8th February, do join us for an online panel event on Disinformation and Countering Divisive Narratives. This event will showcase the work of BEI Members to counter divisive narratives and successfully implement projects to reduce such divisions in society. Our speakers include Sarah Prunier-Duparge, Civil Society & Inclusive Governance Technical Lead at People in Need; David Quin, Managing Director – Europe at M&C Saatchi World Services; and Alasdair Stuart, Senior Advisor (Governance & Rights) and Senior Researcher at BBC Media Action.
Finally, the Safeguarding Leads Network (SLN) is holding a webinar on 26th February, 10.00 - 11.00 GMT, to discuss the implications of the UK Worker Protection Act. This law, effective since 26 October 2024, means that employers in England, Scotland, and Wales have a legal obligation to take proactive measures to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. The legislation provides enhanced protection for workers against sexual harassment and represents a significant change in how workplace harassment should be handled. This session will include presentations from Rebecca Thomas, Head of Employment Policy at Equality and Human Rights Commission; Peter Taylor, Head of Safeguarding Unit at FCDO; and Suzy Jirh, HR Manager at Tetra Tech. If you are interested in joining the session, please contact Iulia Ward, sln@britishexpertise.org.
My best wishes for a restful weekend,
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
Key events coming up include the following:
- 4th February 2025 11:00 – 12:30 GMT: Working with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) - IFC is the largest global development institution focused exclusively on the private sector. IFC provides equity investments, loans, and advisory support to businesses and projects that can drive growth and innovation in emerging markets. This hybrid event will serve as an introduction to working with the IFC. The session is designed for both new and established partners, offering an annual update on key developments and opportunities.
- 5th February 2025 09:00 – 10:30 GMT: Philippines - Market Opportunity Overview - With a young workforce and ongoing reforms, the Philippines offer abundant opportunities for UK organisations across infrastructure, energy, and technology. The DBT Manila team alongside the regional UKEF representative will bring insights on the latest developments in the UK-Philippines bilateral relationship, and some of the key business opportunities.
- 6th February 2025 14:00 – 15:30 GMT: Disinformation: Countering Divisive Narratives - Join us for an online panel event on Disinformation: Countering Divisive Narratives, which will feature a panel of BEI members sharing their expertise working on projects countering disinformation globally.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 & 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.
- 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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