The Australian British Chamber of Commerce connects its members to the United Kingdom.

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Membership information

‘Level UK’: the ABCC head office is co-located with the British Consulate-General, Invest UK, and the BTA

The Australian British Chamber of Commerce has been facilitating bilateral trade between Australia and the UK for almost a century. We maintain close links with the UK through our national office and four state branches, and foster an even stronger link with our London-based sister organisation, the ANZCC, by jointly developing reciprocal member services. Together we help a thriving membership base drawn from the 4000+ UK and Australian regional offices operating in both countries.

‘Level UK’
To keep pace with the ever-changing face of business, the ABCC has taken the bold initiative to relocate the national office within the Sydney-based British Consulate. By sharing the same level with the British Tourist Authority and the British Council, we have come together to form ‘Level UK’, a one-stop shop for companies needing diplomatic, investment, trade, commerce, travel and theatre services.

Our services
The ABCC’s generous range of services includes seminars, briefings, a trade enquiry hotline, networking events, information publications and a business resource library. Members are also eligible to access the ABCC’s growing database listings of businesses operating throughout Australia and the UK.

We are also part of the ‘Britain in Asia Pacific’ forum, allowing ABCC members to enjoy activities of British Chambers of Commerce throughout the Asia-Pacific region at member rates.

Knowledge and networking
Increasingly, we are initiating contact between members and government agencies in Australia and the UK. Our co-location with the British Consulate has enabled members to tap into the power of our shared UK network. By working in synergy with Invest UK and Trade Partners UK (the two brands of British Trade International), we have been able to directly introduce many members to a well-resourced and connected UK-based network of organisations, suppliers and government agencies.

Instrumental to our enhanced ability to connect UK members to Australian networks has been the formal establishment of our close working relationship with Australian Business Limited. In October 2001 we signed a memorandum of understanding with this long-established and well-respected business association, enabling us to introduce members to a comprehensive ranges of business services and networks including business investment and equity raising services, industrial relations and employment law hotlines, training seminars, labour market recruitment services, policy development, shared ABL member events, and a proven network of alliances stretching across Australia, the UK and Europe.

Information and publications
Another key area of development for ABCC members in 2001 has been the expansion of our information services. Complementing our enhanced trade enquiry service and expanded reference library has been the introduction of seven new titles into our publications stable. Members are eligible to receive one free copy of each key title and can purchase additional copies through the national office.

British Australasian Business is our flagship publication and provides key information on UK, Australian and New Zealand markets, supplied free to our members. It is also available online. ABCC members also receive access to the highly valuable online BAB database, listing more than 1500 companies which have British, Australian and New Zealand contacts. Regularly updated and searchable online, this is an invaluable tool for our business community.

In May 2002, the ABCC relaunches Trading Places, our redeveloped newsletter magazine supplied free to members. Published quarterly, Trading Places will contain economic articles, news, leads from our members, and Chamber news from around Australia. Its new national format will provide a quality support service to our diverse network of members.

ABCC events
We provide monthly networking luncheons in each state, which profile highly sought-after speakers to often sell-out audiences. We also run events for clients and jointly develop events with strategic partners including the Australian Institute of Company Directors, the European Australian Business Council and Australian Business Limited.

In addition to our luncheons we offer cocktail receptions and international trade breakfasts. For example, we recently jointly promoted to members the ABL ‘Global Uncertainty Post September 11’ breakfast series, featuring a Consuls-General Panel. In February, our members were given an exclusive chance to attend the official launch of the HSBC Waratahs rugby team, enabling them to rub shoulders with the players, including some Wallabies.

Business after dark. ‘Business After Dark’ events enable our members to meet potential and existing members. By offering flexibility in the times we hold events, time-stretched members have the opportunity to meet key contacts after work without the distraction of looming meetings. These events also provide a member who hosts the occasion with the opportunity to get together in a relaxed and friendly environment with new and prospective clients. These functions have been met with enthusiastic support in the UK and we are confident Australian members will find them equally enjoyable and successful.

Boardroom luncheons. Introduced in 2001, our business leaders’ boardroom luncheons provide an exceptional opportunity for members to network with leading figures from the British and Australasian business communities and government in relaxed and private surroundings. Again, a member who hosts the occasion has the opportunity to personally invite and network with new and prospective clients. For example, Acuiti, formally Middleton Moore and Bevins, played host to 14 guests who were privy to some of the untold stories by key people instrumental in the operation of the BT Global Challenge Yachting race.

Other events. We also provide a range of cultural and sporting events such as our annual Golf Day, our Christmas Party, rugby supporter luncheons and Grand Prix celebration evenings. From time to time, the Chamber also hosts Member Evenings to introduce new members to the ABCC. We also work with outside partners who can offer our members a unique opportunity to network. We are looking at incorporating a range of ‘Level UK’ events into our annual calendar.

Links with Europe
Through the ABCC’s representation on the European Australian Business Council (EABC), the Chamber is able to offer members access to our fellow European Chamber event calendars. We are increasingly promoting such EU Chamber events to our network, in addition to jointly marketing events together.

Through our link with the EU office and its team, we are also able to offer members access to vital information on current EU trends and developments.

Links with Asia
As a British Chamber operating in the Asia-Pacific region, we play a major role in supporting fellow British Chambers through the formation and operation of the ‘Britain in Asia Pacific’ grouping.

BiAP (previously the Association of British Business in Asia) was formed at the inaugural meeting in Bangkok in 1996 and has developed steadily from further annual meetings in Singapore, Tokyo, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong and Shanghai. Under the central theme of ‘One Region, One Image’, BiAP enables members of all Chambers to enjoy local member benefits and assistance when visiting within the region. Members use their common Britain in Asia Pacific Privilege Select Cards to register at member rates for events being held by the 24 British Chambers. Privilege cards also entitle members to substantial savings in the areas of hotels, travel, car rentals and health care.

Participating Chambers are listed on the BiAP website:
www.britaininasiapacific.com

Tailored services
Briefings on relocation to the UK. The ABCC continues to offer tailored briefing services to prepare members’ employees who are either relocating to the UK or who are seconded to Australia. This service is available for members at special rates. The briefings focus on the differences in doing business in Australia and in Europe. Briefing topics include differences in managing staff and leadership expectations, medical and banking practice variations, risk management approaches, conflict resolution styles, specific and/ or general information on day-to-day living in Britain, and variations in communication media.

International tax refund service. Did you know that you can reclaim up to 25% on your European expenses? The ABCC can help you (through a team of executives at Meridian VAT Reclaim Australia) to ensure the maximum re-claim is obtained in a simple and non-disruptive process, including items such as accommodation, car rental, meals, trade shows and conferences.

Missions and exhibitions. By tapping into our close relationship with the British Consulates-General and with Austrade, the ABCC can provide members with advance notice on incoming and outgoing trade missions and trade exhibitions.

Visa & migration service. Through a migration services team, the ABCC can facilitate the related services you may need.

Direct marketing services. Many of our members use the ABCC as a promotional platform from which they can market their organisation and/or their products and services. Sponsorship and other marketing opportunities are always available – please contact your state office.

For further information:
Telephone: +61 2 9247 6271
Website:
www.britishchamber.com

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ABCC Offices

Sydney – National Office
Level 16, The Gateway Building
1 Macquarie Place, Sydney, NSW 2000.
Telephone: +61 2 9247 6271
Fax: +61 2 9247 6671
Email: ckirk@britishchamber.com
National Chairman: Howard Davies
NSW Chairman: Chris Crook
National Director: Connie Kirk

Adelaide – State Office
Exporters’ Club, 192 Port Road,
Hindmarsh SA 5007.
Telephone: +61 8 8346 4229
Fax: +61 8 8346 4430
Email: admin@exportersclub.net
Chairman: Harold Anderson OAM
Executive Officer: Bob Shepard

Brisbane – State Office
Level 22 Waterfront Place,
1 Eagle Street, Brisbane, QLD 4001.
PO Box 7844, Waterfront Place,
Brisbane, QLD 4001.
Telephone: +61 7 3226 6362
Fax: +61 7 3229 1066
Email: louise.lewis@minters.com.au
Chairman: Rod Young
Executive Officer: Don Williamson

Melbourne – State Office
Level 5, 520 Collins Street,
Melbourne, Victoria 3000.
Telephone: +613 9614 7173
Fax: +61 3 9629 8298
Email: abccvic@britishchamber.com
Chairman: Fred Tinsley
Executive Director: Hugh Doran

Perth – State Office
16 Hensley Loop,
Landsale, WA 6065.
Telephone: +61 8 9302 5054
Fax: +61 8 9365 7616
Email: abccwa@iprimus.com.au
Chairman: Neil Fearis
Executive Officer: Michael Lines

London – UK Office
393 Strand, London WC2R 0JQ
Telephone: +44 20 7379 0720
Fax: +44 20 7379 0721
Email: lucy.fahy@anzcc.org.uk
Chairman: Peter Box
Director: Lucy Fahy

ABCC website:
www.britishchamber.com

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Membership categories

The ABCC has six different membership categories, with each application processed and approved by the State Councils.

Corporate: National. No minimum on employees. Up to 10 representatives included for each state in the ABCC’s membership listing. Privilege Rate mailing to members.

Corporate: Double State. No minimum on employees. Up to 10 representatives included for two states in the ABCC’s membership listing. Privilege Rate mailing to members.

Corporate: Single State – Medium/ Large Company. More than five em-ployees. Up to 10 representatives included in ABCC’s membership listing. Corporate rate mailing to members.

Corporate: Single State – Small Company. One to five employees. Up to three representatives included in membership listing.

Individual. For people who are sole traders or who represent small limited companies with less than five employees.

Associates. For people in the 21-35 age group, for up-and-coming leaders of tomorrow who want to be part of our young mentorship member programme.

Benefits of membership

• Access to exclusive events.
  
• Opportunities to network.
  
• Promotional opportunities.
  
• Preferential rates on a wide range of useful services including telecommunications, database management, faxing services and telemarketing.
  
• Through our Britain in Asia Pacific Privilege Select Scheme, ABCC members can also receive substantial discounts throughout the Asia-Pacific region for travel, accommodation and insurance
  services.
  
• Opportunities from time to time to take part in trade missions to and from Australia.
  
• Complimentary introduction and referral services.
  
• Free access to an Office-Away-From-Home (limited number of days per year) in our London and Sydney offices.
• Free access to our Business Resource Library, subject to
  availability.

Complimentary publications

• ABCC Membership Listing, including contact details of up
  to five representatives from each of our member companies.
  
• British Australasian Business and access to its online BAB database containing full contact details of 1500+ UK and Australasian companies and subsidiaries.
  
• European Australian Business, containing economic overviews of all EU and applicant countries, with full contact details of
  representation in Australia.
  
• Britain in Asia Pacific – UK, profiling UK opportunities for Asia-Pac companies.
  
• Britain in Asia Pacific – Asia Pacific, official publication of the Britain in Asia Pacific forum, providing essential trade and
  investment profiles of each Asia-Pacific country.
  
• Trade Route Australia – detailed overviews of trade and investment opportunities within Australia; an official publication of the European Commission.
  
• Trading Places – the relaunched ABCC full-colour member
  magazine, featuring news bulletins, business updates and member activities. Trading Places is published quarterly.
  
• Up and Under magazine and Economic and Business Updates – the ANZCC’s full-colour magazine and electronic news bulletin.

How to join
Contact the Membership Secretary
Telephone: +61 2 9247 6271
Email: service@britishchamber.com
Website: www.britishchamber.com

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ABCC Corporate Patrons

The ABCC is proud to be supported by an increasing number of Corporate Patrons and Sponsors who are invaluable to the ongoing development of the Chamber.

BAE SYSTEMS: the second largest defence contractor and the joint third largest aerospace and defence company in the world, employing more than 100,000 employees in nine ‘home’ markets, including 3000 in Australia.
Telephone: +61 8 8480 7951
Fax: +61 8 8480 8880

British American Tobacco Australasia: Australia’s leading tobacco company with operations across the region in New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, the Solomon Islands and Samoa. British American Tobacco Australasia employs more than 3000 full-time employees in the Australasian region with approximately 1800 in Australia.
Telephone: +61 2 9370 1500
Fax: + 61 2 9370 1074

Primus Telecom: a growing global facilities-based telecommunications company and Australia’s third carrier, providing voice, data, internet, commerce and private network services.
Telephone: +61 3 9923 3000
Fax: +61 3 9923 3907

Stroudgate Australasia: Australia’s leading publisher of international business titles, including this publication, Britain in Asia Pacific, Trade Route Australia and European Australian Business.
Telephone: +61 2 9976 3438
Fax: +61 2 9976 2830

Travelex Australasia Group: the world’s and Australia’s largest non-bank money provider of corporate payment services and retailer of foreign exchange. Travelex operates in more than 120 countries and has just concluded its acquisition of Thomas Cook global and financial services.
Telephone: +61 2 8585 7000
Fax: +61 2 8585 7550

Gold Sponsor
Fujitsu Australia: operating in Australia since 1972, and part of a global network of more than 500 group companies and affiliates including ICL, Amdahl and DMR Consulting Group, who specialise in providing information processing, telecommunications and electronic device technology.
Telephone: +61 2 9776 4555
Fax: +61 2 9776 4556

State Sponsors
Allied Pickfords (VIC): part of the world’s largest moving services and records management organisation – Allied Worldwide.
Telephone: +61 3 9797 1633
Fax: +61 3 9797 1555

bmi/british midland (NSW): the second largest domestic UK carrier out of London Heathrow, flying up to 2000 flights weekly to 31 destinations in 12 countries. The only airline with dedicated business class on domestic UK routes.
Telephone: +61 2 9959 3696 ext 621
Fax: +61 2 9929 8438

British Airways (WA): one the world’s leading airlines, with up to 19 flights leaving Australia for London via Singapore each week.
Telephone: +61 8 9425 5333
Fax: +61 8 9221 3285

Cash Converters International (WA): Australian-based leading franchiser of second-hand stores with subsidiaries operating in the United Kingdom.
Telephone: +61 8 9221 9444
Fax: +61 8 9221 9011

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (VIC): leading chartered accountants, providing comprehensive professional services in auditing, accounting, tax consulting, insolvency, share registry, management consulting and human resources.
Telephone: +61 3 9208 7000
Fax: +61 3 9208 7001

Killerby Vineyards (WA): producing premium wines in the Margaret River and region in the South West of Western Australia and selling through an exclusive mailing list.
Telephone: +61 8 9795 7222
Fax: +61 8 9795 7835

Minter Ellison (WA): the ninth fastest-growing law firm in the world. Based in Australia, Minters has more than 290 partners working with 1000+ lawyers in seven countries providing a comprehensive range of legal services to business and government.
Telephone: +61 8 9429 7444
Fax: +61 8 9429 7666

National Australia Bank (VIC): an international financial services group providing a comprehensive range of banking and financial services in its core markets of Australia, New Zealand, UK, Ireland, the US and Asia.
Telephone: +61 3 8641 3500
Fax: +61 3 9659 6902