british business group targets more growth after membership soars by 41% in 12 months

 dubai, uae, 12th july, 2008:  the british business group in dubai is confident that membership will continue to grow rapidly over the next few years as more british companies set up operations in the emirate while those already based here are attracted by enhanced benefits.
over the past 12 months, membership of the group, which covers the northern emirates as well as dubai and celebrated its 20th anniversary last year, has grown from 850 to 1,200, an increase of just over 41%.
mark beer, who has just begun a second term as the bbg’s chairman & ceo, said: “we have taken a big step forward as a business organisation by updating and enhancing the way we operate with the result that we are more efficient, more visible, and offer more benefits.
“in the last 12 months or so we have taken great strides in earning more and more recognition as a forward-thinking, dynamic organisation at the forefront of industry trends and developments.”
a year ago an aggressive campaign was launched to double membership over the next few years and deliver tangible business benefits for a much broader member base using a new-look, results-driven team.
membership growth since then has exceeded expectations, and beer and the newly elected bbg committee are confident that an organisation now recognised as one of the largest and most active business groups in the gulf can continue to grow in many areas.
“we have an excellent new committee which has drive, focus, and a commitment to delivering value to our members, and we’re committed to continue modernising the way the group works,” said beer.
“we have a number of aims, and the overall objective is to be more effective as an organisation in working for the benefit of our members, in promoting british business, and strengthening the already solid links between the uk and the uae.  we’re confident that membership will continue to grow as many more british companies are attracted to dubai and more companies here join the fold.”
the majority of the bbg committee has been re-elected, but three new appointments are sure to bring in fresh ideas and energy.  helen chapman joins as director of business development, nick pearson will head up the continued drive for increased membership while hadley newman will spearhead the numerous and varied events the group holds every year.
the other members of the bbg committee, elected at the recent annual meeting, are: john martin st valery, chief operating officer; david may, director finance, uae and government relations; peter white, director legal and secretariat; matthew ranson, director brand; and elizabeth sellwood, director special interest groups.  jeff wilson has agreed to continue as the british embassy representative.
recognised by the uae authorities as the representative body of british companies and individuals operating in dubai and the northern emirates, the bbg holds around 70 networking events, forums and seminars each year.
its activities include a cost-effective product testing service that allows british companies to identify how their product or service would compete in the regional markets.  the bbg is also the official body for provision of british standards in dubai and the northern emirates.  its monthly special interest groups provide a forum for members with a common interest and include banking & finance, construction, education and real estate.