Golden Bridge Trade and Investment Awards 2017 – Last Call for Applications

Gain visibility and recognition for excellence in trade and export by applying for the Golden Bridge Trade and Investment Awards.

What is the Golden Bridge Trade and Export Awards?

The 2017 Golden Bridge Trade and Investment Awards present an exciting opportunity for UK companies trading or investing in Belgium, and Belgian and Luxembourgian companies trading or investing in the UK to showcase their bilateral success to an international jury and celebrate their achievements during an exclusive ceremony hosted by the British Ambassador to Belgium, Alison Rose at the British Residence in Brussels, at the heart of Europe.

The Golden Bridge Awards is co-organised by the British Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and the Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in Great Britain.

Fun fact: Belgium was the 7th largest export market to the UK and the UK was the 12th largest export market to Belgium last year.

Why should you apply?

Expand your international network, gain business and political expertise, receive recognition for your achievements.

The Golden Bridge Award opens doors to an international network and the connections businesses need to succeed both at home and abroad. Our international panel of judges from the business community are also affiliated with regional trade and investment bodies as well as embassies from the UK, Belgium and Luxembourg.

Winning a Golden Bridge Award will solidify your credibility on any of the three markets and will reinforce your pivotal role  in the economic relationship between Belgium, the U.K. and Luxembourg.

Previous winners of the Best Newcomer category, Orega, shared that the recognition for their export credentials gave them even greater visibility.

“It has sent the right message to our business partners based in Belgium. The award delivers to our potential customers a strong message, as we were new comers on the market.”
-Orega, Golden Bridge Best Newcomer Winner 2016

The award made a positive impression on their business partners with their improved credibility.

Bel’Export, 2016 winner of the Golden Bridge Award for UK business to Belgium, shared that the Golden Bridge award raised their company profile internationally as well as at home.

“As company you gain visibility, in – and outside the UK. It is a recognition for doing a good job.”

-Bel’Export, Golden Bridge Winner 2016

What will you win?

The winners of the Global Bridge award will receive:

• Visibility at the awards event itself.
• A one-year free membership* of the British Chamber. If you qualify under our SME criteria, you receive free  membership already if you are shortlisted as a finalist.
• Participation in our Golden Bridge Awards Winners’ Day programme in Brussels in January 2018 to celebrate your success.
• Your company featured in the British Chamber’s annual publications and in articles on our social media channels.

Apply now! The final registration deadline is 30^th September!
Do you want to be a Golden Bridge Awards partner? Check the Golden Bridge Trade & Investment Award page on our website for more information or contact Alexandra Trandafir at alexandra@britishchamber.be.

 The Gala Dinner for the Golden Bridge Awards will take place on Wednesday 22^nd November 2017 at The British Ambassador’s Residence in Brussels. The applicants will be shortlisted based on their financial performance, their innovation and strategy abroad, and their motivation for entering the awards.

*regular membership

Getting to know your Expert Advisors: AWEX

The British Chamber of Commerce works with a broad range of Accredited Service Providers to bring you the best professional advice for international businesses who are in or entering the Belgian market. This series aims to give you a bit of an insight into these companies; showcasing how they can help you develop your business. British Chamber members can book a free first consultation with any of our expert advisors.

This week, our team spoke to Karelle Lambert – Senior Area Director for Europe at AWEX; the Wallonia Export & Investment Agency.

What are the top-4 questions companies looking to do business in Belgium should be asking?

 1. Why Belgium?

Belgium offers a market of 10 million consumers but our country should be considered as a launching platform for your export activities in Continental Europe.  Indeed, within 4 hour truck drive, you may reach 60 million consumers with a high purchasing power.

Belgium is a perfect assessment market. Belgium is often used a test market by large companies, such as Coca Cola or H&M, to test new products.   Considered as neutral, Belgium is the perfect location to reach European key markets.

2. What is the corporate tax level?

Nominative corporate tax level in Belgium is 33,99%.  However, due to numerous tax incentive measures, the average effective corporate tax level is  26,3%.

3. What is the availability and cost of real estate and labour force?

Belgium benefits from a cost-effective office and industrial areas market.  Belgium offers among the lowest prices in real estate in Europe.  The same trend applies for industrial building as well as for equipped greenfield lands in economic parks.  Availability of office, existing facilities and large greenfield plots is high in Belgium.

Prime education and the use of languages makes Belgium the perfect place to develop your international activities. Belgian universities and management schools, among the top worldwide ranking, offer high quality graduates on the market.

The Belgian Government has taken several measures in order to stimulate business environment:

The Tax Shift Law provides for a decrease of the employer social security contributions from 33% to 25%. Eurostat statistics already show that Belgium has a substantially lower rise of salary costs than the other countries.

As of the 1st of January 2016, the current reduction in social contributions related to first hirings were increased in two ways:

• full exemption from employers’ contributions for the first hiring, unlimited in duration;
• reduction in contributions for the six first hirings.

What is one emerging trend in the business/regulatory environment which you would advise companies in/entering Belgium to be particularly proactive about?

The business environment in Wallonia is enhanced through the new Marshall Plan 4.0 aiming at:

• Considering Human capital as an asset and strengthening links between training and education,
• Supporting the industry development, in a technological proactive perspective, including ever more and better SME’s,
• Considering our territory as an essential resource for our economic development,
• Supporting energy efficiency,
• Supporting the digital innovation, integrating this new dimension within social and industrial practices.

Wallonia decided to strengthen its industrial policy and economic development through a clustering approach.  The Competitiveness clusters confirm the willingness to turn Wallonia into a competitive industrial area on a world-wide scale.  The clusters cover areas such as Transport & Logistics, Aeronautics & Aerospace, Sustainable & Eco construction, Green technologies, Energy & Sustainable development, Health & Biotech, Agro-food industry, ICT, Mechanical Engineering, Plastics processing, Digital industry.

Why is it important for new entrants in Belgium to speak with you?

Wallonia Export & Investment is the governmental organization taking care of Foreign Investors and we assure you of our total commitment to help you in your enquiries and steps to set up or develop in Belgium – Wallonia.  We may help you on different aspects including the search of real estate, information on the cash grants available in the Region, availability and costs of personnel, etc.  In short, investment and R&D grants, attractive fiscal measures, employment incentives are all available.  At any time, we may organize visits locally and have you meet key partners for your project. All our services are free of charge and treated confidentially.

If you’d like to organise a meeting with any of our Accredited Service Providers, or are interested in becoming one, get in touch with James Pearson – our Business & Trade Executive at james.pearson@britishchamber.be

Are you our next Tax, Finance and Legal Task Force Chair?

Our Tax, Finance & Legal Task Force is in search of a new chair. The task force consists of experts from member companies – in the fields of tax, finance, and legal matters – and aims to help chamber members understand the practical issues of doing business in Belgium, including new regulatory developments.

As our President Thomas Spiller highlighted a few weeks ago, the benefits of sitting in a leadership role outside of your organisation are multiple and potentially highly impactful; not only will it increase visibility for your company, it will also raise your personal profile and extend your network even further. As the chair of the Tax, Finance & Legal Task Force, which plans 8-10 seminars per year, you have a substantial direct influence when it comes to shaping the chamber’s programme of business events. Furthermore, you will have a seat on the chamber’s Business Development Committee where the high-level planning of 40-50 chamber events takes place annually.

Under the steady stewardship of incumbent chair Marc Quaghebeur (De Broeck Van Laere & Partners), the task force has consistently delivered high-quality seminars on a variety of practical aspects of doing business in Belgium. Recent seminar topics have included ‘Antitrust law for trade associations’, ‘International mobility’, ‘Commercial real estate’, ‘Pensions for the self-employed, ‘Data protection law’, ‘Belgian tax shift and international exchange of information’, ‘Managing a flexible workforce’, and ‘Brexit: what would it mean for my business?’ Furthermore, the task force launched the Expat Financial Affairs exhibition, now in its fourth annual edition, as a new flagship event for the British Chamber.

The task force consists of experts from member companies in the fields of tax, finance, and legal matters – current members represented include: De Boeck Van Laere & Partners, The Fry Group Belgium, BDO, ING, White & Case, Eryv, PwC, BNP Paribas Fortis, Santa Fe Relocation Services, and Claeys & Engels.

Applications will close on 24 June, so if you think this role might be the next leadership step for you, please do get in touch with me at glenn@britishchamber.be for an informal conversation about the chair role and the selection process.

106th Annual General Meeting with the Chief Minister of Gibraltar

On Wednesday 25th May the British Chamber hosts their 106th Annual General Meeting, one year on from the grand reopening of their newly-refurbished office space. Members are invited to a networking drink in the business lounge before the meeting starts at 17:30 sharp. The AGM presents the opportunity for members to hear about and discuss the chamber’s performance over the last 12 months and to hear the year’s financial reports. We’re also excited to announce that the Chief Minister of Gibraltar, Fabian Picardo QC MP will be delivering a keynote speech on Gibraltar’s place in the European Union.

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Fabian Picardo was first elected as Chief Minister in 2011 before 2015 saw his re-election for a second term. Mr Picardo will deliver his speech on Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory, and its place within the European Union. This issue brings into perspective the broad and far-reaching effect the question of British membership to the Union really has. Since the 1980s, Gibraltar has seen its economic environment change and now boasts a private sector continuously driving new projects. With the referendum looming however, is Gibraltar seeking a new relationship with the EU?

Chief Minister of Gibraltar – Fabian Picardo

 

After a Q&A session between members and the Chief Minister, President Thomas Spiller will deliver his address. Mr Spiller will be reflecting on his presidency at the halfway point of his term and will look back on the progress made on delivering on the 3 core aims of his mandate:

1. To develop a new business strategy and ensure the longevity of the chamber
2. To build the brand and increase visibility of the chamber
3. Enhance the British Chamber offering

President Thomas Spiller

 

The President will then hand over to CEO Glenn Vaughan as he recaps on the progress made at the chamber over the last 12 months. 2015 saw a big period of growth for the Business Development Group, chaired by Olivier Van Horenbeeck. The EU Committee, chaired by James Stevens also continued its strong programme, drawing on the outcomes of 2015’s Business Attitudes towards the EU survey. It was also an exciting year for the chamber’s young professionals’ network, Brussels New Generation, with one highlight being hosting the Great Brussels Charity Bake Off in March; raising €2500 for CHS.

Glenn Vaughan, CEO – British Chamber Of Commerce in Belgium

Registrations are still open for members to attend this year’s AGM, click here to sign up now or you can get in touch with Daniel at daniel.owen@britishchamber.be

 

Finding the right work-life balance in 2016

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance can have such a positive impact in so many different ways both personally and professionally. This week Gaêtan Oversacq, co-founder of Belgium’s first nap bar, Pauz, writes about a new concept and how this can contribute to maintaining the all-important healthy balance.

Starting the day stressed because of work already and afraid you’re not going to meet your objectives for the day? Your workload seems too heavy whilst at night, your brain keeps on whirring and you can’t get the rest you need after a long day? We all know the day after can be quite difficult; you wake up tired with a lack of energy and focus. In the long term you feel irritable and grumpy, your bad mood is felt by those around you (both professionally and at home), and in the end, has a significant impact on your quality of life. You feel like you are losing control, le cercle vicieux has begun.

In a modern world, one must be at their best in all circumstances. Between professional and private life, failure is not an option. But how can we reconcile the two? Is it possible to find a healthy work-life balance? If yes, how do we make this come true? Nowadays, the line between professional and private life is pretty blurred and sometimes absent. Who doesn’t talk about work at home and vice versa?

Taking some free time at work and at home is an essential need that shouldn’t be forgotten. “Some free time?” you may ask, “I don’t have any!” And yet you ought to find some and make it a good habit. The benefit of these breaks, priceless throughout your career, will be felt around you at work as well as at home. You will feel radiant and in full bloom. Most importantly, you will feel well in your body and your mind.

It can however be difficult to dedicate time to relaxation. It’s not always possible to have a place to relax during work hours. It is nonetheless essential to disconnect and revitalise yourself in an appropriate place; quiet, comfortable, pleasant and relaxed. In this respect, many companies have understood the benefits of such places for their employees and set up relaxation areas in their offices. Not only is it good for the workers themselves, but also for the performance of the company as a whole and can show a strong return on investment.

Some companies don’t have the ability to offer their employees such facilities. This is where the ‘nap bar’ fits in as a new concept, especially in business districts offering professionals a specially adapted environment, kitted out for relaxation. The popularity of these relaxation and massage places is increasing. In a few minutes, people can re-energise and benefit from the positive impact that a nap or a massage can bring. These breaks are essential to maintaining a healthy work-life balance in 2016. Take some time for yourself, and feel good with others.

We’d like to thank Pauz bar for their contribution as prize donors for last month’s Great Brussels Charity Bake Off!

The importance of sitting in a leadership role outside of your organisation

Two of our organising committees are currently in search of new chairs this summer. We’re looking for two professionals to lead our Business Development Group and our young professional’s network, Brussels New Generation. We took some time over Easter to talk to President of the British Chamber, Thomas Spiller about the importance of sitting in a leadership role outside of your organisation.

This summer is going to bring with it two very exciting opportunities for two professionals in our network here at the chamber. With that in mind, I wanted to emphasise the importance of sitting in a leadership role outside of your organisation; it can be a real boost for your personal development whilst bringing real benefits to your employers.

First of all, you’re instantly going to raise your own personal profile: it’ll be your name at the top of the list. And if your name is there, you’re also creating visibility for your company. For example, if you’re chairing a committee at the chamber, you’ll get visibility for yourself and your organisation through our various media. You’re also going to be at the speakers table for the events that you’re committee have organised which brings me to my next point: your ability to expand your network through a trusted platform.

The British Chamber attracts the key, high level stakeholders and decision-makers in both politics and business all year round. As chair of either BDG or BNG, you’ll be hosting these individuals at our events. This is also where you’re employers can really benefit too as you’ll be in prime position to ask the questions and gain real insights that you can take away and better prepare your organisation for whatever challenges the future will bring.

Where and who these insights come from? You can lead on that. You’ll be in the driving seat to shape the agenda and put together the programme with your committee. The new BNG chair will already be inheriting an exciting programme in 2016 as we look ahead to the Strasbourg Visit. You’ll be chairing panels including MEP’s, political advisers and senior press officers. If you’re elected chair of the Business Development Group, you’ll be chairing a fast growing committee! BDG hosted 40 events in 2015 compared to 12 the year before and have the next London Visit to look forward to which last year featured Ken Clarke MP and Lord Mandelson as speakers. The committee will also be overseeing our ‘Ambassador Hosts’ series with the great support of British Ambassador to Belgium, HE Alison Rose.

Don’t forget that these sorts of opportunities allow you to demonstrate your leadership potential outside of your day to day role. Show your employers that you aspire to leadership and are actively trying to push yourself and find that experience yourself. Make sure you grab your opportunity and apply for a leadership role at the chamber role today!

You can read a bit about what the current chairs had to say about how they’ve benefited from their roles below:

Chairing the Business Development Group has not only offered me a unique opportunity to contribute to the continued growth of the British Chamber; the role has also provided me with extended visibility for my business as well as on an individual level. The role offers great exposure in relation to fellow chamber members and other key stakeholders in the British, Belgian and European business communities. It’s been an honour and pleasure to chair chamber activities with such interesting and diverse speakers as Lord Mandelson, Jerry Hardcastle OBE, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, and many other senior business leaders, political figures, entrepreneurs, and opinion leaders.

– Olivier Van Horenbeeck, Chair of the Business Development Group 2014-2016

Chairing the BNG has been incredibly helpful for me both from a personal and professional perspective. It has enabled me to significantly expand my network of contacts and brought me great visibility as an individual consultant but also for my company, particularly vis-à-vis senior people in Brussels. It is also the best possible training in public speaking, which for a young professional is a very useful skill to develop. Finally, I really enjoyed working alongside a great team both within the British chamber and the BNG group. It is a great role and a significant part of the Chamber’s activities towards younger audiences in Brussels.

– Amélie Coulet, Chair of Brussels New Generation 2016-2016

We’re looking for leaders

If you’d managed to miss it, the British Chamber of Commerce is one of Europe’s most successful chambers of commerce, growing consistently and doubling in the last 5 years. Now we’re looking for two new leaders to help us take the next step.

Most of our work is organised through our three committees – the EU Committee, Business Development Group and Brussels New Generation. Leading these is a major opportunity to share in our success and build your own career.

Our Business Development Group runs our programme on strategic and political issues, trade, training and practical help for companies on doing business here. Current chair, Olivier Van Horenbeeck, has led a big expansion of our work on strategic issues and we frequently welcome high level decision makers from governments and business. We’re now working on our London visit (last year’s programme here) and a new initiative working with investors.

Amélie Coulet of APCO Worldwide is the current chair of the Brussels New Generation – our young professionals group (under 35s). It’s known for its mix of professional development, engaging with political and business leaders, and fun events like the Great Brussels Charity Bake-Off. November’s exclusive breakfast with BNP Paribas CEO, Max Jadot, was a big success.

The term of each chairing role is two years, with effect from our AGM on 25 May. Each committee chair is a member of the chamber’s Executive Committee driving the delivery of our work for member companies. The time commitment is real, but so are the benefits.

We will be seeking nominations soon. If you’d like to find out a little more, contact me for an informal chat on Glenn@britishchamber.be .