BABC - Houston Articles RSS Feed

Regional Passport Processing Centre's 'in person' drop-off and collection service to end in March

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

From 5 March 2012, ‘in person’ British Passport services will no longer be available from the Regional Passport Processing Centre in Washington DC.

After this date, it will not be possible to make applications or collect British passports in person from this location. This is part of a global initiative to rationalise passport services and reduce administration costs whilst ensuring the quality of service remains high.

From 5 March 2012, all British Passport applications should be submitted by post (using a tracking service is highly recommended) to:

Regional Passport Processing Centre
19 Observatory Circle NW
Washington DC 20008-3611
USA

Further guidance on applying for, renewing and replacing a British Passport can be found here

3-Feb-12 7:00 PM

Statement by the Press Secretary on the visit of British Prime Minister Cameron

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:00:00 GMT

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary President Obama and the First Lady will welcome Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and his wife, Samantha Cameron, to the White House for an Official Visit with a State Dinner on March 13-14, 2012. The visit will highlight the fundamental importance of the U.S.-UK special relationship and the depth of the friendship between the American people and the people of the United Kingdom, as well as the strong personal bond that has developed between the two leaders and their families. It will also be an opportunity to recall the valor and sacrifice of the U.S. and British armed forces and their long tradition of standing shoulder-to-shoulder beside each other in defense of our liberties and shared values.

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3-Feb-12 11:00 AM

This Week at BABC

Becci Himes - noemail@babchouston.org — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:00:00 GMT

Tendenci Newsletter

British-American Business Council Houston

This Week at BABC

30 January - 3 February, 2012

In This Issue

Calendar

Special Offer from HGO - British composer,Benjamin Britten’sThe Rape of Lucretia
Day: Friday 3-Feb-12 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Location: Wortham Center - Brown Theater 501 Texas Ave Houston, TX 77002
Mapquest | Add to Calendar

British American Foundation of Texas - Wine, Women and Song
Day: Saturday 11-Feb-12 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM
Location: Houston Country Club 1 Potomac Drive Houston, TX 77057
Mapquest | Add to Calendar

SAVE THE DATE - "Go Orange with the Houston Dynamo" - Meet and Greet
Sponsor: The Houston Dynamo
Day: Wednesday 22-Feb-12 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Sherlock's Baker Street Pub 10001 Westheimer Houston, TX 77042
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

Strategic Alliance Roundtable - b invitation only
Day: Friday 24-Feb-12 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM
Location: PKF of Texas 5847 San Felipe St # 2400 Houston, TX 77057
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

"A Night in London During the Blitz" - St. Paul's Cathedral Trust in America
Day: Wednesday 29-Feb-12 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Location: The Houston Country Club 1 Potomac Drive Houston, TX
Mapquest | Add to Calendar

A Gentleman's Evening with a Whiff of ....Winston!
Day: Tuesday 6-Mar-12 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: The Houston Club 811 Rusk Houston, TX 77002
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

BABC Royal Ascot Day - SAVE THE DATE
Day: Saturday 21-Apr-12 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM
Location: Sam Houston Race Park 7575 North Sam Houston Parkway West Houston, TX 77064
Mapquest | Add to Calendar

2012 Annual BABC Transatlantic Conference
Sponsor: Royal Bank of Scotland CBI
Day: Wednesday 16-May-12 8:30 AM to Friday 18-May-12 3:30 PM
Location: Gogarburn Conference Centre 175 Glasgow Road Edinburgh EH12 9BH
Mapquest | Add to Calendar

Lost Afternoon Rugby Luncheon IV
Day: Friday 22-Jun-12 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: TBD
Add to Calendar

Hello [firstname],

Welcome to the BABC - Houston newsletter of upcoming events, articles, jobs and more from our membership.

This weekend kicks off the RBS Six Nations Rugby. BABC members and friends will be gathering at the Richmond Arms, 5920 Richmond Avenue, 77057 to watch the games. As per usual, the powers that be are requiring a $20 cover. Big John's at Harwin and Wilcrest will be showing the free games on BBC America. Here is this weekend's schedule:

All times GMT (deduct 6 hrs for Houston) # denotes Free BBC America coverage

Saturday, 4 February 2012
France v Italy, 14:30
# Scotland v England, 17:00

Sunday, 5 February 2012
Ireland v Wales, 15:00

Hope to see some of you there!

Articles

Missing those old Car Boot Sales? - Car boot sale brings British-style bargains to Houston area

There's a new British import in town, shipped in especially for bargain-hunters in northwest Houston. The MJ Giant Car Boot Sale has begun making Saturday appearances on F.M. 1960 West. For confused Texans trying to figure out which part of their car is the boot, it's the term commonly used by our friends across the pond to refer to a car trunk. What you do is you fill up your car with stuff and you take a folding table and a chair and you just park and open up your table,... [More Info]

Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt addresses energy security in Houston

02 February 2012 - British Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt delivered a keynote address on energy security at a World Affairs Council luncheon at the Federal Reserve Bank in Houston. The speech addressed the Middle East, the UK's engagement and perspective on the Arab awakening in Tunisia, Libya, Syria and Egypt, Iran and the impact of recent events on energy security. Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt said: Global trends in energy consumption cannot be... [More Info]

Jobs

The BABC Job posting board is free to BABC Members and can be accessed on the BABC website at www.BABCHouston.org

Policy and Communications Manager

Company: British Consulate General - Houston

The British Consulate in Houston is seeking a dynamic, talented, intellectually curious individual with a minimum of three years... [More Info]

New Members

Champion International Moving Ltd - John Salvini - Virtual Member

Member Discounts and Offers

Remember that as a BABC member, you may offer discounted or free services to your fellow BABC members across the BABC transatlantic network. If you would like to make an offer available, please call the BABC office at 832.351.3940 or e-mail info@babchouston. If you have made an offer available in the past, please confirm that you want to continue and restate your offer.

Discounts and offers can be viewed here on the BABC website. You must login as a member to have access to the page.

Website Sponsor

Stay up to date with our RSS feeds.

3-Feb-12 10:00 AM

Missing those old Car Boot Sales? - Car boot sale brings British-style bargains to Houston area

Rebecca Bennett - noemail@babchouston.org — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

There’s a new British import in town, shipped in especially for bargain-hunters in northwest Houston. The MJ Giant Car Boot Sale has begun making Saturday appearances on F.M. 1960 West.

For confused Texans trying to figure out which part of their car is the boot, it’s the term commonly used by our friends across the pond to refer to a car trunk.

“What you do is you fill up your car with stuff and you take a folding table and a chair and you just park and open up your table, display all your stuff,” said Maureen Clairday, a Spring resident and founder of the local car boot sale. “This is for those garage sale junkies that follow the signs in all the neighborhoods. Every weekend it’s an opportunity to find a bargain.”

Car boots sales began popping up all over England about 40 years ago, when the concept was first introduced in Stockport by Catholic priest Father Harry Clarke, who supposedly saw a similar event in Canada while on vacation.

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2-Feb-12 6:00 PM

Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt addresses energy security in Houston

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:45:00 GMT

02 February 2012

British Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt delivered a keynote address on energy security at a World Affairs Council luncheon at the Federal Reserve Bank in Houston.

The speech addressed the Middle East, the UK’s engagement and perspective on the Arab awakening in Tunisia, Libya, Syria and Egypt, Iran and the impact of recent events on energy security.

Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt said:

“Global trends in energy consumption cannot be ignored and the Middle East has a vital role to play in ensuring a stable and secure supply of energy to the world market. Recent IEA figures predict that unchecked global demand for energy would reach over 17 billion tonnes of oil equivalent by 2030, an increase of 40% on current production. Meeting this demand, while simultaneously tackling the challenges climate change, is one of the great tests of our time. That we need a stable and affordable energy supply is beyond question. How we achieve it is the key. The Middle East has always played a leading role in meeting global energy demand and this is not going to change. Production of traditional hydrocarbons needs to increase, and countries like Iraq and Libya are leading the way. The oil and gas sectors in these countries should be the lifeblood that drives economic regeneration, not only within their borders after so many years of oppression, but across the global economy.”

“But this will not be the only change we see in the energy sector. The industry as a whole is transforming rapidly and profoundly. Technological innovation is creating new opportunities in unconventional hydrocarbons and renewable energy resources. The rejuvenation of domestic gas production in the US through your investment in unconventional technologies has transformed the global energy outlook. Similar developments in renewable technologies like wind, solar and biofuel are changing the global energy mix. Traditional hydrocarbons will continue to be important, but their supply will become more diffuse and demand will move away from the historic hubs in Europe and the US.”

READ REMAINDER OF ARTICLE

2-Feb-12 1:45 PM

[firstname], This Week at BABC

Becci Himes - noemail@babchouston.org — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:21:16 GMT

Tendenci Newsletter

British-American Business Council Houston

This Week at BABC

23-27 January, 2012

IN THIS ISSUE

Calendar

StARS Meeting - by invitation only
Day: Friday 27-Jan-12 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM
Location: Westin Memorial City - BLUEBONNET ROOM 925 Gessner Houston, TX 77024
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

The 59th Heather & Thistle Society Burns Supper
Day: Saturday 28-Jan-12 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM
Location: Crowne Plaza West 14703 Park Row Houston, TX 77079
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

NEW!! The British Perspective on the Arab Spring, Energy Security and the Challenges in 2012 - with Alistair Burt MP
Day: Wednesday 1-Feb-12 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Location: Federal Reserve Bank of Houston 1801 Allen Parkway, Brazos Room Houston, TX 77019
Mapquest | Add to Calendar

Special Offer from HGO - British composer,Benjamin Britten’sThe Rape of Lucretia
Day: Friday 3-Feb-12 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Location: Wortham Center - Brown Theater 501 Texas Ave Houston, TX 77002
Mapquest | Add to Calendar

British American Foundation of Texas - Wine, Women and Song
Day: Saturday 11-Feb-12 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM
Location: Houston Country Club 1 Potomac Drive Houston, TX 77057
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

"A Night in London During the Blitz" - St. Paul's Cathedral Trust in America
Day: Wednesday 29-Feb-12 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Location: The Houston Country Club 1 Potomac Drive Houston, TX
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

A Gentleman's Evening with a Whiff of ....Winston!
Day: Tuesday 6-Mar-12 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: The Houston Club 811 Rusk Houston, TX 77002
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

BABC Royal Ascot Day - SAVE THE DATE
Day: Saturday 21-Apr-12 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM
Location: Sam Houston Race Park 7575 North Sam Houston Parkway West Houston, TX 77064
Mapquest | Add to Calendar

2012 Annual BABC Transatlantic Conference
Sponsor: Royal Bank of Scotland CBI
Day: Wednesday 16-May-12 8:30 AM to Friday 18-May-12 3:30 PM
Location: Gogarburn Conference Centre 175 Glasgow Road Edinburgh EH12 9BH
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

Lost Afternoon Rugby Luncheon IV
Day: Friday 22-Jun-12 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: TBD
Add to Calendar

Hello [firstname],

Welcome to the BABC - Houston newsletter of upcoming events, articles, jobs and more from our membership.

Wow! What a great kickoff the new year we had at Networking on Tap last night. We were so busy mixing and mingling that no one captured any pictures of the event. And you know how I am about photos. I'm already getting reports back today on the contacts that were made. Can't wait for the next one.

We were so pleased to have partnered with the Energy Industries Council for this event and have the opportunity to introduce and welcome to Houston the EIC's Mike Major and his wife, Val. There was very good synergy between our members.

Special thank you to Houston Community College for sponsoring the event. Also, thanks to our door prize sponsor, Viking Advisory Group.

We have a special opportunity for our members and friends to attend a luncheon wth Alistair Burt MP presented by the World Affairs Council on 1 February. Mr. Burt will be speak on the topic of "The British Perspective on the Arab Spring, Energy Security and the Challenges in 2012".

BABC Members will receive member rates at the event. Just be sure to mention BABC when you register by calling 713 522-7811. Details of the event can be found on the BABC website calendar.

Articles

BABC Member Announcement

The board of directors of the British-American Business Council Houston are now accepting applications to fill vacant board positions. Applications per the BABC By-Laws are reviewed and approved by the existing board before being placed on a slate of candidates to be approved by the membership at the Annual General meeting. Applications must be fully executed and received by the BABC Executive Director in either print or electronic from by Friday, 10 February, 2012.... [More Info]

Member News

United and Houston Airport System Begin Redevelopment Project at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport

HOUSTON, Jan. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Houston Mayor Annise Parker and the Houston Airport System, in partnership with United Continental Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: UAL), today broke ground on the first phase of a three-phase redevelopment project at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Phase one of the project, to be completed in 2013, will create a new Terminal B south concourse dedicated to regional jet operations. The $160 million south concourse project will replace the existing... [More Info]

Jobs

Policy and Communications Manager

Company: British Consulate General - Houston

The British Consulate in Houston is seeking a dynamic, talented, intellectually curious individual with a minimum of three years... [More Info]

Member Benefits

Houston Business Journal - BABC Members receive $20 discount on first time and renewal subscriptions by calling Scott Harris at 713-395-9655.

Website Sponsor

Network with us online!

Stay up to date with our RSS feeds.

26-Jan-12 5:21 PM

BABC Member Announcement

Becci Himes - noemail@babchouston.org — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:00:00 GMT

The board of directors of the British-American Business Council Houston are now accepting applications to fill vacant board positions.

Applications per the BABC By-Laws are reviewed and approved by the existing board before being placed on a slate of candidates to be approved by the membership at the Annual General meeting.

Applications must be fully executed and received by the BABC Executive Director in either print or electronic from by Friday, 10 February, 2012. Applicants must have the endorsement of 5 member BABC member companies in good standing.

To obtain applications please call the BABC office at 832-351-3940 or e-mail info@babchouston.org.

A Director of the BABC Houston Board would be recruited based on one (or more) of the following criteria:

An individual whose corporate or financial affiliation can provide a source of funds, ‘in kind’ benefits or other resources to the BABC
An individual who has demonstrated a desire to be actively involved in the activities of the BABC and can provide the time, leadership, motivation and the manpower to execute its programs or help fulfill its needs

Obligations:

A member in good-standing of BABC Houston
Serve for a term of three years
Management and control of the property, business and affairs of the Council.

Responsibilities:

To attend and participate in monthly Board meetings, whether in person or by teleconference
1. Missing two (2) consecutive Board meetings or attending fewer than fifty percent (50%) of all convened Board meetings during a fiscal year, he or she will be contacted by the President to discuss the absences
2. Missing three (3) or more consecutive Board meetings or attending less than sixty percent (60%) of all convened Board meetings during a fiscal year, he or she may be asked to resign from the Board
To attend the Annual General Meeting and other BABC events
To further the mission of the BABC Houston by serving as a representative and ‘model’ of the council and by promoting professional and ethical conduct among his or her peers.
To work diligently in securing new corporate and individual members during the year in an effort to fulfill targets agreed upon by the Board.

26-Jan-12 3:00 PM

United and Houston Airport System Begin Redevelopment Project at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:00:00 GMT

The $160 million south concourse project will replace the existing south side flight stations with a new 225,000 square-foot facility to accommodate United's regional aircraft. At nearly four times the size of the existing space, the new concourse will provide a better customer experience, as it will feature modern and expanded gate lounge areas, concessions and restroom facilities.

READ REMAINDER OF ARTICLE

23-Jan-12 12:00 PM

This Week at BABC

Becci Himes - noemail@babchouston.org — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:00:00 GMT

Tendenci Newsletter

British-American Business Council Houston

This Week at BABC

16-20 January, 2012

IN THIS ISSUE

Calendar

Financial Services UK: Identifying Opportunities in a Changing Landscape
Sponsor: UK Trade and Investment
Day: Monday 23-Jan-12 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: Wells Fargo Plaza, Conference Room 1000 Louisiana Houston, TX 77002
Mapquest | Add to Calendar

BABC Networking on Tap
Sponsor: Houston Community College Viking Advisory Group
Day: Wednesday 25-Jan-12 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Sherlock's Baker Street Pub 10001 Westheimer Houston, TX 77042
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

StARS Meeting - By Invitation Only
Day: Friday 27-Jan-12 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM
Location: Westin Memorial City - BLUEBONNET ROOM 925 Gessner Houston, TX 77024
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

The 59th Heather & Thistle Society Burns Supper
Day: Saturday 28-Jan-12 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM
Location: Crowne Plaza West 14703 Park Row Houston, TX 77079
Mapquest | Add to Calendar

Special Offer from HGO - British composer,Benjamin Britten’sThe Rape of Lucretia
Day: Friday 3-Feb-12 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Location: Wortham Center - Brown Theater 501 Texas Ave Houston, TX 77002
Mapquest | Add to Calendar

British American Foundation of Texas - Wine, Women and Song
Day: Saturday 11-Feb-12 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM
Location: Houston Country Club 1 Potomac Drive Houston, TX 77057
Mapquest | Add to Calendar

"A Night in London During the Blitz" - St. Paul's Cathedral Trust in America
Day: Wednesday 29-Feb-12 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Location: The Houston Country Club 1 Potomac Drive Houston, TX
Mapquest | Add to Calendar

A Gentleman's Evening with a Whiff of ....Winston!
Day: Tuesday 6-Mar-12 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: The Houston Club 811 Rusk Houston, TX 77002
r Mapquest | Add to Calendar

2012 Annual BABC Transatlantic Conference
Sponsor: Royal Bank of Scotland CBI
Day: Wednesday 16-May-12 8:30 AM to Friday 18-May-12 3:30 PM
Location: Gogarburn Conference Centre 175 Glasgow Road Edinburgh EH12 9BH
Mapquest | Add to Calendar

Hello,

Welcome to the BABC - Houston newsletter of upcoming events, articles, jobs and more from our membership.

I was very pleased to be a guest of the British Consulate - General in the BP VIP suite for the US Olympic Marathon Trials last Saturday. A 7 am call time is not my best time of the day. But, BP softened the blow with a great breakfast and a very adventagous view of the race.

We had opportunity to view the race from the street level stands and from the balcony of the George R. Brown Convention Center. Both the men's and women's groups passed the stands three times during the race. It was evident quite early who the contenders were.

BABC Silver Sponsor Member BP is proud partner of the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC). They are committed to providing Team USA's top-flight competitors with the opportunities, support and critical funding necessary to help fuel these outstanding athletes at the London 2012 Olympic Games and beyond.

I know we are all looking forward to the London 2012 Olympics this summer. Look for a partnership of BABC and UKTI to provide you with information on activities and opportunities to be involved.

View more photos of the event

Remember that your BABC membership fees are due this month. You can pay by check or credit card.

We ran a special drawing for those members who paid early (on or before December 1, 2011). A big thank you to all who participated. I'm pleased to announce that YSC is the winner of the United travel vouchers. YSC's mission is to release the power of people. They do this by combining industry-leading psychological insight with a thorough understanding of our clients’ business needs. They work with clients across their entire talent life cycles including: recruitment, induction, development, the identification of potential, internal selection, role change, measurement and departure. Their key client offerings include 1:1 and team assessment, executive coaching and organisational consulting.

Articles

1st Winston Churchill library in US to be created at George Washington University

WASHINGTON - An international group seeking to preserve the legacy of Winston Churchill is announcing plans Thursday to create the first U.S. research center devoted to the longtime British leader. The new National Churchill Library and Center will be established between 2013 and 2015 at George Washington University with an $8 million pledge from the Chicago-based Churchill Centre. Rare books and research materials will be transferred to the university's library and housed... [More Info]

British Ambassador Sir Peter Westmacott arrives in Washington

16 January 2012 Sir Peter Westmacott arrived in Washington Monday as he takes up his new post as the United Kingdom's 48th Ambassador to the United States. It is a privilege to return to Washington to serve as British Ambassador, said Ambassador Westmacott, who was the British Embassy's Counsellor for Political and Public Affairs from 1993 to 1997. Though much has changed since my last posting in Washington, the strength, closeness and primacy of the special relationship... [More Info]

Jobs

Policy and Communications Manager --new

Company: British Consulate - General Houston

The British Consulate in Houston is seeking a dynamic, talented, intellectually curious individual with a minimum of three years... [More Info]

New Members

Richard Leach - Individual Member

Website Sponsor

Stay up to date with our RSS feeds.

19-Jan-12 1:00 PM

1st Winston Churchill library in US to be created at George Washington University

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON — An international group seeking to preserve the legacy of Winston Churchill is announcing plans Thursday to create the first U.S. research center devoted to the longtime British leader.

The new National Churchill Library and Center will be established between 2013 and 2015 at George Washington University with an $8 million pledge from the Chicago-based Churchill Centre. Rare books and research materials will be transferred to the university’s library and housed in a new street-front center with exhibit space, officials told The Associated Press.

READ REMAINDER OF ARTICLE

19-Jan-12 8:00 AM

British Ambassador Sir Peter Westmacott arrives in Washington

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:00:00 GMT

16 January 2012

Sir Peter Westmacott arrived in Washington Monday as he takes up his new post as the United Kingdom’s 48th Ambassador to the United States.

“It is a privilege to return to Washington to serve as British Ambassador,” said Ambassador Westmacott, who was the British Embassy’s Counsellor for Political and Public Affairs from 1993 to 1997. “Though much has changed since my last posting in Washington, the strength, closeness and primacy of the special relationship between the United States and United Kingdom has endured. It is a great honour to serve at the heart of this relationship, and I will do all in my power to support, sustain and strengthen it.”

Ambassador Westmacott comes to Washington after four years as British Ambassador to France, where he served from 2007 to 2011. Paris was Ambassador Westmacott’s second posting as a British Ambassador after representing the United Kingdom in Turkey beginning in 2002.

READ REMAINDER OF ARTICLE

16-Jan-12 10:00 AM

This Week at BABC

Becci Himes - noemail@babchouston.org — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:00:00 GMT

Tendenci Newsletter

British-American Business Council Houston

This Week at BABC

9 -13 January, 2012

IN THIS ISSUE

Calendar

Financial Services UK: Identifying Opportunities in a Changing Landscape
Sponsor: UK Trade and Investment
Day: Monday 23-Jan-12 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: Wells Fargo Plaza, Conference Room 1000 1000 Louisiana Houston, TX 77002
Mapquest | Add to Calendar

BABC Networking on Tap
Sponsor: Houston Community College Viking Advisory Group
Day: Wednesday 25-Jan-12 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Sherlock's Baker Street Pub 10001 Westheimer Houston, TX 77042
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

StARS Meeting - By invitation only
Day: Friday 27-Jan-12 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM
Location: Westin Memorial City - BLUEBONNET ROOM 925 Gessner Houston, TX 77024
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

The 59th Heather & Thistle Society Burns Supper
Day: Saturday 28-Jan-12 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM
Location: Crowne Plaza West 14703 Park Row Houston, TX 77079
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

Special Offer from HGO - British composer,Benjamin Britten’sThe Rape of Lucretia
Day: Friday 3-Feb-12 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Location: Wortham Center - Brown Theater 501 Texas Ave Houston, TX 77002
Mapquest | Add to Calendar

British American Foundation of Texas - Wine, Women and Song
Day: Saturday 11-Feb-12 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM
Location: Houston Country Club 1 Potomac Drive Houston, TX 77057
Mapquest | Add to Calendar

"A Night in London During the Blitz" - St. Paul's Cathedral Trust in America
Day: Wednesday 29-Feb-12 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Location: The Houston Country Club 1 Potomac Drive Houston, TX
Mapquest | Add to Calendar

A Gentleman's Evening with a Whiff of ....Winston!
Day: Tuesday 6-Mar-12 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: The Houston Club 811 Rusk Houston, TX 77002
Mapquest | Add to Calendar

2012 Annual BABC Transatlantic Conference
Sponsor: Royal Bank of Scotland CBI
Day: Wednesday 16-May-12 8:30 AM to Friday 18-May-12 3:30 PM
Location: Gogarburn Conference Centre 175 Glasgow Road Edinburgh EH12 9BH
Mapquest | Add to Calendar

Hello,

Welcome to the BABC - Houston newsletter of upcoming events, articles, and more from our membership.

Well, I'm sat here tissue in hand, chicken soup at the ready, combating whatever it was that the rest of you had in December. Boo! But the BABC newsletter must go out!

I hope you have the January 25th Networking on Tap on your calendar. We will be partnering this month with the Energy Industries Council to widen your network beyond BABC. Please register in advance so we can have a proper nametag for you. Why wear a nametag, you say? Listen to this from my friend Scott Ginsberg.

"What frustrates you more? Someone whose name you’ve forgotten or someone whose nametag isn’t available to help you remember their name? People have a tendency to remove their nametags when they eat, smoke, use the bathroom, go to break out sessions or attend pre/post show activities. Don’t. Leave your nametag on for the entire meeting. You never know if a new member in attendance doesn’t know who you are. Remember, as the great sales trainer Jeffery Gitomer says, ‘It’s not who you know, it’s who knows you.’

Think of yourself as a taxi driver. If you cruise down the street and you want to attract customers, don’t shut off your ‘on duty’ lights. Be available at all times for the people who need your services. Because you never know around which corner your next customer awaits!"

The 25th is also Robert Burns night. So, break out your kilts and tartan sashes. Our new BABC Member Houston Community College will be providing first drink to the first 50 attendees. Viking Advisory Group has provided a $50 gift card to McCormick & Schmicks as a door prize.

Time is running short to get your tickets for the British-American Foundation of Texas' Wine Women and Song 2012 'Lunch and Laddies Too !'

11th February 2012 at the fabulous location of the Houston Country Club.

Champagne Reception, Tombola, Lunch and featuring Caledon, Scotland's Tenors. If you have seen Caledon, Scotland's Tenors before you will know they are not to be missed ! Don't let this chance of a fun afternoon pass you by. Tickets $100 per person and Table Sponsorships are available.

For more information please contact carole.serjeant@baftx.org.

Articles

2012: A GREAT year for Britain

The GREAT campaign seizes 2012 to showcase the UK to the world. With the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Diamond Jubilee (the Queen's 60th year on the throne) all taking place in Britain this year, the UK Government has laid out its plans to maximise the economic potential of London 2012 and deliver long-term growth as a key part of Britain's Olympic legacy through the GREAT campaign. The GREAT campaign seizes this unique opportunity to showcase to the world all that... [More Info]

Business Boosting Measure Announced

Thursday 5 January 2012 - Tackling the compensation culture and freeing business from the stranglehold of red tape are part of measures announced to back enterprise by David Cameron today. External site: Red Tape Challenge External site: Department for Business, Innovation and Skills External site: Businesslink Tackling the compensation culture and freeing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from the stranglehold of health and safety red tape are... [More Info]

Member News

Houston Community College Announce Membership in the BABC

Houston Community College is proud to announce that it has joined the British-American Business Council Houston. We are pleased to partner with this transatlantic organization and provide opportunities to the membership within our Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. This nationwide program has been highly acclaimed for the impact it has on its attendees and the success of its graduates. Houston was the fifth city to launch the 11-session business management education program. ... [More Info]

Wood Mackenzie says North Sea investment to stay at record levels

OIL and gas firms will maintain investment in the North Sea at record levels at least until 2014, despite the controversial hike in taxes in the March Budget, a leading consultancy has predicted. Wood Mackenzie believes that firms will keep budgets in line with the all-time high reached last year as they look to ramp up production to cash in on booming demand. Continued confidence saw capital investment reach £7.5 billion in 2011, said the consultancy. Wood... [More Info]

The Year in Review - Immigration Law - Dunbar Harder

Immigration law is the proverbial river that remains forever unchanged yet, as water flows by, changes continuously. Twenty-five years ago President Ronald Reagan signed into law the Immigration Reform and Control Act introducing new enforcement measures requiring employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires while providing a path to legal status for millions of undocumented immigrants. Today, calls persist for greater immigration enforcement at the... [More Info]

New Members

Armstrong Relocation - Dave LeRoux - Small Business Member

AGR Subsea - Terry Scanlon - Small Business Member

Houston Community College - Lin Giralt - Non-Profit Member

Richard Leach - Individual Member

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12-Jan-12 1:00 PM

2012: A GREAT year for Britain

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:15:00 GMT

The GREAT campaign seizes 2012 to showcase the UK to the world.

With the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Diamond Jubilee (the Queen’s 60th year on the throne) all taking place in Britain this year, the UK Government has laid out its plans to maximise the economic potential of London 2012 and deliver long-term growth as a key part of Britain's Olympic legacy through the GREAT campaign.

The GREAT campaign seizes this unique opportunity to showcase to the world all that is best about the UK as a place to visit and do business.

READ REMAINDER OF ARTICLE

12-Jan-12 12:15 PM

Houston Community College Announce Membership in the BABC

Lin Giralt - noemail@babchouston.org — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:00:00 GMT

Houston Mayor Annise Parker welcomed this initiative as a job creator for the area, “By helping small businesses to grow, we boost the local economy and create jobs, As I stated in my inaugural address, creating jobs is my number one job for my second term in office.”
First announced in February 2011, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is designed to help local small business owners create jobs and economic opportunity by providing them with greater access to business education, financial capital, and business support services. In addition to studying accounting, human resources, negotiation and marketing, applicants accepted into the program will receive instruction in the following areas.

* One-on-one business and pro bono legal advice
* Practical business and management education
* Potential access to capital
* Business support services
* A network of support
* Alumni services

This year the first class of the program will meet from early April to late June at Houston Community College’s Northwest and Southeast Campuses. Classes will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Fridays and some Saturdays. Participants are also required to commit six to eight hours per week for out-of-class activities geared toward their businesses.

Applicants must have been in business for at least two years, have at least four employees, have a revenue stream of $150,000 to $4 million annually and be poised for growth. Interested business owners should plan to attend one of the following informational meetings.

* 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m., January 18, 2012 at 3 Riverway, Suite 555 Houston, TX 77056
* 6 p.m. – 7 p.m., January 26, 2012 at HCC Spring Branch Campus Commons, 1010 W. Sam Houston Parkway, Houston, TX 77043
* 6 p.m. – 7 p.m., February 09, 2012 at HCC Katy Campus; Room 219

To RSVP for the informational sessions please send an email to 10ksb@hccs.edu<mailto:10ksb@hccs.edu> or call 713-718-8348. Walk-ins are also welcome. A short video about the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program in Houston and application information is available at www.hccs.edu/10ksb<http://www.hccs.edu/10ksb>.

11-Jan-12 4:00 PM

Wood Mackenzie says North Sea investment to stay at record levels

Mark Williamson - noemail@babchouston.org — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:00:00 GMT

OIL and gas firms will maintain investment in the North Sea at record levels at least until 2014, despite the controversial hike in taxes in the March Budget, a leading consultancy has predicted.

Wood Mackenzie believes that firms will keep budgets in line with the all-time high reached last year as they look to ramp up production to cash in on booming demand.

"Continued confidence saw capital investment reach £7.5 billion in 2011," said the consultancy.

"Wood Mackenzie expects investment to stay consistently high until at least 2014."

The company said investment averaged at £4.5bn annually between 2006 and 2010.

In the latest edition of its review of the UK upstream industry, Wood Mackenzie noted that stable oil prices are encouraging companies to risk big sums in bringing new fields onstream in UK waters.

The research specialist, which has been producing the review for more than 30 years, highlighted that firms expect to invest more than £2bn this year west of Shetland alone.

READ REMAINDER OF ARTICLE

11-Jan-12 7:00 AM

The Year in Review - Immigration Law

Kenneth J Harder - noemail@babchouston.org — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:00:00 GMT

The bipartisan cooperation that allowed immigration reform to pass through a divided Congress 25 years ago seems a quaint visage of the past. Dozens of bills addressing discrete immigration issues were introduced in Congress in 2011. These ranged from a proposal to mandate universal use of E-Verify, the federal on-line employment eligibility verification program, to a reprise of the DREAM Act, a bill legalizing the immigration status of certain undocumented alien children. No serious attempt was made to tackle comprehensive immigration reform.

Frustration with the inability of the U.S. Congress to address illegal immigration found voice in state legislatures across the country. Following the example set by Arizona last year, several states enacted laws intended to deter illegally present aliens by, inter alia, restricting their right to contract, requiring schools to verify the immigration status of students and directing local police to confirm the immigration status of anyone stopped during the enforcement of other laws. Alabama, South Carolina, Georgia and Utah are among those states that passed laws requiring local police to become involved in enforcement of immigration laws.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) actively challenged many such state laws on federal preemption grounds, arguing that they would divert federal resources from high-priority targets including terrorists, criminals and employers that illegally hire aliens without work authorization. Accepting this preemption argument, federal courts have enjoined parts of the immigration legislation of several states.

The Texas legislature considered and rejected over 90 separate bills addressing immigration issues, including Arizona-style copycat legislation. Gov. Rick Perry, notable for courageously defending access to education by undocumented children, conversely supported legislation prohibiting cities and counties from implementing sanctuary city policies. Under a sanctuary city policy, local police are instructed not to inquire about a person’s immigration status during law enforcement activities. The movement to ban sanctuary city policies enjoyed some popular support. Police chiefs and sheriffs throughout the state, however, expressed strong opposition to the legislation, concerned that local police departments, already facing budget cut-backs, would be required to divert resources from community law enforcement. Efforts to block the implementation of sanctuary city policies ultimately failed in both the regular and special legislative sessions.

Not all states rushed to adopt immigration law enforcement measures. A few suspended participation in the federal Secure Communities program administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This program requires anyone booked into a jail, citizens and aliens alike, to be checked against DHS databases for immigration violations. Governors in Illinois, New York and Massachusetts, expressing concern that Secure Communities negatively impacts local law enforcement activities by discouraging community cooperation with law enforcement, ended participation in the federal program.

Citing the financial burden placed on small businesses by E-Verify, California enacted legislation that prohibited the state from requiring employers to use it. In addition, California adopted a state “DREAM” Act making college education more affordable to undocumented alien students. Illustrating the political anomalies raised by illegal immigration, the view that easing the path to education for all state residents makes good business sense was a position shared both by arch liberal Gov. Jerry Brown of California and staunch conservative Gov. Rick Perry.

As the political parties warm up for the coming contest in 2012, the political rhetoric surrounding immigration policy is coming to a boil. Some Republican presidential candidates, portraying borders overwhelmed by aliens run amok, support ever greater enforcement measures. Traditional Democratic supporters decry the absence of a legalization program for undocumented immigrants promised in the early days of the Obama Administration. Interestingly, neither end of the political spectrum appears to be laboring under the burden of actual facts.

Over the past decade, DHS has doubled the number of Border Patrol agents assigned to the Southwest border while adding remote video surveillance systems, automated license plate readers and a phalanx of other human and electronic systems designed to thwart the entry of unauthorized aliens and contraband. Illegal immigration attempts are now less than a third of peak levels. DHS reports that it deported 396,906 aliens in fiscal year 2011, the largest number ever. More than half of these persons were convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor. This represents an 89 percent increase in the removal of criminal aliens during the last three years.

The surge in criminal alien removals reflects the Obama Administration’s immigration enforcement priorities, described above, which conflict with state laws that do not discriminate between the threat level represented by individual aliens illegally present in the U.S. The DHS enforcement priorities include national security threats, organized criminal activity, and repeat immigration offenders, among others.

An ancillary policy for exercising discretion in the prosecution of alien removal cases, designed to take low priority cases out of the system, freeing up resources to focus on greater threats, was announced in June 2011 by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Under this policy ICE will evaluate each removal case and, where various favorable factors are found, will administratively close the file removing it from the immigration court’s docket. Affected aliens are eligible to apply for employment authorization and permitted to remain in the U.S.

Unsurprisingly, both supporters and opponents of immigration have found something to be unhappy about with these dual policies. Immigration advocates decry the increase in removals of illegal immigrants. Opponents condemn the “administrative amnesty” represented by the exercise of prosecutorial discretion and demand removal of any unauthorized immigrant that comes to the attention of ICE.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the branch of DHS responsible for adjudicating petitions for benefits under the Immigration and Nationality Act, continues a trend of interpreting and implementing the law in an ever more restrictive manner. A problem bringing additional workers to the U.S. at a time of persistently high unemployment does not garner widespread popular sympathy. Foreign born entrepreneurs and foreign investors, however, have a rich and well-documented history of creating high growth, job creating businesses.

A report to Congress in June 2011, however, describes employers and foreign investors who seek international talent for projects in the U.S. continuing to complain of legitimate business operations impeded by unduly burdensome requests for additional, often immaterial evidence from USCIS that appears to bear no relation to the actual evidentiary standard. Subsequently, USCIS announced an initiative to bring experts from private industry to help design effective adjudication tools to support job creating business immigration and foreign investment. There is little evidence that this initiative has gone beyond the concept stage, however, as legally inappropriate requests for evidence and denials by USCIS continue unabated.

On a more tangible scale, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the entity responsible for the inspections and admissions process at air, land and seaports, actively promoted and expanded its Trusted Traveler programs throughout 2011. Among them, “Global Entry” allows U.S. citizens, lawful resident aliens and certain others to volunteer for prescreening in order to receive expedited immigration inspection when returning from aboard. Similarly, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), yet another DHS entity, began testing a pilot program, TSA PreCheck. This program also uses passenger volunteered information to prescreen travelers to accomplish two goals. PreCheck is intended to both expedite the airport security inspection process and, consistent with the DHS unlawful alien removal policies and local police concerns with the effective use of limited resources, frees resources to focus on actual threats to public safety.

This summary of 2011 immigration law developments is constrained by the space limitations of the journal. Given the complexity of the political, social and hyper-technical legal dimensions of immigration law, this summary merely skips a stone across the surface of the river, touching a few points rather an plumbing the depths.

2011 Year in Review - Immigration Law

By Kenneth J. Harder

Published by: Texas Bar Journal

January 2012

9-Jan-12 8:00 AM

Here's your first This Week at BABC of 2012!

Becci Himes - noemail@babchouston.org — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 21:00:00 GMT

Tendenci Newsletter

British-American Business Council Houston

This Week at BABC

2-6 January, 2012

IN THIS ISSUE

Calendar

Articles

Member News

Calendar

Investor and Immigration Option Webinar - Moderated by BABC Member Robert Loughran
Day: Wednesday 11-Jan-12 11:00 PM to 0:30 AM
Location: Webinar
Add to Calendar

Financial Services UK: Identifying Opportunities in a Changing Landscape
Sponsor: UK Trade and Investment
Day: Monday 23-Jan-12 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: Wells Fargo Plaza, Conference Room 1000 1000 Louisiana Houston, TX 77002
Mapquest | Add to Calendar

BABC Networking on Tap
Sponsor: BABC Houston and The EIC
Day: Wednesday 25-Jan-12 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Sherlock's Baker Street Pub 10001 Westheimer Houston, TX 77042
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

The 59th Heather & Thistle Society Burns Supper
Day: Saturday 28-Jan-12 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM
Location: Crowne Plaza West 14703 Park Row Houston, TX 77079
Mapquest | Add to Calendar

British American Foundation of Texas - Wine, Women and Song
Day: Saturday 11-Feb-12 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM
Location: Houston Country Club 1 Potomac Drive Houston, TX 77057
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

"A Night in London During the Blitz" - St. Paul's Cathedral Trust in America
Day: Wednesday 29-Feb-12 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Location: The Houston Country Club 1 Potomac Drive Houston, TX
Mapquest | Add to Calendar

A Gentleman's Evening with a Whiff of ....Winston!
Day: Tuesday 6-Mar-12 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: The Houston Club 811 Rusk Houston, TX 77002
Mapquest | Add to Calendar

2012 Annual BABC Transatlantic Conference
Sponsor: Royal Bank of Scotland CBI
Day: Wednesday 16-May-12 8:30 AM to Friday 18-May-12 3:30 PM
Location: Gogarburn Conference Centre 175 Glasgow Road Edinburgh EH12 9BH
Mapquest | Add to Calendar

Hello,

Welcome to the BABC - Houston newsletter of upcoming events, articles, and more from our membership.

We open up the BABC New Year with some very sad news. BABC Member Richard Laurence Baron passed away just before the new year. Richard was very active in the BABC and was part of the volunteer team that re-branded the organization a couple of years ago developing our brochure, new logo and "More than just business...and British" tag line. Richard is pictured here at a BABC event sponsored by the Houston Dynamo. The following is the obituary as posted in the Chronicle.

Richard Laurence Baron April 13, 1945 - December 29, 2011
Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Friend

Richard Laurence Baron, who once said he needed to use all three parts of his name because he was so big - died Thursday of congestive heart failure.

Richard was born to Sarah Lee & Paul Baron in St. Louis Missouri. He grew up in Atlanta Georgia where he attended and graduated Marist Academy & Oglethorpe University.

He served as a Naval Air Crewman (an Airedale) during The Vietnam War.
After his discharge he moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota and began his life long career in advertising. On May 7, 1977, he and Barbara were married under a willow tree near Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis.

In 1984 he took a position with the Bloom Company, here in Houston, which became Quest Business to Business. During his years there he was elected chairman of Dialogue International, a worldwide consortium of business to business agencies. These worldwide meetings allowed him to travel to Paris, Prague, Rome Madrid, Cairo, Helsinki, Malmo, New York, Copenhagen, Singapore, Budapest and other cities. Barbara & Rachel often accompanied him. Wherever he went he forged solid friendships.

In 2006 Richard went into business for himself - becoming Signalwrite™ Marketing Communications · Copywriting. He was known for his loud shirts, loud laugh, and his firm handshake. He ran Marathons, biked all over Houston, enjoyed reading history and science-fiction, loved good food, wine and craft beer and when he smoked - good cigars.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son Terry Nytes, father-in-law Raymond Slavik and brother -in -law Jeffrey Slavik. His survivors include his wife of 33 years, Barbara; his sister Evalyn Baron & husband Peter Yonka; son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter Doug, Donna & Madeleine Rose Nytes; daughter Rachel Baron and her partner, Alison Bond; cousins, aunts, nieces, nephews, many other relatives, hundreds of friends and business associates.

A "Celebration of Life" will be held Saturday January 7th from 1- 5 P.M. at The Pavillion on Gessner, 2500 N. Gessner Dr.

Wear your best Hawaiian shirt.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to a charity of your choice.

Richard, rest in peace. We miss you. I will be at the memorial on Saturday. I hope to see some of Richard's BABC friends there as well.

The first BABC Networking on Tap of 2012 will be on Wednesday, 25 January at Sherlock's Baker Street Pub. We are partnering with the Energy Industries Council. Many of you may know that Kenley Clark is no longer with the EIC. Mike Major, CEO of EIC, will be running the Houston office in the interim. This event will be a good opportunity to meet him. Be sure to check the BABC website for details.

A big thank you to all who paid their membership dues in November and December. The winner of the United Airline travel vouchers will be in next week's news letter. If you haven't paid your dues yet, now is the time!

BABC welcomes back Dunbar Harder PLLC as the BABC website sponsor. Thank you for your continued support of the BABC, Ken! Be sure to check out Ken's article on Trusted Travel Programs below.

Articles

Business Boosting Measure Announced

Thursday 5 January 2012 Tackling the compensation culture and freeing business from the stranglehold of red tape are part of measures announced to back enterprise by David Cameron today. External site: Red Tape Challenge External site: Department for Business, Innovation and Skills External site: Businesslink Tackling the compensation culture and freeing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from the stranglehold of health and safety red tape are... [More Info]

British Ambassador bids farewell to Washington

22 December 2011 British Ambassador Nigel Sheinwald was the featured speaker at an event hosted by Steve Clemons, Washington editor-at-large for The Atlantic, on Thursday 15 December. The event was one of Ambassador Sheinwald's final public events as Ambassador to Washington. He offered observations and reflections on his four-year tenure in the United States to an audience of government officials, business leaders, and journalists. David Bradley, owner of the Atlantic... [More Info]

Member News

How to Avoid Long Lines at the Airport: Trusted Traveler Programs - By BABC Member Kenneth J. Harder

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched a series of initiatives designed to facilitate the admission of persons to the United States. Some are several years old while others are only a few weeks into the pilot testing phase. These trusted traveler programs are available to different groups but share certain characteristics. All are designed to allow persons who do not represent an apparent security or law enforcement threat to pass through inspection procedures more quickly... [More Info]

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5-Jan-12 3:00 PM

Business Boosting Measure Announced

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:15:00 GMT

Thursday 5 January 2012

Tackling the compensation culture and freeing business from the stranglehold of red tape are part of measures announced to back enterprise by David Cameron today.

External site: Red Tape Challenge

External site: Department for Business, Innovation and Skills

External site: Businesslink

Tackling the compensation culture and freeing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from the stranglehold of health and safety red tape are part of a series of measures announced to back enterprise by Prime Minister David Cameron today.

Speaking to an audience of small businesses and entrepreneurs at Intuit UK in Maidenhead, David Cameron announced that:

to tackle the compensation culture and address the fear from businesses of being sued for trivial or excessive claims – we will extend the current scheme that caps the amount that lawyers can earn from small value personal injury claims, and reduce overall costs in cases funded by ‘no win no fee’ deals. This will help bring down the cost of many cases and deter the speculative health and safety claims made against good businesses that would appear not to have done anything wrong.
the health and safety law on strict liability for civil claims will be changed so that businesses are no longer automatically at fault if something goes wrong.
we will investigate the demands made by insurance companies on businesses to ensure that levels of compliance do not force businesses to go far beyond what is actually required by the the law to secure their insurance cover.
we will write to the Chief Executives of all major insurance companies, asking them to set out what they will do to deal with this problem – and they will be invited to a meeting at Downing Street next month to set out their plans.

The Prime Minister also announced that next month we will ask organisations to bid to manage the £1bn of Government funding available through the Business Finance Partnership. This fund will help businesses access the finance they need to grow.

Read Prime Minister Cameron's Remarks

5-Jan-12 1:15 PM

British Ambassador bids farewell to Washington

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:00:00 GMT

22 December 2011

British Ambassador Nigel Sheinwald was the featured speaker at an event hosted by Steve Clemons, Washington editor-at-large for The Atlantic, on Thursday 15 December.

The event was one of Ambassador Sheinwald’s final public events as Ambassador to Washington. He offered observations and reflections on his four-year tenure in the United States to an audience of government officials, business leaders, and journalists. David Bradley, owner of the Atlantic Media Company, gave opening remarks.

Ambassador Sheinwald reflected on the extent that Europe and the United States have changed over the last twenty years, particularly in the last decade. The difficulties posed by the last ten years, he said, have caused both Europeans and Americans to feel less confident in their nations and turned their focus more inward. America’s partners, though, have more confidence in the American future than the US does itself.

READ REMAINDER OF ARTICLE

3-Jan-12 12:00 PM

How to Avoid Long Lines at the Airport: Trusted Traveler Programs

Kenneth Harder - noemail@babchouston.org — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:45:00 GMT

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched a series of initiatives designed to facilitate the admission of persons to the United States. Some are several years old while others are only a few weeks into the pilot testing phase. These “trusted traveler” programs are available to different groups but share certain characteristics. All are designed to allow persons who do not represent an apparent security or law enforcement threat to pass through inspection procedures more quickly and efficiently while freeing DHS resources to concentrate on unknown elements.

One of the programs, Global Entry, allows enrolled individuals to bypass immigration and customs inspection lines at certain international airports. In order to participate, an individual may voluntarily register with Customs and Border Protection (CBP), provide detailed background information and attend a personal interview. No card or other document is issued to demonstrate registration in Global Entry. After being enrolled, upon arriving at a participating international airport, an individual merely swipes his passport at a kiosk and the database recognizes him. After answering electronically presented customs declaration questions, the kiosk prints a receipt and the individual is free to go.

At present, Global Entry is available to U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens, citizens of The Netherlands and citizens of Mexico. Also, CBP recently began a pilot program with limited numbers of British citizens. Global Entry registration lasts for five years. It is not tied to the expiration date of a particular document such as a nonimmigrant visa. Therefore, nonimmigrant aliens from Holland, Mexico and, soon, the U.K., can register for this program and benefit from expedited admissions procedures. Registration in Global Entry does not waive documentation requirements. Travelers still must have a valid passport and, when necessary, a valid visa.

Qualified U.S. citizens participating in Global Entry can also apply for registration in the Dutch Privium program which provides priority border passage and security screening as well as additional advantages at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. This international passenger admissions collaboration, however, is not the first of its kind.

Since 2002, the U.S. has conducted a joint program with the Canadian Border Services Agency, known as NEXUS. This program provides pre-screened travelers with access to faster admissions processing. U.S. and Canadian citizens and permanent resident aliens, as well as nonimmigrant aliens temporarily residing in either the U.S. or Canada may apply to participate. Upon approval by both the U.S. and Canada, individuals receive a NEXUS card which may be presented at airports, waterways and land crossings on the U.S.-Canadian border.

On the southern U.S. border, pre-approved, low risk travelers may apply for registration in the SENTRI program. Originally launched in 1995, SENTRI, like NEXUS, is a trusted traveler program. It shares few similarities with NEXUS, however. On one hand, it is a broader program in that there is no limitation on the citizenship of the participants. It may be used, however, only at certain dedicated commuter lanes along the U.S.-Mexico land border. SENTRI effectively registers a vehicle as well as an individual. A radio frequency identification tag is affixed to a vehicle. This tag is similar to those used to automatically pay toll road fares. As the vehicle approaches a dedicated inspection lane at a land crossing, the system automatically identifies the vehicle and its occupants (all of whom must be registered SENTRI participants) whose data is verified by CBP before being released or, if deemed appropriate, referred to secondary inspection.

The various Trusted Traveler programs administered by DHS appear to be on a trajectory that will ultimately merge them into one. Beginning in July 2011, CBP introduced a single trusted traveler application for SENTRI, NEXUS and Global Entry. Limited interchangeability between programs currently is available for program participants. CBP reported that almost 290,000 new travelers enrolled in these programs in fiscal year 2011. The number of participants is likely to continue growing.

In early October 2011, another DHS entity, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), began testing a voluntary passenger pre-screening program at four U.S. airports. The program, known as TSA PreCheck, is conceptually similar to Global Entry. Approved individuals will have access to expedited security screening at domestic airports and TSA will be able to devote more resources to higher risk or unknown passengers. Currently, PreCheck is available only to certain frequent fliers on American Airlines and Delta Air Lines along with participants in Global Entry, SENTRI and NEXUS. PreCheck is only available at airports in Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, Detroit and Miami. TSA plans to expand the program to other airlines and airports once it is operationally ready.

This article provides only a summary of some of the salient characteristics of these trusted traveler programs. It does not seek to comprehensively address all of their features or provide a set of instructions for their use. Instead, it is intended as an introduction to the programs so that those who may benefit from them may put them to use. Detailed information can be found at:

http://www.globalentry.gov/

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/trusted_traveler/

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/trusted_traveler/nexus_prog/

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/trusted_traveler/sentri/

http://www.tsa.gov/press/releases/2011/1004.shtm

About Kenneth J Harder:

Kenneth J. Harder is the partner in charge of immigration and nationality services at Dunbar Harder, PLLC. He has extensive experience in this area of law. Mr. Harder graduated cum laude from The State University of New York at Buffalo with a B.A. in Political Science in 1981. He earned his J.D. degree in 1985 and his LL.M. degree (International Economic Law) in 1995, both from the University of Houston Law Center. He is certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Immigration and Nationality Law. Mr. Harder is the past chair of both the State Bar of Texas International Law Section and the Houston Bar Association International Law Section.

Mr. Harder is a member of the Texas Board of Legal Specialization Advisory Council. He is the Vice Chair of the American Immigration Lawyers Association Customs and Border Protection Liaison Committee. He currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the British American Business Council and received the 2010 Personal Achievement Award from the British Consul General in Houston. Mr. Harder is a past Vice President of the Houston Lawyer Referral Service, and a past member of the Board of Directors of the Houston World Affairs Council. Mr. Harder has contributed numerous articles on immigration and nationality law to legal journals, conferences, and business publications, including the chapter on immigration law in Doing Business in Texas: A Guide for Foreign Investors. He also lectures on the subject at law schools, universities, and various business forums. Mr. Harder is conversant in Spanish.

3-Jan-12 8:45 AM