2017 sees growth in the memberships, networking events and special interest groups, further cementing BBBF’s position as the leading business group in Bahrain
Bahrain British Business Forum (BBBF) held its Annual General Meeting at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel recently, highlighted by the re-election of most of the current committee members for another 2-year term. The Chairman of the BBBF, Mr. Khalid Al Zayani OBE, gave his annual report recapping the forum’s accomplishments during the year and outlined the BBBF’s financial highlights for 2016.
The executive committee members for the next two years are:
- Khalid Al Zayani OBE, Chairman
- Paula Boast, Vice Chair
- Jonathan Trafankowski, Treasurer
- Ben Elsworth, Honorary Secretary
- Mazen Al Umran, Committee Member
- Nasser Al-Arayedh, Committee Member
- Adel Fakhro, Committee Member
- Ava Garbutt, Committee Member
- Mark Gravener, Committee Member (new)
During 2016 BBBF continued to strengthen its position as the largest business group in Bahrain, attracting new members representing all business sectors and industries. This year the BBBF will continue to encourage young members, particularly Bahrainis, to join both the forum and the special interest groups to bring diversity and fresh ideas to the table.
The forum’s monthly networking events were extremely successful during the year, repeatedly attracting over 100 members and guests at each function, with numerous guests becoming new members. The BBBF’s meetings featured prominent speakers from local businesses and government entities, including several ministers, business and community leaders, and visiting trade delegations from the UK, including UK Prime Minister Theresa May and a special Royal visit from HRH Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall.
The forum’s Special Interest Group (SIG) meetings saw increased activity and participation throughout the year. A new SIG for Young Professionals affiliated with Bahrain Polytechnic and CPSP programme was inaugurated in 2016, adding to the existing SIGs covering construction, banking & financial services, ICT and legal sectors; as well as organisational effectiveness, oil, gas & energy, and hospitality industries. With the addition of the latest SIG – Women in Business – this year, the SIGs now number nine in total. They offer members a valuable medium for connecting with industry peers, exchanging knowledge and discussing topics relevant to a specific sector.
Mr. Al Zayani OBE said in his address: “Year on year we have continued to fortify our position as the largest and most active business group in Bahrain, drawing many new members from all facets of the business community. Last year was special in many ways, especially because of the 200th Anniversary of British Bahraini relations, celebrating which the BBBF took on a very active role.”
Mr. Al Zayani expressed his appreciation and thanks to the forum’s Executive Committee, Special Interest Group leaders, and sponsors CharlesRussell Speechlys, Etihad Airways, Gulf Brands International, Euro Motors, AXA Insurance, Hill + Knowlton Strategies, KSI International and OAK Utility Solutions & Development.
“I would also like to thank our very supportive British Ambassador, H.E. Simon Martin CMG and the rest of the team at the Embassy for their steadfast support. The committee looks forward to making 2017 an even more successful year. We encourage many new members to join the forum, particularly young professionals, the leaders of the future. They complement our diverse membership and bring new energy to the forum,” concluded Mr. Al Zayani.
During the meeting, a business class ticket to London donated by Etihad Airways was raffled between the members present. Etihad Airways representative Mr. Sanju Thomas presented the ticket to the lucky winner Mr. David Jeffery.