Dear British Business Club members,

It seems like just yesterday we were celebrating Christmas and New Year and yet already the end of January 2022 is here. The year has welcomed us with true winter weather and unpredictable challenges amongst which of course is the new Covid-19 variant Omicron. Positive cases across Russia and indeed Moscow are growing at rates never seen here before and I do hope you, your families and friends stay safe and healthy. 

Taking the dynamic Covid-19 situation into account we have decided to review the planned BBC events in February. We do hope to still offer something before the end of the month but I believe we have to be responsible for all of our members with Health & Safety the main priority.  With this in mind, the BBC has decided that until the end of April only vaccinated or members with a negative PCR/Lateral Flow Test may apply to attend events.  Thank you for your understanding during these very uncertain times.

I’ve been talking with many of you in person about your expectations from the Club and your vision but nevertheless the Committee would greatly appreciate if you kindly devote 10-15 minutes to complete a survey before February 28th. The purpose of the survey is to listen carefully to your voices and gain more insights that will make your experience with the BBC better. Please watch out for the survey arriving.

You may also recollect that I would like to put together some focus groups to hold discussions about the BBC and what more we can do. I would like to run 3 diverse and inclusive sessions and thus I am seeking volunteers. The 3 groups will be across the age ranges of 18-30, 31-45, 45 plus. If you would like to be included in one of the groups, please drop me a note/ message indicating which group you would like to be in.  

Last but not the least. Due to compliance and our desire to move forward into a more structured organisation as one that can take payments online for example, we will be forming a Non-Profit legal entity in the nearest future. We believe that this will enable us to offer an improved service, reduced queuing, and a better experience surrounding the activities of the club. The BBC will seek to cover only the operating costs with all committee members work continuing to be voluntary.  Free membership to the BBC remains as part of the club’s fabric, while members who like what the BBC is doing and would like to support it shall have access to a number of privileges (discounted event tickets, priority registration being just a couple of examples).   Currently we are working on these privileges and would be very happy to hear your opinion. You’ll be able to share it in the survey. In addition, if you are interested in being a member (private or corporate) of the BBC, please, let us know.

Kind regards,

Chris Mawer
BBC President