Guest articles

1. What inspired you to join the BBG Dubai & Northern Emirates Committee?
A track record in helping those who are either less fortunate (via my Citizens Advice Bureau / Holy Trinity Advice Clinic roles), Treasurer for the Wooden Spoon (helping disabled and disadvantages youngsters) or other voluntary positions such a Regional Chairman for my professional body, the Personal Finance Society, I felt it important that being relatively new to the region back in 2010, to give back to society.

2. What does your role involve?
I’m privileged to work alongside a fantastic team of Focus Chairs who are committed to providing informative and educational presentations from members to members. As a membership organisation, we are there to help other members either by introduction to relevant resources, educational presentations or showcasing their specialist knowledge to other members.

3. Is there anything special you have been working on?
You’ve probably been keen to hear what has been happening within the BBG and the regular updates from our Chairman, John Martin St. Valery have highlighted the strategic review. This has been a full-on process, absorbing many hours and much dialogue with past and present members. We’re privileged to have had incredible support (primarily from Barclays Bank) and there is a renewed dynamism within the BBG. In addition, you may recall we undertook a review of the Focus Chair role and have streamlined to 6 positions; Legal, Energy, Professional Services, Personal Development, Logistics and Infrastructure. We will be shortly advertising for a Focus Chair for Infrastructure and anticipate the post being filled Q3.

4. What’s next?
Working closely with the Department for International Trade, we’re excited about the many opportunities not only Expo 2020, but the continuing evolving of the UAE create for our members and expect our mantra of member 4 member to lead to greater things.