SHANGHAI, Feb. 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The British Chamber of Commerce Shanghai (British Chamber Shanghai) initiated its yearlong Centenary celebration by hosting a launch party on 29 January, 2015 at the InterContinental Hotel Puxi. British Consul-General in Shanghai, Brian Davidson, and Chairman of the British Chamber Shanghai, Neal Beatty, were both in attendance and gave keynote speeches to the 250 plus guests. Other VIP attendees included the Irish Consul-General in Shanghai, Austin Gormley; and representatives from the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Shanghai Committee, the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce (SCOFCOM), and the Jing'an District.
In May of 1915, during the time of the Great War in Europe, a group of British merchants gathered at the British Consul's residence in Shanghai to discuss how to protect British business interests during a time of conflict. The meeting culminated in the formation of the British Chamber of Commerce Shanghai. The history of the founding of the Chamber is well documented and some of the founding member companies are still in place today. Indeed, the first honorary president of the British Chamber Shanghai was Sir. Everard Fraser, the British Consul-General from 1901 to 1922, who oversaw an executive committee which was headed by the founding Chairman, Mr. John Johnstone, Head of Jardine, Matheson & Co., Ltd.
As one of the oldest foreign Chambers still operating in China, the British Chamber Shanghai has withstood the test of time and continues to thrive. Although the Chamber continues to evolve with the local landscape, its original ethos of members helping members, in the interests of growing British trade with China, is as true today as it was 100 years ago. In this Centenary year, the Chamber is planning to continue introducing additional activities to bring value-added benefits to its members and the British business community as a whole. The 'Global Visionaries' event series is one such example which will see the Chamber invite captains of industry and key political figures to present their view of global commerce and how it relates to business in China. On a more social note, the 'Centenary Charity Ball' aims to bring 1,000 guests together to celebrate what we hope will be the biggest British Chamber Ball Shanghai has seen to date. From the CSR side, a 'Bright Eyes' project will offer eye-testing and, where needed, provide prescription glasses to primary school children in Lixin County, Anhui Province.
Whilst a time to celebrate and reflect is important, as the Chamber begins its second century of existence, the intention is to maintain an unwavering commitment to innovation, further broadening the service scope, sharing business insights further and wider. Just like London's transformation from a sprawling metropolis to the world financial centre it is today, Shanghai is also becoming increasingly interconnected and multifunctional. Leveraging Shanghai's ever more commercially advantageous position, the Chamber will continue fostering relationships between British and Chinese companies, disseminating a swelling pool of members' knowledge and resources, thus strengthening the trade between China and the UK.
For further information please contact Janet Jiang, Marketing Communications Manager of the British Chamber Shanghai, on +86 (0) 21 6218 5022 or janet.jiang@britishchambershanghai.org
Notes to the Editor:
About The British Chamber of Commerce Shanghai
In May of 1915, during the time of the Great War in Europe, a group of British merchants gathered at the British Consul's residence in Shanghai to discuss how to protect British business interests during a time of conflict. The meeting culminated in the formation of the British Chamber of Commerce Shanghai. Although, at that time, it was considered to be a short wartime initiative, this business support organisation quickly grew in size and activity beyond the end of the First World War. The following years would see the establishment of many more British Chambers in China and by 1925 the Association of British Chambers of Commerce in China and Hong Kong, headquartered in Shanghai, had a total membership of 23 British Chambers.
Today, the British Chamber of Commerce Shanghai comprises over 300 British companies and international companies with a British interest, ranging from the largest multinationals to small start-ups operating in East china. The Chamber is a non-for-profit, non-governmental organisation, funded and governed by its members. As one of the oldest foreign Chambers still operating in China, the Chamber's original ethos of helping each other in the interests of growing British trade with China, is as true today as it was 100 years ago.
About the Centenary Sponsors
Control Risks is an independent, global risk consultancy specialising in political, integrity and security risk. We help our clients understand and manage the risks of operating in complex or hostile environments. With our unique combination of services, wide geographical reach and the trust our clients place in us, Control Risks helps organisations effectively solve their problems and realise new opportunities across the world.
Faithful+Gould is a world-leading Project and Program Management Consultancy. Our purpose is to protect and maximise our clients' interests in the planning and delivery of projects. As a member of the Atkins group of companies since 1996, Faithful+Gould have been delivering major project and program management around the world. Faithful+Gould have been in Asia for over 25 years. In China, we have been delivering projects in almost every sector and environment including life sciences and health, industry and manufacturing, commercial and retail properties, hospitality and leisure, transport and education since 1997. We are one of the leading and largest providers of affordable sustainability, carbon and energy management solutions in China.
St. James's Place is one of the largest wealth management companies serving the expatriate community living and working in Asia. We have many years of experience and have offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Singapore. The strength of our business is underpinned by satisfied clients, their referrals and the dedication of our unrivalled team of St. James's Place Partners. Constantly evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of our diverse client base, we are personally committed to providing quality face-to-face advice and the very best client service.
Founded in 1871 and headquartered in Scotland, Weir is one of the fastest-growing engineering companies in the FTSE 100, employing more than 14,000 people in our global operations. Our ongoing success is based on a philosophy of engineering and operational excellence and a sharp focus on customer needs. We seek to exceed customer expectations in everything we do, creating the growth and business performance that delivers sustainable value for our shareholders at all times. It's all about driving growth the Weir Way – a dynamic combination of innovation, collaboration and global capability.
Yew Chung International School of Shanghai (YCIS) is renowned for offering one of the most progressive and globally-minded programmes of international education in China. Established in 1993 as the first international school officially recognized by and registered with the Chinese government, the school now has four campuses in prime locations in Puxi and Pudong. The school's unique multicultural and bilingual approach to education is recognised globally and is just one of the features that sets the school apart from others. With over 2,500 students, aged 2-18, from more than 50 countries, YCIS provides a truly international education that develops caring, well-rounded, global citizens.
Photo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20150130/0861500788-a
Photo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20150130/0861500788-b