“The event was a big hit; more than 140 guests arrived for a really fun night with excellent, professional food and service from the Four Seasons,” BCCH chairman Duncan Graham told the Budapest Business Journal.

Live musical entertainment was provided by the aptly named band “Union Jacks,” and broadcast media specialist Krisztina Bombera moderated the event. In his welcome speech, Graham noted that the chamber had increased membership despite this being a difficult period for business in general.

“The current board, with Kinga Kalocsai as vice-chair and Douglas Arnott as treasurer, has real strength in depth with a wealth of experience,” he explained.

“Now that we are slowly moving back to live events, we hope to cement relationships with our friends at the [German Business Club] DWC via Dr. Arne Gobert and also the Italian community, who have provided support for the birthday event. The membership numbers are now significantly improving, and our events are proving to be popular with the help of our office team of Oliver Strommer and Gábor Schaffer.”

Long Connection

British Ambassador Paul Fox looked back at the long connection with Hungary, with the BCCH established in 1991. He looked forward to the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow shortly, believing it would make further progress toward sustainability.

“He thanked the chamber, a voluntary organization, for its support of British companies and the opportunities provided by networking events such as the party. He said the BCCH had an important role here, working closely with the embassy team and the U.K.’s Department for International Trade wherever possible,” Graham said.

Guest of honor State Secretary László György described the Hungarian efforts to improve sustainability and press on with “green issues,” complimenting the United Kingdom for its early position in the “race to zero.

He also emphasized the number of British companies successfully settled in Hungary and the new companies enquiring about opportunities via the Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency.

State Secretary László György of the Hungarian Ministry for Innovation and Technology.

Duncan Graham, BCCH chairman.

British Ambassador Paul Fox.

Guests at the event.

This article was first published in the Budapest Business Journal print issue of October 22, 2021.