Introduction

The British Chamber of Commerce is the pulse of British business in Singapore. Our mission is to provide added value to our members by:

Facilitating the development of our members' business interests in Singapore and throughout the Asia Pacific region
Raising the profile of British business in Singapore.
Promoting members' interests with relevant government and business bodies in Singapore and Britain
Creating productive networking and business opportunities.
Fostering strong relationships with the Singapore government and business leaders in order to promote British business in Singapore.
Providing information, preferential purchase schemes and other services, which bring measurable value to members.

HISTORY

Whilst known as the British Chamber of Commerce only since the beginning of 1998, we have a long and proud history. Founded in 1954 as the United Kingdom Manufacturers Representatives Association and becoming the British Business Association in 1974, our role has evolved and adapted as the needs of business and the economic and political environment in Singapore have changed. Since the beginning, we have been funded entirely by membership subscriptions and income on our activities.

WHAT IS A CHAMBER OF COMMERCE?

Chambers of Commerce have been established in Britain for many centuries, extending many of the benefits of the more ancient Guilds from the major trading cities to smaller towns and to new trading territories overseas. Internationally, there are now British Chambers of Commerce or other British business associations or groups in most countries. Each has an autonomous role to provide assistance to companies that are supporting the conduct and growth of British trade and business investment. In Singapore, we are one of a number of Single Nation Business Groups, which contribute an important part to the business life in Singapore.

With the growth of the European Union in which Britain now plays a prominent part, and also the development of ‘global businesses’, our role in Singapore inevitably has to adjust. Close liaison and co-operation exists at secretariat level with other National Business Groups and The Singapore International Chamber of Commerce. We also work closely with the Commercial Centre at the British High Commission in advising, assisting and supporting any new business wishing to set up in Singapore.

As a British Chamber of Commerce, our role and contribution to business is largely understood by those conversant with the role of their local Chamber in Britain. As part of an international network, we have links to many of these, as well as regional development agencies and business links. We also work in liaison with the Singapore British Business Council, which has parallel role to us in fostering and facilitating bilateral trade but tends to work at a more strategic level with high-level government and business contacts.

HOW DOES BRITCHAM OPERATE?

We are governed by a voluntary Board, which operates through a Secretariat. The Board is headed by a President and two Vice Presidents, with a further nine elected members. The Board has the power to co-opt a further six members as necessary.

MEMBERSHIP POLICY

The Chamber maintains an open membership policy. Membership is primarily directed at companies, partnerships or other trading bodies. So whether a one man/woman consultancy business or a multi-national company, businesses are encouraged to join as a Corporate Member, and are listed in the membership directory according to their business activity. Individual membership is available when the business is not able or is not eligible to be in voting membership. Please see Membership Types for more information