#FridayFive from the Executive Director: 1 August 2025

Swim-ply the best #FridayFive this week (and wow, how is it August already!) covering members, trade, stakeholders and sports…lets jump straight in:

1. Driving Business: Had a range of meetings this week, and good to catch the awesome Gareth R. from the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce International Trade as we talked about UK and Singapore exports and inward investment. Gareth, you’re a superstar. I also caught up separately with both colleagues from the Britain in South East Asia | BiSEA network: Martin Darby and his team from BritCham Cambodia and Greg Watkins MBE Watkins from British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT) too. The British Chambers network is hugely strong and continues to champion British business. AND... my last meeting of the week with Richard Muir and Anne Mulrine : looking forward to welcoming you and Glasgow Chamber of Commerce members to Singapore 16-18th September

2. IMAS: It was great to connect with Carmen Wee and Benedict Tan from the IMAS (Investment Management Association of Singapore) as we talked about collaboration and engagement across our networks. We’re both involved in the TAC Alliance of the Singapore Business Federation, but connections between Chambers and Trade Associations is hugely important for Singapore and our respective networks.

3. Visitors: It was great to catch up with Stephen Bleakley from Sbmcre who was over the from UK. I love meeting our overseas members, and especially Stephen who always pops in to see the Chamber.

4. Epic evenings: Thank you so much to Jonathan Galloway and Duncan Rayner for the invitation to join Newcastle United Football Club at their match at the weekend against Arsenal. Fab to also see fellow Chamber members Alistair Scott and Tim Rockell there too! Awesome evening, and a special shout out to Brad Miller Jonathan Kane (and our mutual connection, Drew Crisp!) and Georgie Simmons. And as for another epic night, thanks to Kalliope Coplin and Simon Hyett from Band on the Run, for playing with Andrew Clark, Adrian Fisher and me on Wednesday. What a fun, soulful evening of downing tools – just what the doctor ordered. Great to catch up with Mark Domitrak too this week from CT Group.

5. Sensational Office Opening: Thank you to Yan Vermeulen, Mark, Toby Gardner, Andie Rees, Kenny Chen, Karen Chiew and the team for the invitation to the new Odgers Singapore office opening. Love a lion dance. Great to meet the whole team (and your families) and wishing you a prosperous and successful time in your new space.

The theme this week is the World Aquatics Championships being held here in Singapore – Congrats to Team GB on their current medal tally and look forward to following again over the weekend, together with watching the The British & Irish Lions back in action on Saturday. Have a good weekend everyone.

British Chamber of Commerce Singapore (BritCham)