COUNCIL OF BRITISH CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE IN EUROPE

The Chamber was founded in 1998 as an independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting its members and their business relations in Slovakia and the United Kingdom. The Chamber currently has over 100 members and has the potential of networking current business partners not only inside Slovakia but also abroad.

The British Chamber works closely with the British Embassy in Bratislava for networking purposes for member companies. The Chamber and Embassy work closely on specific projects such as Trade Missions, which have seen the popularity of Slovakia as an investment opportunity increase.

What we can do for our members:

• organise a full programme of business, social, and sports events of interest to members where members have the opportunity to make valuable business contacts, exchange business ideas with Slovak and British officials and listen to high-profile speakers.
• co-ordinate and supply trade information and opportunities concerning British and Slovak interests by keeping up to date with current events and looking for new opportunities in the market
• provide information on new and existing laws and regulations that concern our members
• provide accurate lists of banks, lawyers, accounting companies, trade associations, conferences and exhibition organisers, interpreters, translators, etc.
• prepare lists of British subsidiaries and branch offices established in Slovakia
• issue the Chamber’s newsletter ‘Bridges’ quarterly where members can advertise their services and contribute with articles of current interest
• provide a consultancy service where an enterprise can be put in contact with professional consultants covering a wide range of services

The BCCSR website provides information on upcoming events, links to other websites which may be helpful to members, an ‘Opportunities and Enquiries’ area where members and non-members alike can advertise business opportunities with their company, find suppliers/manufacturers/potential partners etc., or offer advice or services in both Slovakia and the UK.

The ‘Members’ area provides access to our current Membership Directory where contact details and brief company outlines of all member companies are available to members only. New companies can apply for membership through our online application form and view our membership rates for the current year.

Our monthly e-digest keeps members up to date with events which occurred in the previous month, and those coming next month. The e-digest also presents new members and business opportunities and includes a direct hyperlink to the British Chamber website, for up-to-date information at the touch of a button.

The British Chamber of Commerce in the Slovak Republic organises a variety of events throughout the year – some arranged for BCCSR members and their guests, and others with COBCOE (Council of British Chambers of Commerce in Continental Europe). Business breakfasts are held monthly with such notable speakers as The Deputy of Finance and Minister of Finance, Mr Ivan Miklos who spoke on the preparations for euro changeover in Slovakia. Other social events include our regular wine and cheese Evenings, billiards night, bowling tournament, ski-trip, a garden party in the summer and our annual Christmas dinner and dance. These regular meetings are a perfect source of valuable information, and an easy way to make contacts.

With just two members of executive staff and a board of directors with five members, the Chamber works hard to establish new initiatives and meet the demands and expectations of its members.

Renáta Proková
Vice-Chairperson, British Chamber of Commerce in the Slovak Republic