COUNCIL OF BRITISH CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE IN EUROPE

The British Chamber of Commerce of Turkey (BCCT) was founded by a group of British businessmen in Istanbul in 1887 and it has developed into one of the key players in the promotion of UK–Turkish business. Its mission is to seek out and create business opportunities in both countries and encourage networking and co-operation between members for their mutual benefit.

The Chamber is a member of the Council of British Chambers of Commerce in Continental Europe (COBCOE) and works closely with the UK Trade & Investment representatives in the British Embassy in Ankara and the British Consulate General in Istanbul.

The Chamber’s excellent network of Turkish and British members is enhanced by links with the various Turkish Chambers of Commerce, Chambers in the UK and UK Trade & Investment.

The BCCT offers the following services both to its members and other interested individuals:

• replying to enquiries on trade issues, collecting required information about companies both in Turkey and the United Kingdom
• finding distributors, agents or representatives
• providing ‘Financial Status Reports’ and ‘Credit References’ on companies worldwide
• comprehensive market research tailored to individual needs
• making referrals to legal and financial contacts for further consultation
• providing special legislation and statistical data concerning bilateral trade between the UK and Turkey, and general information regarding the economies of both countries
• assisting British and Turkish businessmen in dealing with problems encountered in trading with their respective countries
• assisting companies in inward trade missions to Turkey as well as organising outward missions to the United Kingdom.
• arranging itineraries, appointments, hotel and travel reservations, car rental services, etc.
• helping to find translators and interpreters on financial, commercial, legal, scientific, technical and medical issues as well as for business trips and conferences
• providing a reference library and network of contacts to those seeking business partners either in the UK or in Turkey
• using fully equipped business centres located conveniently beside the British Consulate General in Istanbul. The centre is open for use by any member or
  businessman visiting the city from the UK or from any other Turkish city. There are meeting rooms, internet connection and photocopying facilities available during business hours
• holding meetings, seminars, cocktail parties and dinners in order to introduce members to each other and to help them network

Jonathan Beard
Chairman, British Chamber of Commerce of Turkey