The British Croatian Business Club is pleased to invite you to celebrate Croatia joining the European Union on 1 July 2013, with the first Croatian Products and Services Fair in the United Kingdom. The Fair will gather major Croatian companies to showcase the best of their products and services to the British public in the magnificent ambiance of the Battersea Arts Centre in London.

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The showcase features:
 

     - 30+ exhibitors
 

     - Sampling of Croatian products
 

     - Introduction of Croatian services
 

     - Live Music Entertainment
 

     - Gala Dinner
 

     - Great networking opportunities
 

 

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The British Croatian Business Club – Building a Bridge Between

Croatia and the United Kingdom

 

To celebrate Croatia joining the European Union on 1 July 2013, the first Croatian Products and Services Fair in the United Kingdom gathered major Croatian companies, from 23 to 25 May 2013, to showcase the best of their products and services to the British public.

The aim of the Fair, which took place in the magnificent ambiance of the Battersea Arts Centre in London, was to create a long term relationship between Croatian and British companies within the European market. Leading Croatian companies presented their products and services to the British market at this landmark occassion, and will therefore become part of this historical event which connected the Croatian and British markets with a trading bridge between Croatia and the United Kingdom.

In his letter of support, the President of the Republic of Croatia, Dr. Ivo Josipovic expressed his sincere congratulations at the Club's effort to promote Croatia within the United Kingdom.

The effort of the Club was also recognized by the British Government and the Mayor of Wandsworth, Councillor Angela Graham, who visited the Fair and met representatives of Croatian companies. The Worshipful Angela Graham was also an Honourary Guest at the Gala Dinner as part of the closing ceremony, where she gave a speech of support to the club, announcing her visit to Croatia, together with her representatives from the Chamber of Commerce. The Croatian Ambassador to London His Excellency dr.sc. Ivan Grdesic and British Ambassador to Croatia His Excellency David Slinn evaluated the Fair as a unique opportunity to create a long lasting relationship between British and Croatian companies within the European market.

In the final speech, the President of the BCBC, Mr. Franko Cetinic expressed his gratitude to all of the Club's supporters. He announced that the club will continue to work as a platform for the exchange of ideas, business opportunities and culture between Croatia and the United Kingdom.

The Gala Dinner was a great success with many distinguished guests from Croatia and the United Kingdom who enjoyed a wonderful atmosphere sampling Croatian gourmet cuisine and wines.

A special guest of the evening was the world class tenor Stijepo Gled Markos providing superb entertainment at this landmark occasion of tradition and celebration.

The event brought together members of the club with representatives of the leading Croatian companies at the reception for the President of the Republic of Croatia Dr. Ivo Josipovic, in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, hosted by Hon David Lidington, Minister of State for Europe. A prominent Parliament Member, Nigel Adams, has evaluated the effort to organize the first Croatian Products and Services Fair as a historical event and has promised to give his support to the Club's progress.

The British Croatian Business Club is an independent, non-commercial organisation funded by membership and sponsorship. The Club is represented by senior experts in international business, communications and diplomacy, with the common goal of creating a platform which will encourage successful business links between British and Croatian companies.

 

 

Delegate Feedback:

 

Mr Paul Irby, Director King & Shaxson Capital Ltd

What a splendid evening you organised on Saturday! And thank you so much for the invitation.  It was a great occasion in every way and especially to focus on 1 July. You and your committee did so well to get the celebrities to attend, and as for the entertainment, well words cannot describe! I met a lot of very friendly new contacts but the most important part of the evening was that we all had a good time! All the best for now, and with many thanks.

 

Tim Batson James , Director Croatian Imports

Just wanted to say thank you to both of you for making Paula and myself so welcome at the BCBC exhibition and Gala dinner. The evening of the dinner was most enjoyable, and hopefully we will  all make some progress with our various business ventures in the future,  as a result of the meetings and introductions which you folks have arranged.

 

Igor Županić, Marketing Manager, Maraska

I would like to thank you once again for your hospitality, it was a wonderful experience.

 

Sanja Opacak, Paprenjak

The Fair and the showcase you organized was a very good event. You and your team have placed a significant effort in organizing this event. As a visitor and a member of BCBC I would like to thank you.

 

Flora Turner, The President of the Croatian British Society

Congratulations to BCBC in organization of the Gala dinner and presentation of Croatian companies. You have launched the BCBC in supreme style and from my heart I wish you continued success in this direction…

 

Vlado Kolak, Phoenix Group

With this letter I would like to thank you personally, especially to the President of the British Croatian Business Club Mr. Franko Cetinic and other associates who have made possible the following meetings and contacts in London:

- Meeting with the President of the Republic of Croatia, Dr. Ivo Josipovic, and the member of the British parliament Mr Nigel Adams, who is lobbying for Croatian interests, as well as other distinguished guests, politicans and businessmen.

The visit of President Josipovic opened the door for Croatian exporters and British investors, and confirmed the platform for mutual British Croatian interests.

-Business meeting with the governing board of the BCBC and the British Ambassador to Croatia Mr. David Slinn, who is offering a complete support to the club.

-Meeting with the Mayor of Wandsworth, Councillor Angela Graham who was extremely satisfied with the Fair and possible collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce, emphasizing that she will organize the visit of the representatives from the British Chamber of Commerce and the enterpreneurs to Croatia.

- Special thanks to all of the performing artists who have presented Croatian culture and made our stay in London even more enjoyable.

We hope that on our next meeting in Zagreb we will have the opportunity to make you feel as welcomed as you made us feel in London.