MESSAGE FROM PAUL MCCOMB

Dear members, colleagues and friends,

My last day as a British public servant, after more than three decades, was on the 26 May The following Monday, I was on CX238 and back to wonderful Hong Kong and my feet have not touched the ground since!

For those who don’t know me, I was the Director-General of Trade and Investment at the British Consulate-General based in Hong Kong from 2017 - 2021. I returned to the UK two years ago to support UK businesses adjust to the UK’s new trading relationship with the EU, and more latterly deal with the impact of the war in Ukraine.

Since arriving back in Hong Kong I have supported 26 events and met well over 100 members - as I said, my feet have not touched the ground! I have had a warm welcome from everyone: the Chair and General Committee; Sterling Members; Committee Chairs and members; the British Consulate; other Chambers; and government officials, including the China Liaison Office It has been great to reconnect with folks and meet many new faces.

My thanks to David Graham and the wonderful Executive Team at the British Chamber for all the great work they have done over the last few, challenging years. My life has been made easier by the well-oiled machine that I have inherited: Jessie, Christy, Martine, Silvia, Karrie, Michelle, Angela, Eddie, Terrine, Claudia, Jessica and Catherine!

I have been asking everyone I meet: What are your priorities? Are you getting what you want from the Chamber? And have you got ideas for the future?

The feedback on the Chamber has been universally positive, and ideas have been constructive with a focus on making the Chamber even better. I am still in listening mode and hope to crystallise my thoughts over the summer and discuss with the Chair and General Committee – so more on that later.

Meantime, it's head down, with a big focus on the Annual BritCham Summit in October and an important visit for the Chair and myself to Hong Kong Week in London this September, where we will be promoting Hong Kong and the work of the Chamber.

Paul McComb

Executive Director

The British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong