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No 8 Summer Issue 2013

Guy Fawkes Join us November 2nd for the Biggest British Bonfire! 10 Things that Happen When British Expats Meet in America British Entrepreneurship contributes to Central Florida Economy and Reputation


CONTENTS

Contents

Editorial Team Publisher Justine Assal Editor Nicole Hatti Assistant Editor Sarah Wilkinson Contributing Columnists Mayor Teresa Jacobs, Stewart Rushton, Virgin Atlantic, Southwest Florida Brits, BACC Broward County, Patricia Tan, BACC Central Florida

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Working in Partnership British Entrepreneurship contributes to Central Florida Economy and Reputation

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By Royal Appointment

Mayor Teresa Jacobs

Stewart Rushton

Triplets Celebrate Their 80th Birthday Stewart Rushton

10 Things That Happen When British Expats Meet in America

Advertising info@floridalinkcorp.com 407-401-9690 News Justine Assal Q&A Nicole Hatti Submissions editor@floridalinkcorp.com

Ruth Margolis for BBC America and Virgin Atlantic

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Bowler Hats, Briefcases and The Bank of England British Icons in the City of London

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Queen's Birthday Marked at Annual Celebration by SWFL's Ex-Pat British Social Club

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Rule Brittania

Pat Tan

Southwest Florida Brits

BACC Broward County

Lunch with the brits BACC CENTRAL FLORIDA 2 | Florida Standard

The Florida Standard Magazine – The Official British Expat magazine of Florida is a publication of Floridalink LLC. & ORB Marketing Solutions Printed and published in the United States. Published 6 times per year. Copyright 2013 Floridalink LLC No portions of this work may be copied or reproduced without express written permission of the Publisher. We can be contacted at Floridalink LLC Info@floridalinkcorp.com 407 401 9690 www.floridalinkcorp.com


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Working in Par British Entrepreneurship contributes to Central Florida's Economy and Reputation Since the opening of Walt Disney World in 1971 and the many other fantastic attractions that have followed, Orange County has transformed from a town of sleepy citrus groves to a hub of international travel and culture. 4 | Florida Standard


rtnership N

aturally, our region has been pleased to welcome one of our nation’s oldest and strongest economic partners, Great Britain. There are a myriad of reasons that Orange County is one of the best places for people across the globe to visit and do business, including many key advantages that make it especially appealing to British businesses and travelers. Hospitality and tourism are what Central Florida is most well known for, but in more recent years, high tech industry

has become the backbone of our economy. One of Orange County’s most exciting projects – and the home of an entire vital industry – the “Medical City at Lake Nona”, was conceived and developed by Tavistock's Joe Lewis, a well-known and widely admired British businessman. Lake Nona is only one of many areas in Central Florida that is flourishing. In fact, as a result of the growth in that area, it has attracted companies like North Ireland-based Mivan, Inc., who have recently located their North American headquarters here. Addition-

Central Florida

ally, the Orlando area is a global epicenter for the Modeling, Simulation, and Training (MS&T), and the Optics and Photonics industries. As a result of this, Gooch & Housego’s Optronics Laboratories, another UK-based company, has located their headquarters here in Orlando where they design and manufacture research-grade light measurement solutions. Central Florida is not just a location of, but a hub for multiple sectors where British businesses are strong: optics and photonics, entertainment and attractions, healthcare and life sciences, and modeling simulation and training. This co-location of similar businesses is invaluable. You can build offices anywhere, but at the Medical City at Lake Nona, the MS&T cluster at the Central Florida Research Park, and the Florida Photonic Cluster (including the Florida Photonics Center of Excellence at the University of Central Florida), other industry leaders and the brightest experts are often literally right next door! Orange County offers a young, diverse, and highly educated workforce, and so much of that talent is being created right here in the classrooms of Central Florida’s many institutions of higher education. Perhaps most notable is our nation’s second largest university, the University of Central Florida, but Full Sail University, Rollins College, Valencia College, Seminole State College, Florida A&M, and Barry University all have campuses in the Orlando area. Businesses in Central Florida have unrivaled access to the young talent produced by our abundance of colleges and universities. So many businesses in the same industries, along with educational and research institutions, all in the same area make for powerful partnerships and unlimited opportunities possible. These very partnerships are what make relocating to Orlando so attractive to businesses worldwide. In addition, there is a collaborative and organized support system in place to assist companies who want to establish and expand their business in Orange County. Orange County Government, the City of Orlando, the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission, Enterprise Florida, and the National Entrepreneur Center work with organizations such as the United Kingdom Trade & Investment Office to assist businesses of all sizes with Florida Standard | 5


Central Florida

entrepreneurs, is quickly growing in popularity. Another celebration of British and American collaboration and culture is Britweek, a series of events originally inspired in California and brought to Miami for the first time this year. In Central Florida, we continue to welcome a surge of visitors from the UK. Orlando International Airport is serviced by direct flights offered by British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and many other domestic and international airlines. Just to the north, the Orlando Sanford International Airport serves as another point of welcome. Our world class airports, coupled with our transportation infrastructure makes getting here and exploring the region easy whatever they need to begin growing on a local for both tourists and business travelers. Add in the level. The British American Chamber of ComOrange County Convention Center - the Center of merce of Central Florida is also very active and has Hospitality, our nation’s second largest convention a long history of success in connecting British busi- facility - and it’s easy to see why Central Florida is a nesses with partners across the United States. There great place for any international company. are more than 30 more Chambers of Commerce in With so many common business interests, Orange County with a plethora of resources aimed Central Florida and Great Britain are natural economic partners. Driven by the desire to propel job creAnother advantage of doing ation and economic development, local governments and business in Orange County is the unique ability of our area to business organizations are working hard to facilitate and offer access to a wide national expand the valuable partnerand international audience. ship that has been cultivated. Orange County’s diversity, at helping businesses of just about every industry tourism, and access to international markets makes and origin succeed. it the ideal location for any business seeking to Another advantage of doing business in expand internationally. As I like to say, and as so Orange County is the unique ability of our area to many British business leaders, entrepreneurs, and offer access to a wide national and international travelers have already discovered, “Orange County audience. Last year Orange County welcomed truly is the best place to live, work, learn, visit, and more than 57 million visitors from all over the raise a family.” world. Of course, numerous British businesses are already taking advantage of Central Florida’s influx of visitors. London-based currency exchange company Moneycorp successfully opened its Orlando office in 2005, crediting Central Florida for serving as its launch pad for business in both North and Latin America. UK based Merlin Entertainment is also capitalizing on and contributing to the booming tourism in Central Florida with one of their newest theme parks, Legoland. However, amusement parks aren’t the only thing shared by British and American culture. One of Orlando’s rising interests is also Great Britain’s most popular sport, soccer. A facet of European, Latin America, and North American culture, soccer really exemplifies Orange County’s role as a hub of international tourism. Orlando City Soccer, a team owned in part by two British 6 | Florida Standard

Teresa Jacobs Mayor of orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs was sworn into office in Orange County on January 4, 2011. Mayor Jacobs is known as a champion of ethics reform, and is a strong advocate of public participation in the governmental process. Prior to being elected Mayor, Jacobs served as an Orange County Commissioner from 2000 – 2008. During her eight years in office, she was elected to numerous state and regional boards, which she still serves on as Orange County Mayor. Jacobs and her husband Bruce have been married for 29 years and are the proud parents of four young adults. OC Connect – bit. ly/OCConnect, Facebook – facebook.com/OrangeCountyMayor, Twitter – twiter.com/Mayor_Jacobs, Youtube – youtube.com/user/ MayorTeresaJacobs


ORANGE COUNTY

Florida Standard | 7


By Royal

Appointment By the time this article is published, the royal baby “mania� will have died down a little, but the birth of baby George to the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge, Kate and William, has captivated the worlds media.

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Current Affairs

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or example, a 20 year old college student, Nancy Campopiano, who is an intern for the magazine “Mother and Baby” camped outside St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, where the royal baby was born, in a tent, from the beginning of July! And by the 10th July, she was joined by a forest of stepladders, camera stands, and other equipment as the world media gathered to await the most important royal birth since… well, since William himself was born 31 years ago. There was even a live web-cam for people to watch on the internet, trained on the front door of the hospital. Over the past few months in the U.K. and around the world, prior to the birth, the press and TV stations have sent out reams of news articles, hours of videos, blizzards of tweets and galleries of photos covering every aspect of Kate’s pregnancy. Book makers took millions of wagers on everything about the baby, from names and gender, to eye and hair colour. In the U.K. London shops were, and still are, crammed with high and lowend souvenirs. The Royal Mint made 2013 “lucky” silver pennies that were given to every British baby born in the U.K. on the same day as the royal baby. And gifts have come in from all around the world to the royal couple, the ex-prime minister of Australia was photographed knitting a toy kangaroo for the baby. Finland sent the royal couple a traditional Finnish “Baby box” of gifts such as diapers, and bibs. I think everybody can probably agree that this particular royal birth has to have been one of the events of the century! there was speculation that the baby may be born on Kate’s birthday, the 13th July, that came and went without the happy event happening. But on the 22nd July, HRH Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge was born. So here are 10 facts, some light hearted, about the royal birth: Once born, the royal birth notice is posted on the gates of Buckingham Palace. But, for the first time,

this royal birth was also to be released via social media. A 42-gun salute was fired in London parks to celebrate the birth. The book makers had placed odds on the royal baby’s name, the most popular, prior to the birth, was Alexandra, you can also surmise from the most popular name, that most people thought it was going to be a baby girl. Another offering from the book makers was that they offered odds of 4-1 that the baby inherits the red hair gene, a la Harry. The last time a still-serving monarch was alive at the birth of his or her great-grandchild, was 120 years ago when Queen Victoria’s great-

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grandson, the future Edward VIII, was born. Prince William always planned to be in the delivery room when his wife gave birth, and they aim to move their bouncing baby to a newly refurbished apartment in Kensington Palace by autumn. Both parents said they did not know the sex of the baby, Kate always said she wanted a boy, William wanted a girl..I am not too sure about that one, personally I think they did know! Once the baby is ready to be christened, it will be christened in the Music Room of Buckingham Palace by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

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The baby will wear a lace christening gown made by the Queen’s dresser Angela Kelly and her team. The gown is a replica of the christening gown made for Queen Victoria’s daughter “Victoria”, which was used for more than 30 royal babies until it started to wear out. As mentioned above, Royal births are normally celebrated with a 41gun salute, but one tradition that has happily ceased to be is the requirement for the home secretary of the day to attend the birth to ensure no substitute babies were smuggled in. The birth of the Queen’s cousin Princess Alexandra in 1936 was the last such occasion on which a home secretary was present. The baby will be the Queen’s second great-grandchild, after the birth of 12th in line to the throne Savannah Phillips – the daughter of Peter and Autumn Phillips. William is currently completing his duties for the Royal Air Force in Anglesey, Wales. The Ministry of Defense allows only two weeks for paternity leave, so that's what the Prince will receive. Kate Middleton, on the other hand, will get a lengthier break in her schedule. And lastly, William admits he has never changed a nappy but has now learnt how. And lastly did you know that Kate has some family ties to famous Americans, including the first U.S. President! The New England Historic Genealogical Society in Boston says that Kate is an eighth cousin eight times removed to George Washington. Their common ancestor is Sir William Gascoigne, who died in 1487. In addition to Kate, William's late mother, Princess Diana, and greatgrandmother, the Queen Mother, were also Washington's cousins. However the list for Kate goes on, The American explorer Meriwether Lewis, who teamed with William Clark for their renowned 19th-century Western expedition. He's a ninth cousin seven times removed. The society also says Middleton is a 13th cousin three times

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Current Affairs

of Kate Middleton and Prince William. And after the New England Historic Genealogical Society checked for her, it looks like she could have been entitled to attend, on her show, Ellen revealed that she and Kate Middleton are in fact related. Tom Champoux from The New England Historic Genealogical Society sent a formal letter to Ellen and she shared it with her fans. "Our trusty genealogists have been at work on Kate Middleton's genealogy. As we were doing the research, we discovered that you are related to Kate via a man named Sir Thomas Fairfax and his wife Agnes Gascoigne. You are distant cousins - 15th – but cousins still the same," he wrote. I just wonder if we removed of World War II General George S. Patton. Finally, on her talk show in the USA, Ellen DeGeneres has made so many comments (jokingly of course) such as she expected to be invited to the royal nuptials

will ever see Prince George walk onto the set of the Ellen show and dance with her‌ l send my sincere congratulations to the Princess and Prince of Cambridge on the birth of their son, a future King of England.

Stewart RUShton Born and raised in the United Kingdom, from an early age l knew that whatever I did in life I wanted it to include aviation and travel. Left school and started my career in aviation flying as a flight attendant for British Airways, I then return back to earth and started to work on the ground in airline operations. Thirty years ago l was asked to come over to Orlando for three weeks to watch over the operators of the first charter flights that were to be operated from the UK to Orlando. That 3 weeks turned into 6 months, I returned home to the UK, obtained my US Visa from the Embassy and returned to Orlando where I have lived ever since and now have become a US citizen. I still work in aviation as an Operations Manager, and consider myself a lucky person who still enjoys getting up and going to work. Florida Standard | 11


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Triplets celebrate their

80th Birthday BY Stewart RUShton

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A Royal Birthday

Well now the whole world knows the name of the new Royal Baby, announced this evening in London. But this story is not about the celebrating the Royal Baby, but about three octogenarian triplet babies who the doctors feared would not survive after being born under 5lbs, and who have just celebrated their 80th Birthdays in the UK.

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hen triplets Audrey O'Donnell, and Alan and Eric Lucas were born in 1933 they were so tiny their chances of survival looked slim. Without the benefit of today's technology, doctors had predicted their mother Doris may have been carrying twins using an ear trumpet! Audrey was born first weighing 5lb, followed by Alan 20 minutes later weighing 3lb and surprise addition Eric came 20 minutes after that at just 2lb. They were wrapped in cotton wool and cooking foil to keep them warm. But against all the odds, the trio have just celebrated their 80th birthdays, surrounded by many of their 35 grandchildren. They are believed to be among the oldest surviving triplets in the UK. Eric, Alan and Audrey's birthday celebration was a rare get-together for the siblings because Eric has moved to Wales. But there was a time when the three were inseparable as they grew up together. Grandmotherof-21, Audrey O'Donnell, who lives with husband Bernard in Wythenshawe, Manchester, Describes what she was told of their birth. She said: 'They used one of those ear trumpets and said that perhaps there was a second heart beat but they weren't sure. 'So it was a real shock when three of us arrived, there was a dash to get more nappies. They wrapped us all in cotton wool and cooking foil to keep us warm.' The triplets were such a rare sight, their father Edward was inundated with requests from baby food companies to use the triplets in advertising, but he turned them down. But for the boys, being identical did have some advantages. Alan, who lives in Heaton Mersey, Greater Manchester, said: 'We were in the same cricket team and I could bat and bowl while Eric couldn't bat. So I used to pretend to be him

and go in twice to bat - nobody noticed. 'I suppose officially that would be cheating but it worked well. We won many a match that way.' Audrey later worked in insurance while Alan became a director for Ford and

Eric worked as an insurance broker. Eric, who lives in Anglesey with his wife Anne, said: 'I woke up one night with chest pains and the next day I found out Alan had had a heart attack. I did have one later and I've had four altogether. We've all had our ups and downs but we've come through them.' The trio admit they have always been competitive. Eric said: 'We're all good friends today, but we don't see much of each other. I have to say Alan's a bit rotund compared to me but we all get on well together. We're a good family.' So as well as sending my Congratulations to George, the new Royal Baby, l also send congratulations to Audrey, Alan and Eric in the UK

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10

Things That Happen When British Expats Meet in America

By Ruth Margolis for BBC America and Virgin Atlantic

Even if you set out to befriend only locals, you’ll inevitably find yourself cozying up to other Brits. And when this happens, you’ll have a lot to chat (read: moan) about… 18 | Florida Standard

We complain about paying for healthcare

We complain about the weather

I’m sure most US-bound British expats start with the assumption that if they’re paying for health insurance via their pay packet, then the American system will work much like our own: turn up, get treated, go home. Then we discover these things called “co-pays” and “deductibles.” The ensuing decades are spent spitting down the phone at medical industry bureaucrats who would happily repossess our most vital organs to settle our arbitrarily calculated debt. All this stings so much we feel the need to whinge about it incessantly to other expats.

Climate disgruntlement is hardwired into every Brit’s circuitry. Even if we relocate somewhere with unimpeachable weather — California, for instance – we’ll still manage to find aspects that displease us. (“The damn sun is always in my eyes.”) And we’ll moan about them at volume, preferably to our fellow countrymen. That way, our gripes stay locked in the big obnoxiousthings-British-people-say vault, and Americans will never know that we said them.


Virgin Atlantic Column

We complain about bread, chocolate and beer The American-made versions of these popular comestibles (too sweet, tastes of vomit and insect wee in a frosted glass, respectively) crop up again and again as the ones Brits find most objectionable. Not content with hating internally, we seek out other Brits willing to join our besmirch-athon.

We talk about being British I’m not a proud Brit. My nationality isn’t an achievement. But as an expat living in the US, I do find myself yakking in glowing terms about the homeland and its various quirks, especially in the company of other Anglos. It’s comforting to talk about all the stuff we grew up with.

We try to prove how localized we’ve become Expats aim to become experts on our new surroundings so we can claim to be proper locals. We hate to be mistaken for tourists. Our newly acquired knowledge of, say, neighborhood hipster cafes and cute shops that sell artisanal raw donkey milk cheese makes the biggest splash when displayed in front of other local but less well-acquainted Brits.

We compare notes on the Americans we’ve met Expats start collecting stories about the locals from the moment we step off the plane. Every Brit living in the US has tales banked about the friendliest, craziest or loudest American they know. Of course, we exaggerate massively to impress our new British friends.

We compare immigration line stories Many Americans might not realize it, but non-citizens have to join a separate queue (often so long it covers multiple time zones) every time they want to re-enter the US. Having spent half a day shuffling forward a few inches an hour, we’re met by a surly official who assumes we’ve turned up to steal jobs, spread agricultural diseases and ride the subway all day wearing an “I am a communist, or worse…” t-shirt. Expats love to scare each other with tales from the immigration death march.

We ask each other “Where can I buy… insert-Britishproduct-here?” FYI, the answer is almost always Amazon. But this solution is mostly met with a disappointment-steeped “Oh.” That’s because the more convoluted the

purchasing process, the more pride a Brit feels when he eventually unveils his exotic buy to other Brits.

We swear a lot Brits revel in our reputation as the world’s best potty mouths, but we only let rip in front of other Brits. Having spewed expletives for a bit, the conversation usually turns self-congratulatory: “Oh, how fabulously vile we all are!” But how sad that we feel the need to curb our filth in the company of Americans and, worse still, our own children. Alas, any kids growing up here will be expected to conduct themselves, verbally, like the locals.

We drink proper tea Presenting a steaming pot of Yorkshire tea to British guests is like uncorking 150-yearold claret in front of Frasier and Niles. The gasps, groans and satisfied grunts that emanate from my flat when we get our brew on must have neighbors thinking we’re hosting an entirely different kind of party. Originally published on BBC America’s Mind the Gap blog, for Virgin Atlantic. On Twitter? Follow @Virgin_Atlantic and join our weekly discussion on issues important to Brits in America. See you Fridays at 1 pm EST using #MindTheChat.

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Bowler Hats, Briefcases and The Bank of England

British Icons in the

City of London

During my recent trip to England, I had several meetings in the City of London, Britain’s financial district, where I worked during the 1980s and 90s. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to be in “The City” doing business again – completely different from simply being a tourist and visiting the many historic sites there. 22 | Florida Standard

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o much of being British stems from our ancient heritage and traditions, and nowhere are these more evident than in the City. The “square mile” as it is also known is the oldest part of London and yet still functions as the heart of Britain’s business and financial activities. Hard to believe that old customs, not to mention old buildings, can adapt to deal with the hi-tech age we live in today. I thought it might be fun to look at some of the things, big and small, that have become representative of the City and its financial lifeblood.


Out of Interest

associations for barristers in England and Wales,. Some of the Inns are housed in buildings that date back to the 16th century. The most famous briefcase in Britain has to be the one used by the Chancellor the Exchequer to carry his annual budget speech to the Houses of Parliament. This red, rather battered briefcase was originally used in 1860, retired in 1965 but made a brief appearance again in 2000s before being placed in The National Archives. The Old Lady of Threadneedle Street, as the Bank of England is affectionately known, sits majestically at the intersection of nine roads, making it a truly central feature of the City. Established in 1694, the Bank of England is the second oldest bank in the world. Its current building dates back to 1734 and was the first purpose built bank. The building itself is very impressive, and even more so when you understand how vast its underground vaults are. This is where the U.K.’s gold reserves are stored, and building a secure facility in 1734 must have had its challenges.. Land in the square mile and surrounding areas is coveted for the development of office and commercial buildings, but resourceful developers have come up with some very inventive ways of introducing residential accommodation into the landscape. I approached one of our U.K. partners and asked them to send me some illustrations of this. I hope you will agree that both of the homes pictured here combine modern living with a respect for Britain’s traditions and historic buildings. I’m sure the architects of the original buildings could not have conceived how their creations might be re-purposed, nor could they have imagined the price tag they might carry in a future world.

Victorian warehouse conversion, directly on the River Thames. 2723 sq ft penthouse, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. $4,531,500 Invented in 1849, the bowler hat is often thought of as being synonymous with the City. Despite the best efforts of Winston Churchill and Charlie Chaplin, most people think of the bowler hat as part of the City gent’s uniform, worn by city workers during the 1950s and 60s. I did see a few of these hats during my visit, and I’m told that around 5,000 bowler hats are sold annually. The briefcase began its life in the 1800s and is so called because it was used by barristers and lawyers to carry legal documents (briefs) to court. The City also houses the Inns of Court – the professional

150 years old water tower conversion. Only one of its kind in Central London. 360o city views from the top floor. $10,270,000

Patricia Tan was born in England, and her career in international sales and marketing led her to live and work in many countries around the world before moving to Sarasota in 1997. Patricia is a Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS), Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI), and Transnational Referral Certified (TRC). She is involved in global activities of the Sarasota, Florida and National Association of Realtors (NAR), teaches international real estate on behalf of the Florida and National Associations, and currently serves as NAR President’s Liaison to U.K. Her real estate business operates from Coldwell Banker on St Armands Key, where her focus is to bring international buyers to the local market. She regularly makes marketing trips to Canada, Asia and Europe, to promote Florida’s Gulf Coast and the Sarasota area in particular. Florida Standard | 23


Queen's Birthday Marked at Annual Celebration by SWFL's Ex-Pat British Social Club On Saturday, June 22nd the British American Club of Southwest Florida (BAC) held their 43rd annual Queen's Birthday Party, to honor the official birthday of Queen Elizabeth II. High Tea was served at the United Cafe Bar & Bistro, 2236 First Street, Fort Myers, and the official meeting place of the BAC, which are held on the 2nd Friday of each month.

'Her Majesty' (the DJ's wife) with her corgi and Club Parliamentarian Paul Landers. 24 | Florida Standard

In the photos, the picture of the Queen is an original coronation portrait owned by the BAC.

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AC Members and their guests enjoyed an authentic British tea service of cucumber sandwiches, scones, clotted cream and other delights from across the pond, as they celebrated the Official Birthday of the beloved long reigning monarch. A special appearance of 'Her Majesty' with corgi in tow, capped the afternoon.

Prizes and raffles were also on order throughout the afternoon, along with a DJ so members could dance and celebrate in good cheer. Dinner was served later from an exclusive British menu (see photo) with delicious meals including Coronation Chicken, The Earls Roast Pork Sandwich and The Duchess. In August the BAC holds its annual Fish and Chips road trip to a local SW Florida British owned


SW Florida

business. September through November, socials resume at the United Cafe, culminating with the annual Christmas Party on December 13th. Members receive a discount on all events that require a fee. Regular socials are free unless noted on our website or newsletter and all are invited to attend. Photos courtesy of British American Club SWFL.

From left: Club Treasurer Sharon Cohan, Lori Roath, Jon Wallace, Dianne Ambroselli, Giuseppe Amboselli, Paul Landers and Ashley Blevin.

Nick and Marci Gower, President & Entertainment Director of BAC

Florida Standard | 25


BACC Broward County

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The British American Chamber of Commerce Broward-Palm Beach was delighted to be invited onboard the Royal Fleet Auxiliary "Wave Knight" upon her arrival into Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) on July 31st. The RFA Wave Knight was in Port for four days for some scheduled maintenance President of the Chamber Roy Yates (Far left) was accompanied by some of the Trustee & Corporate Members of the Chamber. Captain and Commanding Officer of the RFA "Wave knight" Chris Clarke who hails from Southampton back in the UK, was a very gracious host and everyone enjoyed his hospitality and that of all of his Officers and Crew. Captain Chris Clarke with Roy Yates and British American Chamber of Commerce Broward-Palm Beach 26 | Florida Standard

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Lunch with the

Brits

Were you there on Monday 22 July, when the British American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida hosted their fantastic 'Lunch with the Brits' event? A group of close to 100 people enjoyed the food and hospitality of the Citrus Club while listening to the thoughts of a highly impressive panel of speakers. Naturally, the main theme of conversation was Central Florida's appeal to international businesses. Jerry Ross, Executive Director of the National Entrepreneur Center, moderated the discussion and ensured that we all heard the opinions of some prominent British business minds. Kevin McGurgan, HM Consul General, represents British interests in Florida on behalf of the British government. He made it

28 | Florida Standard

clear that Florida as a whole is extremely business friendly, and an ideal location for British companies to invest and locate. The US and Britain couldn't be more culturally compatible, and Florida offers the perfect place for British businesses to set up their US base. This opinion was fully endorsed by Adrian Jones, Divisional Director of Legoland. Adrian had previously worked in L.A. and he made it very clear that doing business in Florida is a breath of fresh air, even compared to California! Phil Rawlins, Orlando City Soccer Pres-

ident, completed the panel. Phil is another British businessman who has relocated to Florida. Orlando City Soccer originated in Austin, TX and relatively recently made the move to the City Beautiful. Phil has ambitious and exciting plans to build a new purpose-built soccer stadium and bring Major League Soccer to our city. He was quick to praise local government and business leaders for their support and reinforce the fact that Florida's can-do attitude makes our region a great place to do business. The over-riding consensus of the panel was that Florida's eagerness to develop and encourage economic growth makes our State the ideal location for international businesses to place themselves. They heaped praise on the openness and friendliness of the people and business community and gave our region a glowing report! The simple message was 'keep doing what you're doing'.


Florida Standard | 29


business directory

British Friendly Businesses

DeVere Group

Business Solutions AUE Staffing Solutions Contact: Terry Wiseman
Region: Central Florida
Phone Number: (407)666-7381
Email: twiseman@achcorp.com
www.achcorp.com

Contact: Dwight Dean Williams M.B.A
Region: Statewide
Phone Number: (305)9031425
Email: dwight.williams@devere-group. com
www.devere-group.com

Financial & Investment Services

Performance Business Solutions

Contact: Linda Smith
Region: Miami
Phone Number: (850)747-1004
Email: willows@knology.net
www.willowstea.com

DeVere Group

Contact: Simon Aspery
Region: Central Florida
Phone Number: (321)304-8011
Email: saspery@ppiprints.com
www.ppiprints.com

Kensington Salon & Spa

Contact: Dwight Dean Williams M.B.A
Region: Statewide
Phone Number: (305)9031425
Email: dwight.williams@devere-group. com
www.devere-group.com Furniture Packages/ Game Rooms

Florida Villa Services Contact: Paul Dudley
Region: Central Florida
Phone Number: (407)238-2389
Email: pauldudley@earthlink.net
www.floridavillaservices.com Immigration Attorneys

Anthony Olsen PA Contact: Anthony Olsen
Region: Tampa/ St.Pete/Clearwater
Phone Number: (941)3627100
Email: info@immigrationvisausa. com
www.immigrationvisausa.com

Bhavsar Law Group Contact: Kashmira Bhavsar
Region: Central Florida
Phone Number: (407)425-1202
Email: kash@kblawgroup.com
www.kiblawgroup. com

Immigration Law Offices of Lisa Krueger Khan Contact: Lisa Krueger Khan
Region: Central Florida
Phone Number: (407)351-9075
Email: lisa@lisavisa.com
www.lisavisa.com Marketing/Advertising/ Design and Websites

ORB Marketing Solutions/ Floridalink Contact: Justine Assal
Region: Statewide
Phone Number: (407)401-9690
Email: justine@floridalinkcorp.com
www.floridalinkcorp.com Mortgages

ACM Financial Contact: Melissa McGlinchey
Region: Statewide
Phone Number: (407)397-7300
Email: info@acmhomeloans.com
www.acmhomeloans.com Pensions

1-2-3 Pension Transfer Contact: Dean Brady
Region: Statewide
Address: 7950 NW 53rd Street, Suite 337, Miami-FL 31300
Phone Number: +1(786) 464-8185
Email: deano_brady@msn. com
www.123pensiontransfer.com 30 | Florida Standard

Printing Services

Property Management

GoldKey Property Management Contact: Valerie Brown
Region: Central Florida
Phone Number: (407)396-9090
Email: info@goldkeypm.com
www.goldkeypm.com Pubs

The White Horse Pub Contact: Fay Lawrence
Region: Tampa/ St.Pete/Clearwater
Phone Number: (941)3581353
Email: contact@the-white-horse-pub. com
www.the-white-horse-pub.com

Devenney’s Irish Pub-Davenport Contact: Jay Creighton
Region: Central Florida
Phone Number: (352)432-3825
Email: devenneyirishpub@gmail.com
www.devenneyirishpub.com

Ballyorney Irish Pub Contact: Brad Malloney
Region: Naples & Fort Myers
Phone Number: (239)628-1444
Email: brad@ballyorney.com
www.ballorney.com

Churchill’s Pub Contact: David Daniels
Region: Miami
Phone Number: (305)757-1807
Email: david@ churchillspub.com
www.churchillspub.com Real Estate

Buy Florida Realty Contact: Denise Assersohn
Region: Central Florida/ St. Pete / Clearwater / Sarasota
Phone Number: (407)709-6174
Email: denise@buyflrealty.com
www.buyflrealty.com

Coldwell Banker Contact: Patricia Tan
Region: Tampa/St.Pete/ Clearwater
Phone Number: (941)5049232
Email: pat@patriciatan.com
www. patriciatan.com

Realty World Top Producers

1091
Email: michellegibbons@yahoo. com
www.grindhouseflorida.com Description: Coffee

Willows Tea Room

Salon & Spa Contact: Karen Payne
Region: Tampa/ St.Pete/Clearwater
Phone Number: (813)2541091
Email: kensingtonsalonandspa@gmail. com
www.kensingtonsalonandspa.com Shopping

The Bristish Shoppe Region: Central Florida
Email: gourmet@thebristishshoppe.com
www.thebritishshoppe.com

The UK Shoppe Contact: Maureen Amengual
Region: Central Florida
Phone Number: (352)391-5788
Email: maureen@ukshoppe.com
www.theukshoppe. com

Ready4 Best of Britain Contact: Justin Jones
Region: Miami
Phone Number: (786)457-9353
Email: justin@ready4. com
www.ready4.com Sports

Winter Park Tennis Center Contact: Angela Zguna
Region: Central Florida
Phone Number: (407)599-3445
Email: winterparktenniscenter@gmail.com
www. winterparktenniscenter.com Tax & Accountancy

Thomas C Roberge & Co Contact: Tom Swapp
Region: Tampa/St.Pete/ Clearwater
Phone Number: (727)8229393
Email: tswapp@robergeco.com
www. robergeco.com

Andrews Accountancy LLC Contact: Jimmy Andrews FCCA
Region: Miami
Phone Number: (305)323-1278
Email: jand592040@aol.com
www.andrewsaccountancy.com Tax & Accountancy

Chartered Accountants Inc

Contact: Kathy Rainford
Region: Fort Myers / Naples
Phone Number: (239)430-1700
Email: kathy.rainford@realtyworld.com
www.realtyworldtopproducers.com

Contact: Phil Storey 
Region: Orlando
Phone Number: (407)491-1157
Email: pstorey@cpa. com
www.charteredaccountantsinc.com

Restaurant

UPakWeShip

Grind House Café Bar & Grill Contact: Michelle Gibbons
Region: Tampa/ St.Pete/Clearwater
Phone Number: (813)254-

Worldwide Moving Companies Contact: Mark Nash
Region: Statewide
Phone Number: (843)225-7217
Email: mark@eurousa. us
www.upakweship.com


Florida Standard | 31


BUSINESS IS

With low tax, less regulation and a talented workforce, the UK is one of the easiest places to start a business and access the European Union’s 500 million customers. No wonder more companies set up European Headquarters here than anywhere else. Find out more with UK Trade & Investment.

Sir Richard Branson Virgin Group

ukti.gov.uk/greatbritain


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