About Us
The British-Caribbean Chamber of Commerce is the first stop for any British or Caribbean company wanting to do business in the other country.
We will:
- Listen to your requirements
- Advise on first steps
- Introduce potential partners
- Inform of developments through our publications
- Enable a better business climate through events
- Support member companies as their business develops
- Propose innovative ideas to help businesses grow
Trade links between Britain and the Caribbean are centuries old and while relationships have changed over the years the same mutual interests and opportunities for bilateral trade are as strong today as they have always been.
BCCC helps British firms play a part in the Caribbean economy; and assists Caribbean companies find their place in the UK market. We have offices in the UK and Trinidad along with advisory boards, Honorary Chairmen and Consuls operating in St Lucia, Barbados, Cuba and the Bahamas.
Dr Ian Kelly, Chief Executive
Ian is the Chief Executive of the British Caribbean Chamber of Commerce which he founded in 2001.
Ian opened the Port of Spain office in February 2001 thanks to the support of the then Chief Executive of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber, Hubert Alleyne.
Ian has a PhD covering relations between Government and local industry.
He has previously worked at the House of Commons, in the Australian Parliament and has lectured in British Politics at Leeds University in the UK.
Craig Simpson, Acorn Fund Manager and Director
Craig Simpson is responsible for fund management, loans and investment in the Caribbean. He enjoyed a successful career in the UK banking industry before taking over the reins of the Chamber's Acorn Fund in 2016. The Chamber Acorn Fund has enjoyed considerable success mentoring and providing funding for start-up businesses in partnership with the British Government's Start-Up Loan Company and is now looking for opportunities to replicate that success in the Caribbean.The Fund won FCA Accreditation in the summer of 2016.
David Hooper, External Affairs/Membership Director
David works across the Chamber Group of businesses supporting the policy, public relations, marketing and membership activities.With a background in local newspapers, he joined the Chamber in 2013 having worked as a journalist and regional motoring editor, working with advertising and marketing departments on numerous campaigns, promotions and events.He went freelance in 2010, working as a journalist and copywriter, writing for numerous newspapers, websites and national magazines.He also worked with Lincoln University’s award-winning School Newspaper Project which offers primary and secondary school pupils the opportunity to produce their own school newspapers with the help of professional journalists, journalism lecturers and students.
Lorraine Holt, BCCC International Trade Manager
Lorraine is based in the UK and works with the Chief Executive, handling inquiries and providing support via her expertise in export documentation, helping businesses import or export goods to or from the UK to markets in the Caribbean and all over the globe.
Samantha Dennison, Company Secretary
Sam is based in the UK and looks after the administration and organisation of the BCCC. Sam keeps the rest of the team on track and helps to organise travel for the regular Chamber visits to the Caribbean islands.