Editorial for French Entrée – Limousin

So – The story so far with the Franco British Chamber Of Commerce and Industry in Brive

It seems such a long time ago for Amanda since she joined the team, but it has only been 5 months with the operation being launched in Brive and then the rollacoast began....

Primarily the idea was created last year, when Simon Gillham (Vice President of FBCCI and General Manager of CA Brive Rugby) approached Mr Nesti (President of CCI du Pays de Brive) with his idea to launch the Chambers' sixth location of FBCCI, in the Corrèze.  Their already succesful presence in Paris, along with their other five branches in the other provinces, pointed at development in an area which had lots of potential to grow, with a heavy British interest.

It is with great thanks to the Sponsors the CCI du Pays de Brive, Conseil Général de la Corrèze and Communauté d’Agglomération de Brive, that the role was finalised and now exists.

The huge following that CAB Rugby benefit from with some 11,000 to 14,000 spectators each home game, deemed a good start said Simon, (a good percentage being British speakers within that figure), coupled with the expansion of the airport opening in June 2010.

So after the hugely successful launch day on 3^rd April when Sir Peter Westmacott Ambassador of Great Britain, officially opened the office, Amanda Kiff and Director General in Paris, Catherine Le Yaouanc set to work launching their site. 

The Chamber of Commerce in Brive were hugely supportive of this new office, from where Amanda is based from. She worked very closely with numerous members of the team to ensure everything went smoothly in unveiling and exposing the service to both French and British companies.  It became very evident early on that there was a need for this operation and clearly showed with the numbers of enquiries that were received, says Amanda. 

The main objective was to ensure that all British interested companies based in the Corrèze were aware of this networking facitlity.  Regularly Amanda experienced comments expressing disappointment that if only she had been in place earlier!

There has been great feedback from companies who have joined with a high volume of new members being recommended – seems the bouche oreuie works in France too.

Apart from the monthly events in Brive that take place for the Corrèze members, the e newsletters' mission is updated weekly to inform businesses keen to keep updated with foreign information.  There are events held all over the country and all members have the opportunity to join any of the other events which pertain to their business needs. 

As the area develops with the airport looming,  it is seen that the need for this professional networking circle will also grow stronger.

Amanda comments «The day brings much fulfillment and enjoyment, due to the huge variety and interest of     tasks she undertakes.  There is a wide sector of business units from architects, accountants, graphic designing, through to retail outlets, chambre d'hotes and even a professional locksmith and security specialist..  The door is open to all people wishing to extend their professional relationshhip and networking facility to others.»   The best part of my job is knowing I am making a difference to my members and assisting in their progress to open new doors.

If you have created a business and yearn for a higher clientbase then take a look at the web site of francobritishchamber.com 

Editorial for Programme Entry with First Advert

When Amanda Kiff stumbled across the Corrèze whilst travelling Europe in a camping car, she never thought she would be realising her dream of living in France.  After buying a house here, renovating it and settling here permanently with her husband, she was introduced to the Franco British Chamber of Commerce via a friend, a member of their Paris HO. I was absolutely thrilled to think I would be part of this forward thinking  organisation.  Learning about the company, profile and plans for their new Corrèze office, I was completely and totally sold.  Having had a successful business network previously, I knew this would be a superb chance to utilise my previous skills and add value to the area and develop relations within arenas like CA Brive Rugby

It is with great thanks to the Sponsors the CCI Brive, Conseil General and CAB, that the role exists.  Initialised by Simon Gillham,(General Manager of CA Brive Rugby and Vice-President of Franco British Chamber), his proposal was, to extend the arm of the FBCCI to the Corrèze , with the help of Mr Nesti of CCI, thankfully this was achieved. The great thing about the company's 200 year presence in France, says Catherine Le Yaouanc, Director General-Paris, is at the network just keeps growing. 

Amanda Kiff, previously a Senior Manager for an Employment Agency in Sussex,  is now  Responsible for the Délégation Corrèze in Brive.  The function was set up in April 2009 and all signes todate, show it has been a great success having received extremely positive feedback.  It has been a very busy time and I am thrilled with the huge interest the operation has already gained.  As the numbers of new members grow each week,  Amanda believes the business networking opportunity is very important for current economic market in the area. She was delighted when yet another a recent member  commented on how inspired and excited he was about the future of his business following joining. The strong links that the Corrèze has with the British market can only become stronger during the following months.

To find out more about what the FBCCI can do for your business or any gain information regarding all the members email on amanda.kiff@francobritishchamber.com or call 06 08 10 27 95