Thank you for the work anniversary acknowledgments. I had no idea I had that on in my profile settings!! It is indeed five years since I started with the - then British Business Group Dubai and Northern Emirates - now British Chamber of Commerce Dubai (BCCD) My first day was the BBG AGM in 2019 at the Mina Al Salam Ballroom and the struggling financials were presented to a glum audience - it did cross my mind to back away in that moment! However, through my interview process with Andrew Mortimer and John Martin St.Valery OBE [JohnMSV.] (Chair at the time) I already had a sense of what ‘could be’. I could see the huge potential of the relationship with the Department for Business and Trade, the power of the connection to Dubai Chamber and perhaps most convincing was the commitment from the Board and Business Team. On Friday, I stood at the podium, in the same ballroom that we held our 2019 AGM and felt enormous pride reporting alongside Andrew (uncontested BCCD Chair) that revenue over the last three years has grown by a compounded average growth rate (CAGR) of circa 25%, resulting in revenues almost doubling. During this period, we have invested significantly in people and technology to ensure we enhanced the value proposition to our members and sponsors. Investment in costs has been successfully managed in line with the revenue growth, resulting in turning around a loss-making year (ending March 2021), into three consecutive years of healthy profitability 2022-2024. The strong profitability has ensured liquidity is at a record level and put the BCCD in the fortunate position to be able to donate to registered Dubai charity - the British Community Assistance Fund for two consecutive years and in addition this year, to the Rashid Centre for People of Determination. My sincere thanks to Andrew Mortimer and John Martin St.Valery OBE [JohnMSV.] for taking a chance on a 'stay at home mum' keen to get back to work to apply years' of working experience; and providing the space and allyship for me to reach my potential and therefore grow the British Chamber of Commerce Dubai (BCCD) and reward and develop the incredible business team - Charmaine Luck Dylanco; Nishanth P CMA; Lindsay Parlane; Kerry Ann Smith; Corey Avila; Giulia Cibotti Bishop; and Lily Hunter My thanks also goes to the Board members over the five years, our members - the new, the long-term and the returning - and our loyal industry stakeholders! Information on BCAF: https://bcaf.ae/ Information on Rashid Centre for People of Determination: https://lnkd.in/d5yk9ZYn Both are very dependent and open to donations to run their operations. AGM 2024 highlights video:
Many congratulations Katy, time has flown in the short period and the energy from yourself and the team at British Chamber of Commerce Dubai (BCCD) is fantastic
Great Katy Holmes Go beyond
Well done on such a fantastic achievement Katy. I’m no longer living in Dubai but still follow BBG from afar and was connected with BCAF in the early days, both so important to the many British expats in The UAE. Wishing you and the team, continued success in the future too!
Big time congrats Katy. You do such an AMAZING job along with all the terrific team in British Chamber of Commerce Dubai (BCCD). It’s great to know you !
Congratulations Katy! We hugely appreciate everything you do. A very big THANK YOU! 🔥🏆🙌
Congratulations Katy..it was a pleasure working with you on educational initiatives! Wish you further success!
Well done for the great results 👏🏼
Congratulations 👏👏👏
Head of Eurasia & Middle East - ACCA
1moCongratulations Katy - what you have done with the chamber and how you have turned it around and your great leadership and people skills is the reason why so many members give excellent feedback about BCCD. Keep on going and being amazing xxxx