By: CHRIS GRAEME
WHEN CHRIS Barton took over the helm as Chief Executive Officer of the British-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce (BPCC) 10 years ago, there was no internet network. Information was registered manually and then filed in old fashioned archive boxes!
The BPCC, which had largely been run the same way for decades, was fondly viewed rather like a traditional gentleman’s club, where deals were made and negotiations brokered over Port wine and cigars.
Today, the BPCC has been thoroughly modernised with new computers, a member’s website and news service, as well as internet access and email. And it is now poised to offer a cutting edge new service whereby clients can gain even better exposure by posting their own promotional videos on the BPCC website.
The organisation is about introducing people to people, maintaining and offering an extensive contact database, matchmaking compatible business clients to realise specific projects, and advertising business, service and employment opportunities on the BPCC portal.
It organises power networking lunches and social events to bring people together. Members also get a great deal of “satisfaction and service out of our seminars and workshops”, said Barton. He added: “These business ‘think tanks’ are excellent for cross selling and promoting the local business community, it strengthens this sense of belonging and, when successful, reinforces the good credibility of the organisation”.
Networking
The BPCC and its team are also proud of its record in attracting high profile speakers, from NATO spokesman Jamie Shea to easyJet founder Stelios Haji-Ioannou.
But it’s more than just networking. The BPCC offers a whole range of services from business training and guides, sector reports, contact data, market research, translation and interpreting services, events organisation, certification and notarisation, marketing and promotional services, and meeting arrangements through its team of dedicated professionals.Given Portugal’s weaker economic and competitive performance in Europe, Barton said that this s
 A GOLF tournament organised by the BPCC, in association with the Japanese and South African Chambers of Commerce, took place this summer at Morgado do Reguengo Golf Club near Monchique. The successful event was sponsored by Newlyn Portugal. Photo: BPCC |  |
hould not deter businesses and the BPCC. “I have always found that people with flair, get up and go and good ideas will thrive in any environment. It’s a case of perseverance and individual ability and we have seen so many success stories over the years”.
Although red tape still exists in Portugal, it is lessening and the fact that the BPCC’s traditional services in helping set up a business through making contracts with such and such a minister or agency are on the decline bears testament to that.
Barton said: “With the ‘Company Start-up within the Hour Programme’ it’s a lot easier for our members to begin a business activity and more and people are finding it easier to help themselves”.
The BPCC, a non-government and non-profit making organisation, has to work hard to keep its head above water and attract members which currently stand at 447 (56 per cent in Lisbon, 18 per cent in Porto, 20 per cent in the Algarve and the remainder in the UK, Madeira and other parts of the country).
It’s not the biggest Chamber of Commerce in Portugal but it is the largest that is not supported by any government and receives no financial assistance, unlike other chambers.
Today, the BPCC is trying to reduce its reliance on income from subscriptions and is concentrating on revenue from seminars, training sessions and workshops with an emphasis on getting interesting business people to attend and speak at its events rather than just politicians.
“At the end of the day, it’s wonderful and rewarding to feel the satisfaction of bringing together a group of investors or potential business partners and knowing that we really do make a difference”, Barton concludes.
Upcoming BPCC events
AN INFORMAL business drinks has been organised at the Porto Cricket and Lawn Tennis Club on September 5 at 7pm. The BPCC Summer Barbeque in the Algarve is due to take place on September 14 at 7pm at Browns Sport and Leisure Club in Vilamoura. Later in September, the ninth Annual Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament is due to be held at Praia D’El Rey in Óbidos. Tee-off is 8am. The BPCC is also planning a visit to the European Parliament, in Belgium on September 24 and 25. For more information, please call 213 942 020.
On Wednesday, September 26, a joint The Resident/BPCC Evening Event is taking place at Boca do Rio in Mexilhoeira da Carregação, at 7.30pm. Jackie Hunt, the female contender in the Powerboat world, will be the main speaker. For reservations, email vania@portugalresident.com. More details in next week’s The Resident.
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