UK based Australian business groups to merge

The Australia and New Zealand Chamber of Commerce UK (ANZCC) and Australian Business in Europe (ABIE) today announce their intention to merge. The merger will result in the formation of a single business networking and services group based in London for all organisations or individuals with Australian and British business links and interests, and will reach over 2,000 individuals and companies.

The combined group will operate under the banner of ëAustralian Businessí, but will continue to use the ABIE and ANZCC names to ensure that the goodwill built up by the two organisations is preserved. Existing relationships with associated groups in Europe and in Australia will be continued and strengthened. It is proposed that the new merged entity will be chaired initially by John Martin, managing director for ABN Amro.

John Martin said, ëAustralian Business recognises the contribution Australian companies and businesses make to the British economy and that British companies make in the Australian region. I believe that the merged group of ABIE and ANZCC, operating together as Australian Business, will be able to give unequalled support and opportunities to all trading partners, business organisations and government-to-business relationships in the UK.

It will of course also be the best networking organisation for Australians living abroad and for those in Europe doing business with Australia. We can now build on the success of both groups by attracting increased participation from the vibrant British and Australian business communityí.

Boards from both organisations are fully supportive of the merger and will work together to ensure that the interests of the members of both groups will be preserved and enhanced in the new organisation.

ëThe intention is not to change the benefits of either organisationí, said ANZCC Chairman, Stuart Allen, ëbut to extend them to a greater audience and grow by combining the resources we have. These two organisations already have common goals; a merger will strengthen our market presence and member networks.í

Vivien Matthews, President of ABIE, said, ëthe merger will provide for our members a single stronger organisation for businesses and individuals to refer to for contacts and business referrals. This is critical, especially for those who are new to the United Kingdom and may previously have been confused by the existence of two groupsí.

The date of the formal merger will be announced early next year. In the interim the executive offices of both groups will start working together and coordinating 2005 events. Membership arrangements and privileges will be unchanged and existing membership entitlements will be preserved in the merged organisation.