Long live the British Chamber of Commerce for Italy! 
On October 23rd around 200 members & friends of the Chamber gathered in the fascinating Chiostri di Sant’Eustorgio in Milan for the Annual Gala Dinner celebrating not only the 120th Anniversary since the creation of the BCCI, but also the centenary of its association with the City of Milan
We were honoured to welcome The Rt Hon Edward Llewellyn OBE, HM Ambassador to Italy & San Marino, Riccardo Smimmo, Vice Capo Missione, Ministro Plenipotenziario, Ambasciata d’Italia nel Regno Unito, and the Assessora Sport, Turismo e Politiche Giovanili, Comune di Milano, Martina Riva.
BCCI President, Steven Sprague, gave an overview of the first 120 years of the Chamber, highlighting that the longevity of the BCCI is testament to its relevance in the matrix of the trading and business relationship between Italy and the UK and that whilst business is our focus, we must ensure that we do not forget that human contact is of vital importance.
Steven emphasized that the Chamber today is the result of the enthusiasm, hard work and dedication of past and present members and staff.
Steven reminded us that whilst the BCCI is no longer the sole point of reference for commercial information, its structure, organisation and aims have been strengthened and expanded, and that it remains relevant in the digital age.
During an interview with Sarah Varetto, Executive VP Communications, Inclusion & Bigger Picture, Sky Italia, our Guest of Honour HM Ambassador to Italy & San Marino, The Rt Hon Ed Llewellyn OBE highlighted how the UK-Italy relationship is historically rich and inspiring, and that the really exciting part is the future that we are building together
In conversation with Steven Sprague, Sarah Howard MBE, Chair, The British Chambers of Commerce, shared her insights on the role of the BCC in fostering stronger trade relations between the UK and Italy, and looking forward, on the chamber network across the UK, EU and globally.
“Longevity is all about being able to reinvent the heritage and invent the future”, the final message from a video of Jaguar Land Rover, provided Sarah Varetto the clue to discuss with Carlo Azzola, Country Manager Italy, Colt Technology Services and The Rt Hon Jo Johnson, Chairman, FutureLearn.
During the evening we were entertained by the performances of the Choir of The British School of Milan, who sung popular songs from all over the world, the Award winning British playwright Justin Butcher who performed ‘A light hearted leap through 120 years of Anglo-Italian collaboration in the bicentenary year of Lord Byron’, and British Baritone Tim Bragley who sung two musical pieces dated 1904, as well as Mozart’s ‘Non Più Andrai (Le Nozze di Figaro)’ and Verdi’s ‘Per Me Giunto (Don Carlo)’.
The evening concluded with the star of the show, the celebration cake created and provided by EL&N accompanied by a toast with ‘Sugrue The Trouble of Dreams’ generously offered by Johnston Fine Wines.
📹 Video credits: Filippo Grilli – https://www.filippogrilli.it/
With the patronage of British Consulate General Milan
We would like to thank our Sponsors for making this event possible:
- PLATINUM SPONSORS: Colt Technology Services | FutureLearn | Jaguar Land Rover Italia
- GOLD SPONSORS: BAT | Deloitte | Diageo | JCB Italia | LM School Uniforms | The British School of Milan – Sir James Henderson School | Trevisan & Cuonzo
- SILVER SPONSORS: bp | Johnston Fine Wines | Leyton | SAIM S.p.A. | Simmons & Simmons Italy | WST Law & Tax Firm
- EVENT SUPPORTERS: Forvis Mazars in Italia | PwC Italy | STI INTERNAZIONALE SPA
- TECHNICAL SPONSORS: Da Ponte Festival | EL&N London
✨ Please enjoy the photos of our Gala Dinner – Browse the Photogallery below!
📸 Photo credits: Lara D’Appollonio – https://www.dappolloniopht.com/
Thank you once again to all partecipants and to sponsors for joing at the BCCI Gala Dinner “Celebrating 120 Years of assisting, encouraging and developing trade & investment between the UK and Italy“
