IBBC brought 110 Iraqi SMEs to the UK for a trade and development conference in Westminster’s Central Methodist Hall. The conference organised by IBBC, supports the SMEs with practical technical and trading activities with the UK and is the culmination of trade missions and visits to UK franchise events and a range of industry exhibitions throughout the year.

IBBC Baghdad office, led by Mohanad Alkhattab, managed the process with the UK office support, including access to visas and the overall programme and communications to IBBC’s expanding network of SMEs in Iraq. The SME’s typically work in areas such as agriculture, general trading, optics, retail, investment, and media.

Key speakers included Baroness Nicholson, president of IBBC, who welcomed the delegates and gave an overview of what to expect from the speakers, Mr Ahmed Khalid, head of economic and cultural development at the Embassy of Iraq, who spoke about the Governments recent priorities and the investment opportunities in Iraq, including agriculture and infrastructure.

Ms Megan Field of HCA UK Concierge centre explained how Iraqis can access UK health services for international business visitors, and Mr Khalid Mahdi of Accentia Consulting held a long and engaged session, with many questions, about setting up franchised businesses, and trading with the UK.

IBBC member Aows Dargazali, of Unihouse, presented on skills and training for businesses in Iraq and how to get the best from your workforce, with qualifications and access to learning from Unihouse. Skilled workforce is a big issue in Iraq, as many high skilled jobs are currently unfilled.

Shwan Sharif of Descartes Solicitors took the interested delegates through the legal and technical processes to obtain work permits, family and immigration requirements for investment and company startups in and with the UK.

Finally, Mr Stuart Mackay of Iraq Star, presented how Iraq Star managed clients integrated security and support in Iraq, from visas to paperwork and secure advice and protection always.

The event ended with extensive networking among delegates and with the speakers over and beyond lunchtime. Several IBBC members also attended including UB Holding, AAA Holding, UK Education in Iraq, Hydro-C, Al Busttsan, G4S, and Unihouse, as well as the UK Gov new trade and business representative to Iraq, Mr Damien Allison.

Monjed Salha, IBBC COS, said ‘We have been greatly impressed by the growing interest in the UK’s services, from Iraqi SMEs, and their dedication and application to serious business practice and expansion. Our feedback has been very positive, and we are looking at running more frequent conferences in future’.