John Martin, CEO of Plutus Consulting will address the Big Question:
"What should the banking sector be focusing its resources on, what challenges lie ahead, and how does it re-establish 'trust' in the financial system?"

Aimed at C Suite business leaders, Asset managers, senior managers in capital and asset allocation, concerned investors, pension fund administrators, ESG (environmental, social and governance) and sustainability leaders.

The objective of this webinar is to connect owners, investors and managers of private capital/assets to Responsible Banking strategies, in the context of Climate emergency.

The next COP meeting (Nov 2021) in Glasgow has highlighted the need for ESG factors to be in the mainstream of thinking within the financial services sector. It is an undeniable truth that Responsible Banking should be at the forefront of this paradigm.

• An introduction to the technical and practical meaning of Responsible Banking, its objectives and how they align to ESG principles

• The challenges facing the Banking industry together with consumer preferences or demands

• Detangling the many faces of ESG to distinguish important factors needed in client-consulting communication

John Martin is the CEO and Founder of a well-established financial services consulting, advisory and professional services group, with a 30-year track record in delivering Responsible Banking and Sustainable Investment services. His core business strategy is to achieve effective and tangible results, in an increasingly changing world.

John's success is a combination of his extraordinary customer focus, extensive global finance and risk experience, supported by expertise in ESG strategy and a growing sustainable investment sector. His belief that sustainability is not about biology, but about changing behaviours, has attracted extensive market support, leading to the development of transformative change portfolios that maximise capital investments and growth.

This event is free, but booking is essential. Links will be sent out in the 24 hours prior to the event. Bookings won't be accepted after the advertised start time.

Come and join the East of England tribe for a cup of coffee and some real South African straight talking!  A place where everyone will know what a robot, a bakkie and "just now" means.

It is a safe space where everyone is welcome. No set agenda, just a chance to connect, laugh, talk about your business, books you are reading, interesting TV and just getting to know one another a little bit better. Ubuntu - I am because we are.

Join us between 11:00 - 12:30 on March 11th, 2021 to celebrate International Women's Day (which is on March 8th).
 
This year's theme is "Choose to Challenge" and we have chosen to shine the spotlight on Women in Business. #ChoosetoChallenge #IWD2021   

Our speakers and their topics of discussion are:

• • Smashing Stereotypes: Joanne Macris, Managing Partner at Alexander Hughes Executive Search who has her Master's Degree in Human Resources and is a seasoned Talent Acquisition professional with extensive knowledge of the Engineering, Financial and Information Systems sectors.
  
  
• • Raising Awareness and Influencing Behaviour:  Palesa Madumo, CEO of Vuma Reputation Management has a Media Studies qualification and is a public relations and communications professional.
  
  
• • Women in Senior Leadership: Cheryl Buss, CEO at Absa Bank, Cheryl leads the bank's international operations which ultimately enables a globally scalable business that drives connectivity with corporates and institutional clients through an independent international presence.
  
  
• • Work/life balance: Ramadimetje Lucy Mashigo, Trustee of the SA Diaspora Ubunye Trust helps communities in South Africa and in the UK regardless of political, religious, ethnic or religious affiliations. Through her work with Ubunye, Ramadimetje has brought about community cohesion and integration through various South African events.

Keep an eye out for more exciting speakers who will be announced soon.

This is a fabulous opportunity to network and celebrate women in business and we are looking forward to seeing you there.

Why not make your celebration of IWD2021 extra special? Our chamber member, Penny Edwards of Cellar Door Wines, has put together a few South African celebratory packages. Enjoy these treats at your leisure:

https://cellardoorwines.co.uk/products/sweet-south-african-women-in-wine
https://cellardoorwines.co.uk/collections/women-in-wine/products/south-african-gin-and-tonic-gift-set
https://cellardoorwines.co.uk/collections/women-in-wine/products/women-in-wine-south-african-celebration-gift

All welcome. This event is free but booking is essential. No bookings will be accepted once the webinar has started.

Almost a year after our last Gala Dinner at the House of Lords - which was held just before the lockdown began in March 2020 - and here we are, still in the depths of lockdown.

We are not daunted! The Gala Dinner will go ahead in 2021, albeit very differently.  It will still be an opportunity to put on a Black Tie and an evening dress and join other members and friends of the Chamber in an event focused on Food and Wine pairing.

If you choose to join us, food and wine will be delivered to your home.

We will be led through the evening by food and wine specialists, learning more about a UK owned South African Seven Springs Estate that produces amazing wines and gaining an understanding how the different food courses pair with the wines.

There will be some formality in the form of a few words from key South African linked personalities and a keynote message from a senior SA business personality on the main challenges facing the SA economy today.

Tickets will be priced at different bands depending on what you choose to eat and drink.

Please check back here to see the various options you can choose from. Bookings will open once we have all the options in place.

Some regional chapters are not as lockdown and many of these will be holding events locally at a restaurant, with similar wines and menus, and we'll be linking in with them virtually at various points throughout the evening. 

We last had the privilege of speaking with Lesetja Kganyago in June 2020, where he discussed the COVID-19 shock to the economy.

Little did we know then that the COVID-19 virus would still be having such profound effects on the SA economy almost a year later.  With the third wave threatening, vaccine rollout challenges, the emergence of new strains, the impact on financial services, State Owned Enterprises, corruption, business stresses, particularly on SMMEs - what is the outlook for the South African economy in the near to medium future?
 
Before the Governor addresses us in March, there will be a Budget Speech  on the 26th February and possible announcements from the Ratings Agency.

We will be asking the Governor to share his views on monetary policy, the economy, interest rates, SOE funding, creating an investment friendly environment, and how to save businesses and retain jobs in the face of the pandemic. We'll also be asking the Governor for his insights on the "Economic Recovery Plan",  which is an almalgamation of ideas from some of the brightest minds in the public and private sector.

This event is free, but booking is essentail. Bookings won't be accepted once the webinar has started.

Join us and a host of sporting talent for a fantastic day's golf, where you and your guests will play with an international sports icon to compete as a team of 4 on Sunningdale's historic Old Course. The day includes a relaxed champagne breakfast, complimentary use of practice facilities, followed by a 9am shotgun start. On course team and individual skills prizes to be won, to support the inevitable competitive spirit that will no doubt be settled at the 19th hole!

A traditional Club lunch will be served, during which some of our sports stars will keep you entertained with amusing and inspiring tales of winning, losing and learning in professional sport. An auction offering the chance to win some really special prizes and one-off experiences will follow.

To secure your participation in what promises to be both a fun and very memorable day, please contact Deborah Morris on 07468 481 991 or [email protected]

www.melloneducate.com