Founded in 1987, the British-American Business Association (BABA) is the premier business forum for British and American companies, organizations and business professionals in the mid-Atlantic region, with members from Baltimore, MD, through DC to Richmond VA and into western Virginia. Through a variety of programs, BABA members exchange valuable information, establish networks, and pursue mutual interests
BABA enables its members to develop US-UK business by:
- Supplying useful information through programs and communications, including policy and market developments;
- Facilitating networking between members and the wider business community in the mid-Atlantic region;
- Providing a conduit for relationship-building between members and key US and UK government officials in Washington;
- Leveraging British and American trading relations and relationships with UK and US government entities.
Our business events feature dynamic guest speakers, including Dame Karen Pierce DCMG, HM Ambassador to the United States who was our Guest of Honor at our 2021 virtual Christmas party; and previous Ambassadors; The Rt Hon. Kwasi Kwarteng MP, UK Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy; The Rt Hon. Simon Hart, Secretary of State for Wales; The Rt. Hon. Brandon Lewsi DBE MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland; Adrian Baguley, Deputy CEO of UK MOD's Defence Equipment & Support and Director General Strategic Enablers; Marion Blakey, then Chairman, President & CEO, Rolls-Royce North America; Wesley Bush, Chairman, CEO and President, Northrop Grumman; and Marillyn Hewson, then Chairman, President and CEO, Lockheed Martin Corporation; Badar Khan, then President, National Grid, U.S; and Admiral James E Foggo, USN, Ret, Former Commander of Allied Joint Force Command.
In addition, BABA organizes "Business After Hours" briefings on topics of current interest, such as US government contracting, Brexit issues, Climate Policies and Global Competitiveness, US tax reform, and international travel security. BABA also holds frequent social events, including our Gala Christmas Luncheon, Fall Drinks at the British Ambassador's Residence; International Women's Day Luncheon; wine and whisky tastings; and special black-tie evenings.
From aerospace, airlines, banks, energy, environmental and law firms to technology firms, innovators, start-ups and SME’s, our membership reflects the strong economy in the mid-Atlantic region and under UK-US transatlantic trade and investment. Our membership includes large U.S. and UK corporations with significant operations in the region, as well as many small and medium-sized enterprises. Individual members also are encouraged to join.
BABA's membership categories are
• Platinum Member: $10,000. Reserved for a select group of leading multinational companies, and offers them unprecedented access to a customized program of exclusive networking, promotional and business opportunities in addition to the regular benefits of membership in the Association. This category is limited to a small group of key members.
• Sponsoring Member: $2,500. For corporations that want to maintain high visibility in the UK-US business community. This category entitles a select group of company executives to participate in special activities and includes additional benefits as well.
• Corporate Member: $800. For large firms with more than 10 employees. In this member category, as many employees as desired can participate in the Association's activities.
• Small Business Member: $300. For small firms with no more than 10 employees.
• Individual Member: $175. For government and retired individuals with an interest in the objectives of the Association but who would otherwise be ineligible for membership. No company affiliation is listed.
• UK Associate Member: $225. This non-voting category is for organizations and individuals based in the United Kingdom who want to forge business and professional links in the Washington/Baltimore region.
• Young Professional Member: $35 (renewable each year for three years). For young professionals beginning their careers with an interest in British and American relations. No company affiliation is listed.
Membership dues are subject to change.