Welcome to our new member Regus

Please welcome our newest member:

Regus, part of the International Workspace Group, is the global leader in workspace solutions. The company commenced more than 30 years ago, focusing on the fully serviced office market. Today, IWG offers all kinds of workspace solutions, ranging from office and shared workspace to highly flexible options like virtual and hybrid office or global workplace subscription.

Today, IWG is present in Bulgaria only with the Regus brand. It currently operates seven locations in Sofia and Plovdiv, looking to widen its presence in the near future with more locations in key cities and with introducing new brands from the IWG portfolio to the Bulgarian market.

For the eighth consecutive year, TELUS International Bulgaria proudly continues its commitment to education by participating in the Ready for Success scholarship program. This initiative is dedicated to providing financial aid to outstanding students who have lost one or both parents. For this academic year, the company will support five scholarships: three for students at state universities and two for high school pupils.

Since the start of the partnership with the Ready for Success program in 2016, TELUS International Bulgaria has consistently demonstrated its dedication to empowering the younger generation. The company has already supported 35 university students and 19 high school pupils, providing not just a scholarship but a beacon of hope for those striving for academic excellence. 

All scholars are talented young people ready for success with excellent grade point average results. Their strength and motivation for success are truly inspiring and encourage other people to face the challenges in life and never give up!  Let’s delve together into their inspiring journeys: 

Ralitsa Kolarova is from Sofia and is a first-year student at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” majoring in “Regional Development and Politics”, graduated with a 6.00 from the National Science and Mathematics High School. This year, she started her own project to support children without parents and from institutions. 

“With my hand on my heart and a very big smile, I declare that my biggest success in the past year, and in general, of fundamental importance to me, is the realization of my cause – sampostigam.org. The Internet page is for pupils and students with one parent or without parents where they can find the whole information about the possibilities for financial, material and personal support.”, Ralitsa shared more about her project. 

Yordan Krastanov will be a first-year student at the Medical University, Sofia, majoring in Dentistry. He has achieved a lot of success over the years – reached the National Round of Technical Drawing Olympiad and the Regional Round of Chemistry Olympiad.

“My motivation is mainly related to my desire to complete my education. We are three children raised by our mother, my brother has Down syndrome and because of this, she cannot work full-time. To prepare for the exams in biology and chemistry, I went to lessons, and to pay for them I have been working at a big supermarket since I was a student. I dream of being a high achiever, becoming a good dentist, and helping my mother as much as possible to have an easier life.”

Vyara Avramova is a student at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”. She is a 2nd year European Studies major and graduated with a 6.00 first year. Vyara completed the course “Found in Translation: how to understand Cultures and Nature”, at the University of Silesia, Poland. She is fluent in Spanish and English. Writes poetry and publishes in various anthologies.

“During the past two years that I have been part of the Foundation’s scholarship, your support has given a visible reflection of the ambition, performance and effort I have put into the study process. You motivate and support me personally.”, shares Vyara.

Ioana Ivanova is from Pazardzhik and is in the 12th grade at the “Bertolt Brecht” Language High School, majoring in German and English. Ioana is the sister of the long-time scholar Rumi. Ioana works in the summer to help her mother, and she dreams of studying higher education at Sofia University.

This week Bulgarian founders of Artificial Intelligence (AI) businesses recently engaged with key players in London’s tech ecosystem through a programme organised by the Bulgarian Expansion Bridge (BEX).

The Bulgarian contingent, the largest among representatives from Germany, Italy, Israel, Croatia, Poland, and Romania, showcased the depth and strength of Bulgarian AI talent.

During the AI Programme, Bulgarian founders held discussions with:

Government organisations, including InnovateUK, Digital Catapult, and the Department of Investment & Trade, which provided insights into available support for AI companies in London. Large corporations such as Lloyds of London, Intel, British Telecom, Stripe, and Citi, offering new opportunities for Bulgarian startups to participate in their programmes.

Investors, who provided guidance on positioning propositions in the UK and accessing venture funds in the AI space.

AI Experts from leading universities and pioneers in the expanding field.

Several potential collaborations are already emerging, particularly in the insurance and deeptech sectors, where AI plays a crucial role.

The program concluded with a Showcase attended by over 70 investors, operators, and experts from prominent companies like Amazon, BT Group, Deloitte, eBay, HSBC, Mastercard, Sony and many more.

Speaking after the event Filip Stanev, Founder & CEO of Saga, shared his thoughts on London’s AI ecosystem, emphasising: “London is really dynamic, and right now, it’s one of the best spots in the world for anything AI. It’s a great place to start and grow AI businesses, with lots of talented people, a large customer base, and plenty of capital to go around”.

Georgios Kolovos, Founding Managing Director of the Bulgarian Expansion Bridge (BEX), stated, “The AI talent in Bulgaria is truly exceptional! Seeing the potential during this inaugural programme gives us further motivation; we have a robust pipeline of initiatives planned for 2024, all aimed at empowering Bulgarian founders to successfully expand onto the international stage.”

We are delighted to share the Bulgarian Business Leaders Forum (BBLF) celebrated its 25th anniversary on 21 November 2023 with a cocktail party mottoed 25 Years Together for member companies, partners and supporters.

The  exclusive event was joined by Prime Minister Acad. Nikolay Denkov, Minister of Finance Assen Vassilev and Minister of Economy and Industry Bogdan Bogdanov, Deputy Ministers of Labour and Social Policy Nikolay Naydenov and of Innovation and Growth Martin Gikov, British Ambassador Rob Dixon as well as representatives of business and civil society organisations, foreign ambassadors and figures associated with BBLF’s history and development.

The Bulgarian Business Leaders Forum is this country’s largest and upmost responsible business community. It was founded in 1998 in Sofia by 12 international companies as part of the network of the International Business Leaders Forum of the Prince of Wales, now King Charles III. Today, the BBLF community consists of over 130 leading companies from various industries sharing the values of business ethics, corporate social responsibility and sustainability. The Forum’s mission is to work for the long-term progress of the Bulgarian economy and society in dialogue and cooperation with other sectors.

More than 100 guests attended the cocktail reception held at the InterContinental Sofia: senior executives of member companies, partners and supporters from the private sector, public institutions, civil society organisations, and the diplomatic corps.

For details of the event please visit our web page.

Reacting to Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said:  

“We are pleased the Chancellor has listened to our calls to help businesses deal with the current economic challenges. Our Chamber network called on Jeremy Hunt to offer ‘much needed solutions to Britain’s investment problem’.  

“Today’s statement provided some welcome remedies at a time when businesses of all sizes need certainty and security from the Government in the difficult months ahead. 

“The decision to make full expensing permanent will be a boost to companies wanting to invest. Our research shows that 34% of businesses have already benefited from the policy, rising to 47% for manufacturers. 

 “We have long called for the electricity grid to be upgraded to help companies transition to net-zero. In our recent net-zero survey, more than a third (37%) of businesses told us they were not getting what they needed from the grid, in terms of energy supply and connectivity. If we can we reduce grid connection times it will make a big difference.

“We welcome the planning reforms and investment announced by the Chancellor today to help tackle this huge infrastructure problem. Businesses trying to invest in a low carbon future will now be looking for a speedier path to grid connection.  

“Smaller firms will be relieved to see a package of measures that alleviate the cashflow problems they face, such as continued business rates relief for hospitality, retail and leisure, and new rules to help them get paid on time. 

“The Government’s plans to support people back into work have the potential to help grow the economy. There are just under a million unfilled vacancies in the UK and three quarters of businesses tell us they cannot get the staff they need. Plans to support people suffering ill health could make a real difference, but there must be a focus on getting them into work that matches their capabilities and potential.  

“Business investment is the lifeblood of local economies, creating jobs and supporting public services. The Chancellor has today taken a step in the right direction, but nothing can be taken for granted and we must all continue to focus on encouraging companies to grow.” 

On 21 November we were delighted to host the November’s edition of BBBA Executive Lunch. Our guests had the opportunity to meet the minister of Economy and Industry, Bogdan Bogdanov, and discuss with him the priorities of the ministry and ask questions. We also had the pleasure to welcome H.E. Rob Dixon, British Ambassador to Bulgaria. We would like to thank all participants for joining the event. 

Special thanks to our host InterContinental Sofia for the delicious food and professionalism. 

You may find photos from the event here.

Embark on a visual journey through the lens of Victor Goleminov with his collection of stunning landscape photographs. As a passionate nature lover, the artist has poured his heart and soul into curating a calendar that not only marks the passage of time but also captures the timeless beauty of our world.

Each month transports you to a new destination, from winter mountain vistas to warm sunsets at the sea. Share the joy of discovery with friends and family – the calendar makes a thoughtful and unique gift for an inspiring 2024!

Order your calendar here.

Pavlos Trichakis comments on the Russian gas tax, Bulgaria’s plans for new nuclear power capacities, and the obstacles facing the development of renewable energy sources in an interview with ‘Kapital’.

Pavlos Trichakis is a partner at Baringa, Europe’s largest energy consultancy. He leads the Southern European energy consulting team, providing commercial, strategic, and political and regulatory advice to clients on the energy transition.

Baringa is a global management consulting firm with around 1600 consultants worldwide, including nearly 120 consultants in Bulgaria. Sofia serves as Baringa’s hub for Southeastern Europe, with a specific focus on energy market consultations and the provision of energy trading systems and risk management in the region. Pavlos was a guest at the Green Business is Great event organized by the British Bulgarian Business Association.

There is no avoiding the buzzworthy Bulgarian tax on Russian gas. What could happen to the market with the introduction of the BGN 20/MWh for transit through Bulgaria? Does this revenue measure have the potential to impact the entire European market?

This is a very challenging question. Undoubtedly, if it is implemented, it will have an impact on the entire region, primarily in Greece, Hungary, and Serbia. In Greece, discontent with the tariff comes mainly from the private sector, not the government itself. For example, there is a clear stance against it from Mytilineos (who primarily deal with Russian gas – ed. note).

It really depends on how long it takes for Bulgaria to implement the measure. If it is cold and gas-fired power plants need to be loaded, then the tax could be a factor.

For the whole interview in Bulgarian here.

This charity season, consider supporting young Bulgarian entrepreneurs via Junior Achievement’s startup fund!

Many JA Bulgaria alumni produce promising MVPs and then struggle to find seed capital to take them to market. JA plans to award funds to the most deserving among its community – in consultation with its valued partners.

For 25 years, JA Bulgaria has served as a bridge between the business and the education communities in the fields of entrepreneurship, financial literacy and work skills. Two years in a row Junior Achievement Worldwide has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for its global impact. And we are happy to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of JA Young Enterprise in the United Kingdom.

Please consider contributing to the JA Bulgaria startup fund at jabulgaria.org, or contact georgi.iliev@jabulgaria.org. JA will gratefully keep you appraised of the impact of your support and connect you with the beneficiaries of your generosity, upon request.

MHQ is a Special Purpose Vehicle /SPV/ established for the realization of Markan investment project – mixed-use building comprising A Class offices together with International Hotel.

The Building is located on Tsarigradsko Shosse Boulevard. It is the first building of its kind in Sofia to successfully combine two such uses. The location is highly prominent with excellent visibility and accessibility – less than 5 minutes away from the Airport and less than 10 min to the city centre.

Technical Specification:

• 7,400 m2 TBA set over 6 floors
• 100 dedicated basement car parking spaces
• Flexible floor plates enabling the creation of individual of fices or open space offices
• Automated fire and/or smoke alarm detectors and sprinkler installation
• Raised floors and structural cabling in all office premises
• CCTV & 24 hour on-site security
• 3 high speed lifts
• 3 m clear floor to ceiling height
• Building Management System (BMS) controlling all infrastructural and electromechanical installations
• Fresh air via ventilation system and openable façade windows
• Backup generators for emergency cases
• Fibre optic cabling including ISDN and Internet
• Fully air-conditioned via 4-pipe HVAC system
• Suspended ceilings

For more information contact:

Maria Stoeva

Email: m.stoeva@markan.bg

Mobile: 0885 70 10 98