Announcing BBCC’s New Chair and Vice Chair

We are delighted to announce that Barry Brand has been elected as the new BBCC Chair and Kamelia Slaveykova as the new BBCC Vice Chair.

Both presented their ambitious plans for the development of BBCC and the benefit of our members. We look forward to working with them both. Congratulations to Gilbert McCaul who will be the BBCC Treasurer.

The British Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce (BBCC), in partnership with the British Embassy in Sofia, was delighted to welcome a dynamic UK business delegation to Bulgaria this week. The visit formed part of the Green Cities are GREAT 2025 initiative — a flagship regional event dedicated to sustainable urban development, smart infrastructure and climate-positive solutions.

Over two days, the delegation took part in the Green Cities are GREAT Conference, B2B matchmaking meetings, and discussions with Bulgarian municipalities and industry leaders. The mission aimed to foster new partnerships, explore investment opportunities, and support the exchange of expertise between the UK and Bulgaria’s growing green innovation ecosystems.

Participating UK Delegates

We were proud to host representatives from ten innovative UK companies driving change across energy efficiency, air quality, smart monitoring, data intelligence, geospatial planning and aerospace technologies:

• Energy Saving Trust
• We Care 4 Air
• Meteor Communication
• Space Syntax
• DPC (Data People Connected)
• Crowd House Energy
• YardOps
• SAUCE
• Nordic Energy
• ISS Aerospace

Their participation added significant value to the discussions around digital transformation, sustainable mobility, energy transition, as well as the future of smart and resilient cities.

Highlights from the Visit

Throughout the programme, delegates had the opportunity to:

• Present their solutions at the Green Cities are GREAT Conference, featuring expert panels and discussions with Bulgarian and regional municipal leaders.
• Engage in targeted B2B meetings with local companies, investors, and public-sector stakeholders, hosted by the innovative Sofia Tech Park
• Explore collaboration opportunities on clean air initiatives, data-driven city planning, environmental monitoring, and urban sustainability projects.
• Experience the vibrant business environment of Sofia and connect with key players in Bulgaria’s fast-growing green economy.

Despite the rainy weather, the atmosphere was energising and productive, with numerous conversations pointing toward future cooperation and shared projects in the region.

Looking Ahead

We hope the delegation’s time in Bulgaria was both insightful and fruitful, opening doors to long-lasting partnerships. BBCC remains committed to supporting continued engagement between the participating organisations and the Bulgarian market.

We look forward to welcoming the companies back to Bulgaria soon — this time with local partners, joint initiatives, and new opportunities taking shape.

We are delighted to share the success of the Green Cities are GREAT 2025 conference which was held on 26 November. Each year the conference gathers experts in the field and promotes the implementation of sustainable policies and practices to acheive smart and sustainable cities.

In response to increasing global urgency around environmental challenges and climate resilience, Green Cities are GREAT 2025 focused on urban sustainability, clean technology, and green infrastructure, connecting policy-makers, innovators, business leaders, and urban planners from Bulgaria and the UK.

The event was opened by BBCC Chair Barry Brand, followed by welcome speeches from H.E. Nathaniel Copsey, and Vassil Terziev – Mayor of Sofia and official patron of the conference.

This year we were happy to host three remarkable keynote speakers:

Sam Evans, Head of Natural Environment, Greater Manchester Combined Authority. Sam introduced the audience to Greater Manchester and gave an insight into how Greater Manchester manages the impact of climate change, and how the city adapts to those changes. The presentation left an inspiring and eye-opening remark.

Karsten Weineich, Head of Customer Operations of Ubitricity, part of Shell. Karsten’s presentation was on Transforming EV Charging in Europe, highlighting how you can utilise existing infrastructure to create new and sustainable opportunities.

George Marinov, Founder and CEO of EasyPay, ePay.bg, EPAYGO and Infonotary. George’s presentation was on Workflow Beyond Paper, underlining the excess use of paper for simple tasks that could be easily digitalised.

The event also gathered two panels that discussed ‘Climate Resilience and Adaptation’, and ‘Urban Infrastructure’.

The first panel gathered Trayko Mladenov, Mayor of Kostinbrod; Nadezhda Bobcheva, Deputy Mayor of Sofia; and Jacklin Tzocheva, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Director, Coca Cola HBC Bulgaria. The panel was moderated by Boyan Rashev, Mind Your Future.

The second panel gathered Metody Baykushev, Mayor of Kostinbrod; Nikola Gechev, Director Corporate Sales, Vivacom; Heidi Kagiali, Forestry and Conservation Manager, PEFC; Oscar McDonald, Associate Director, Space Syntax; and Julian Popov, Former Minister of Environment and Water. The panel was moderated by Tim Buisseret, Commercial Attache at Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

We would like to extend our gratitude to all speakers and panelists for taking the time to speak on those urgent and important matters regarding sustainable development and practices.

Special thanks to our diamond sponsors Shell and ePay/EasyPay.

Thank you to our gold sponsors Vivacom, CocaCola HBC Bulgaria, PEFC, and MTK.

Thank you to our media partners SeeNews/SeeNext, and ESG News.

Thank you to our wine partner Villa Daros, and our translation partner Mariana Hill Interpretorium.

Shout out to Hilton Sofia for always providing such great atmosphere, and to Roy Hill for capturing the wonderful moments from the conference.

You can check out the pictures from the event here.

Responding to the launch of a Critical Minerals Strategy, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy, said: 

“If the UK is to keep its place at the table of the world’s biggest and most developed economies then it must diversify and improve its supply chain security. 

“Advanced manufacturing needs guaranteed sources of the critical metals and minerals needed to drive the UK’s long-term economic growth. 

“In today’s world, it makes sense to reduce dependency on single countries as sources of imported critical minerals. 

“Investing in the UK’s own supply chains where we can, like lithium in Cornwall, also reduces economic and geopolitical risks.  

“For other key supply chains in batteries, electronics and electric vehicles the commitment to limit single country reliance to 60% by 2035 means we must seek out new agreements. These should be with likeminded partners such as the US, the EU, Greenland, Chile and Canada.  

“We should also make the most of our role within the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership to futureproof supply chains with other trade partners.” 

Find out more detail on the Critical Minerals Strategy here.

UK Electronic Travel Authorisation to be enforced, visitors to the UK will be unable to travel to the UK without a permission.

From 25^th February 2026, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement will be strictly enforced. ETA is a legal requirement, and carriers will not board eligible visitors without one. 

Background

An ETA is required by eligible passengers visiting or transiting landside via the UK who do not currently need a visa for short stays and do not have a valid UK immigration status prior to travelling. People whorequire a visa to visit the UK will continue to do so and should not obtain an ETA. Those who are exempt from immigration control will not require an ETA.

Applying for an ETA is quick and simple through the UK ETA app,  Applicants must apply for an ETA with the passport they will travel with, as the ETA is digitally linked to that document.

We recommend that travellers apply at least three working days in advance of travel most. ETA applications are processed very rapidly but may take longer on some occasions.

Digital support with applications is available via an ETA webchat . The webchat is operated by UK Government officials Mon- Fri, 9am -5pm (UK time) and via webform outside these hours.

Resources

We have revised our ETA partner pack to reflect this recent update. The pack contains promotional materials including website content, social media assets, help videos and factsheets. Materials are also available in a variety of well-spoken languages.

We would be grateful if you can continue to use the partner packs to raise awareness of the ETA requirement with your customers, clients, members and travellers to the UK to ensure that those eligible are aware of the enforcement of ETAs.

Updated Press Release and Factsheet are available here:

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) press release November 2025

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) factsheet November 2025  

Information events

The Home Office, Future Border and Immigration Systems (FBIS) Engagement Team are reinstating our weekly ETA information events. These events will provide a refresher on the ETA requirement while focusing on the implications of ETA enforcement.

If you, your colleagues, or anyone in your business networks would like to attend, please register via one of the following links (UK time):

If you have any queries, please contact the ETA Engagement Team: etaengagement@homeoffice.gov.uk

The holiday season is a time for gratitude, inspiration, and new opportunities. This year, Sales Spot is dedicated to sharing our spirit by offering special gifts exclusively to BBCC members. They firmly believe that sustainable success is built upon strong professional connections and partnerships, and we want to empower yours.

This is the perfect holiday incentive for a stronger, more successful start to the New Year.

Your Exclusive Holiday Gifts

• Complimentary 60-Minute Expert Consultation

Receive personalized, one-on-one guidance directly from our team on critical business areas, including:

• Optimizing your Sales or Marketing processes.
• Updating your Sales Playbook.
• Developing a business strategy for a new service, and more.
• 20% Discount on a Sales Spot Package

Enjoy a 20% discount on any chosen service package from our comprehensive sales and marketing portfolio.

• View and select your preferred services here: Our Services Portfolio

How to Claim Your Offer

1. Fill out our contact form and specify the service or consultation you have chosen here: Contact Us
2. A Sales Spot representative will contact you shortly to finalize the details and book your service.

This exclusive offer is valid until February 28, 2026.

On November 13, 2026 TEDxVitosha has been honoured with the prestigious 3rd place award in the category “Inspiring Initiative for Diversity, Equality and Inclusion in the Workplace” – presented by the Council of Women in Business in Bulgaria (CWBB) in partnership with the European Investment Bank (EIB). This recognition highlights the team’s long-standing commitment to fostering an open and inclusive community, not limited by prejudice or assumptions.

As Bulgaria’s leading TED-licensed platform, TEDxVitosha has consistently advanced policies that promote inclusion and diversity: engaging students & pensioners, people with disabilities – both as delegates and as speakers, members of socially and economically vulnerable groups, as well as representatives of various cultural, religious and ethnic communities. In October 2025, with the support of many corporate partners, 150 individuals were given the opportunity to attend TEDxVitosha COUNTDOWN 6 and engage with its “ideas that change everything”.

The award stands as a strong affirmation of TEDxVitosha’s ongoing efforts to cultivate a positive attitude towards equal opportunities and active civic participation. The platform serves as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue, as an inspiration for all other event organizers, as well as a bridge between diverse communities. We know that we can transform and upgrade diversity into a source of powerful new development and significant positive impact.

Join us for what comes next!

TEDxVitosha: OUTLIERS will take place on March 7th, 2026 (Saturday) in Azaryan Theatre (Hall 2), National Palace of Culture.
Tickets are now available at special First supporters price until November 30th.

Secure your seat here: https://tedxvitosha.com/page/outliers-2026#tickets

Let’s continue shaping the future together.

A CIPD qualification will help you develop key HR knowledge and skills and gain professional recognition in the workplace. PwC’s Academy is offering 2 levels of the qualification:  

• CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management – Level 5 
• CIPD Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management – Level 7 

Based on your professional experience and development goals, you can choose the option that best suits your aim and supports your growth. PwC’s Academy is an approved study center for CIPD qualifications and our CIPD tutors are leading HR consultants who are all certified and possess extensive teaching and interpersonal skills.  

Attending the programme with PwC’s Academy will give you the opportunity to benefit from PwC’s global network and its accumulated knowledge and applied practice, to ensure that you bring the highest value to your business. 

For more information, please visit the link below, or contact PwC’s Academy at bg_pwcacademy@pwc.com  

https://www.pwc.bg/en/pwc-academy/portfolio/HR.html

The British Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce (BBCC) spent the last two days at Build London 2025, and we are still energised by the incredible response we received. Throughout the event, we met Bulgarian professionals working across London’s construction sector, British companies eager to explore opportunities in Bulgaria, and international visitors showing genuine curiosity about what our country has to offer.

Build London—one of the UK’s leading construction exhibitions—once again proved to be a powerful platform for showcasing expertise, connecting businesses, and highlighting new opportunities. For us, it was a chance to position Bulgaria on the map as a competitive and forward-looking market in the built-environment sphere.

The level of interest in collaboration exceeded our expectations. Conversations with British contractors, architects, engineers and suppliers showed a real appetite for partnerships with Bulgarian companies, whether through joint projects, subcontracting, or sharing technical know-how. Equally inspiring were the Bulgarian specialists who expressed their willingness to contribute to stronger bilateral links and help bring UK-based experience home.

We were proud to see Bulgaria represented so positively. Our warmest thanks go to Lilia Stoyanovich, from the Commercial Section of the Bulgarian Embassy in London, whose support helped us present our country in the best possible light. We also extend our appreciation to Ligna Group, a BBCC member whose enthusiasm and dedication to promoting Bulgaria internationally never fail to impress.

We leave Build London 2025 with new contacts, new ideas, and a renewed sense of purpose. The potential for British Bulgarian collaboration in construction is significant, and the BBCC is committed to helping turn the discussions from these two days into real opportunities for businesses on both sides.

This festive season, Malone Group are delighted to offer fellow BBCC members an exclusive opportunity to enhance asset reliability and energy efficiency.

Here’s what’s included at no initial cost:

1. Free Site Visit
   Malone Group’s specialists will visit your premises for a 1 day review of your requirements and understand your operational needs.
2. Initial Findings Report
   A concise report outlining where sensors can deliver the greatest value.
3. Sensor Deployment
   Supply and installation of six wireless IoT sensors for an agreed trial period to monitor performance/energy  usage.
4. Outcome Review & Next Steps
   At the end of the trial, we will sit down with you to discuss the findings and outline strategies to realise long-term benefits.

This is a fantastic opportunity to experience the benefits of Wireless IoT Sensors without upfront investment.

Interested?

Get in touch to schedule your free site visit: Ivan Ivanov (ivan.ivanov@malonegroup.com)

Let Malone Group make your operations more reliable and cost-efficient this Christmas!