Looking Back at the Strong Collaboration Between Bob Spence and Trakia University

In 2024 Trakia University funded three PhD students with innovative ideas to attend Leeds Digital Festival 2024. Their presence created a strong and lasting impression on Amy Morgan, senior representative at Barclays Eagle Labs. At that same event, Paul Johnson, Senior Partner at Mills & Reeve LLP, was introduced to Bulgaria for the first time – an early connection that later proved valuable.

Impressed by the Trakia students, Amy Morgan became a key advocate for Bulgarian innovation. She introduced the Chamber and its network to:

• David Summerbell, who later hosted the mission’s follow-up event and introduced Claire Clark.
• Charlotte Scott, venture-capital deal scout for eight northern VCs, who subsequently delivered an online session for Trakia University – confirming the quality of the Bulgarian academic and innovation base.
• Charlotte Scott’s engagement then brought Helen Gibson MBE into the circle, extending visibility across the UK’s female-founder ecosystem.

The Chamber’s later invitation to FinTech North stemmed partly from Bob Spence’s wider UK network, but the open door existed because Barclays Eagle Lab was already involved and had validated the relationship. The free admission and warm reception from FinTech North organisers reflected this endorsement. The next-day event hosted by David Summerbell further deepened the connection between UK and Bulgarian innovators. Fireside-chat sessions featuring Charlotte Scott created further links into the venture-capital community. Through these steps, Mills & Reeve’s earlier contact with the Trakia students evolved into continuing collaboration opportunities.

Every stage of this development can be traced back to the original Trakia University PhD team. Amy Morgan’s early impression provided the credibility needed for introductions to take place. Subsequent connections only existed because there were dots to join – created by the students’ performance and Trakia’s decision to back them. The Chamber’s role was to connect those dots and ensure that each introduction translated into visible outcomes.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Bulgaria presents their Christmas gits with a cause. Check out their offers in the attachment below.

This festive season, Hilton Sofia invites you to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in true Hilton style – with sparkle, flavour, and unforgettable moments.

From the elegant St. Nicholas Dinner and family-favourite Christmas Brunches to the festive cocktail spirit at Regale Bar & Terrace and the glamorous La Dolce Vita New Year’s Eve Gala, every event is crafted to make December truly magical.

Discover the full festive programme here:
Festive Season Brochure – English

For reservations and inquiries:
+359 895 515 051 | +359 2 933 5000
sofhi_fb@hilton.com  | sofia.information@hilton.com

Agile Pool presents two team collaboration games – FunFair and True Detectives, offering BBCC Members an amazing 50% discount.

True Detectives:

What does it really mean to be a team?

Meet True Detectives – Team Collaboration Game, our latest team experience that combines real skill development with a touch of Horatio-style thrill.

In just 2 hours, your team becomes a group of detectives solving a complex “crime”  while uncovering how they truly operate under pressure, communicate, make decisions, and collaborate.

Perfect for online, onsite, or hybrid teams – easy to organize, yet packed with real value for your team’s cohesion and effectiveness.

After the game, each team receives a concise analysis and practical improvement ideas from our experts.

Check it out here and book a call with us to get the discount: https://agilepool.com/team-collaboration-game/

FunFair:

What happens when strategy meets play?

Introducing FunFair – Team Collaboration Game, our dynamic experience designed for large groups who want both fun and meaningful insight.

In just a few hours, your team will build its own “Fun Fair” – a product of creativity, communication, and collaboration. Through a mix of physical, creative, and logic-based challenges, participants test how they plan, organize, and work together across sub-teams to achieve a common goal.

Perfect for company events, onboarding, or capability building – suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings, and easy to adapt to any context.

After the game, our coaches provide a short analysis with key takeaways and actionable recommendations for improving teamwork and coordination.

You can now book it for your next company event.

Check it out here and book a call with us to get the discount:  https://agilepool.com/fun-fair-team-collaboration-game/

HR One is pleased to offer an exclusive special pricing starting from 3.5 EUR without VAT per employee for all BBCC members on the HR One digital solution for HR processes and operations management – proud winner in the category HR Instrument of the year – at the – 2025 Annual Awards hosted by the Bulgarian Association for People Management.

HR One’s digital platform provides one stop-shop for the entire HR administrative lifecycle:

• HR Administration Automation
• Unlimited E-signatures
• Employee Data and Document Management
• Digital Onboarding and Offboarding
• Labor and Social Security Law Consultations
• Integration with Payroll and ERP Systems
• And many other services and features

This offer is available exclusively for BBCC members and is valid for service requests made until 25 February 2026.

HR One is a Bulgarian-developed digital HR platform designed to connect employers and employees in one secure, easy-to-use system. By automating and integrating HR processes, HR One helps companies save time, reduce administrative costs, and ensure full compliance with labor regulations.

Trusted by organizations across Bulgaria, HR One offers a flexible and scalable solution suitable for both small and large businesses.

For more information or to take advantage of this offer, please contact:
Gabriela Neykova
at gabriela@hr-one.org
or +359 893 437 225.

PwC’s Academy offers to all BBCC members a 10% discount for all trainings in their Calendar of Оpen seminars, which will be held until the end of June 2026.

You can contact PwC for additional information at: bg_pwcacademy@pwc.com 

The youth from Maria’s World Foundation have prepared a special collection of handmade decorations and delicious sweet deights for Christmas.

You can view their offers in the catalog that we are sending you, attached to this email, and order for yourself, your loved ones and friends!

The Maria’s World Foundation’s Worlds Workshop gives people with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to develop their work and social skills.

Each product is handmade with a lot of effort and love.

All proceeds go towards supporting people with intellectual disabilities and in efforts to make their lives more independent, fulfilling and happy.

Check out their Christmas offers in the attachment below!

Open the door to a world of opportunities with English courses for every age and goal – now with a 15% discount for BBCC members.

For children, we offer a clear and inspiring learning journey: Learning Time with Timmy (ages 3–6), Primary Plus (ages 7–11), Secondary Plus (ages 11–17), as well as Cambridge Exam Preparation and IELTS Preparation.

Adults can choose from a wide range of courses, including General English, Business English, IELTS Preparation, Cambridge Exam Preparation, and Speaking Courses. Classes are available face-to-face at our Sofia Teaching Centre (7 Krakra St.) and at our new Business Park Sofia location, as well as online.

Children can enrol at any point during the academic year, with fees adjusted accordingly. For adults, new terms start throughout the year, making it easy to join at a time that suits you.

BBCC members benefit from an exclusive 15% discount on all courses during academic year 25-26.

Book your free consultation today to check your or your child’s English level, explore the internationally recognised programmes, and find the right course for your goals: britishcouncil.bg/en/english/register.

A world of learning and opportunity awaits – see you at the British Council.

Stanimira Chocolate House creates with love and care sweet chocolate temptations which are WOW, made of high quality Belgian chocolate and raw materials with guaranteed origin, a product of responsible agriculture.

The Chocolate House offers 8% off to all BBCC Members. You can find their catalogue attached below.

Stanimira Chocolate House is a social enterprise in which young people with special needs work and develop labour skills. Their goal is to give them the opportunity for professional development, to change public mindset and to reduce the risk of social exclusion. Together we create exquisite chocolate products. Together they add value to the social economy by giving them chances to be included in
sustainable employment.

Most trainings sound good in theory. Our work in practice.

Agile Pool, have supported over 75 companies and 2,300 professionals since 2016 with hands-on programs that build real capability, not just awareness.

Agile Pool design every session around your people and your business reality – no slideshows, no fluff.

Their focus areas:

• AI & Future of Work: adapt and lead in a changing landscape
  
• Leadership & Management: practical tools for real results
  
• Agility & Team Performance: collaboration that actually sticks
  

Want a training that fits your team like a glove?

Contact AgilePool to design it together. 

https://agilepool.com/  
contact@agilepool.com