British citizens will go to the polls today to exercise their democratic right to decide which political party will form a government to lead the country during the next five years. I hope that we do not see a hung parliament. I hope that we see a Conservative government back in power. After the election when the dust has settled, I am sure we will hear from the LibDems about the unfairness of the British political system.. Even if the Conservatives gain (for example) 51% of the vote and Labour 29% and LibDems 20% this would demonstrate that 49% of the people did not vote for the winning side, but they would have no say in government. The first past the post system could be considered unfair. But what Britain needs right now, like most other countries also need, is strong and clear leadership in government.
Like many of my friends, I hope that we can soon put the GREAT back into Britain
I am still very proud to be British and I will always support my country, provided I and others can see common sense prevailing. We await the result with great interest.
06 May 2010
Why are British people afraid?
Yesterday, I was accused of not being ‘politically correct’ in my opinion on freedom of speech. The accuser obviously didn’t know me well enough to understand that one of my pet hates is the business of being PC all the time. I am not a diplomat. I do not work for or get paid by any government organisation. Therefore, I believe I have the right to say what I like when I like without any fears of being ‘held to account’ by any organisation.
Moreover, I am not in the habit of saying anything wild or offensive to people. If I did the members of the BBCU would soon tell me.
Obviously, there is a line to be drawn concerning what you actually say and one must remember to not cause offence or insult to any individual or group. However, I do feel that this PC business has gone completely over the top particularly in the United Kingdom. Why do I mention this?
Well, just to show I am not getting too old, I have been using Facebook to keep in contact with old friends, some of who still live in the UK and others who now live in other parts of the world. I have recently exchanged messages and emails with many people, some of whom I have not been in contact with for over forty years or more.
Each and every one of these people expressed their concerns over the issue of ‘freedom of speech’ in the United Kingdom. Many have told me how they feel afraid to say what they really want to say. This fear is as a result of the likely or maybe certain consequences that follow for someone who says something to a colleague in a work environment or in a public place and it is considered to be ‘not correct’.
All these comments make me think…’What’s happened to British people’.
This PC ‘system’ is like something you would expect from a country in the former USSR. But those of us who live and work in former soviet countries all agree that we do not live in fear of any PC environment. In former soviet countries we have freedom to say whatever we like. Who would have thought this? (Admittedly the freedom of the press/media in many former soviet countries is another issue).
The Australians have been demonstrating recently how they will ‘say what they like’ when discussing the thorny subject of immigration. Many in the Australian government have voiced openly how they intend to protect Australian culture and if immigrants coming to Australia do not like it…then don’t come to Australia is what they are told.
This is refreshing. Why can’t British people do the same?
Moreover, I am not in the habit of saying anything wild or offensive to people. If I did the members of the BBCU would soon tell me.
Obviously, there is a line to be drawn concerning what you actually say and one must remember to not cause offence or insult to any individual or group. However, I do feel that this PC business has gone completely over the top particularly in the United Kingdom. Why do I mention this?
Well, just to show I am not getting too old, I have been using Facebook to keep in contact with old friends, some of who still live in the UK and others who now live in other parts of the world. I have recently exchanged messages and emails with many people, some of whom I have not been in contact with for over forty years or more.
Each and every one of these people expressed their concerns over the issue of ‘freedom of speech’ in the United Kingdom. Many have told me how they feel afraid to say what they really want to say. This fear is as a result of the likely or maybe certain consequences that follow for someone who says something to a colleague in a work environment or in a public place and it is considered to be ‘not correct’.
All these comments make me think…’What’s happened to British people’.
This PC ‘system’ is like something you would expect from a country in the former USSR. But those of us who live and work in former soviet countries all agree that we do not live in fear of any PC environment. In former soviet countries we have freedom to say whatever we like. Who would have thought this? (Admittedly the freedom of the press/media in many former soviet countries is another issue).
The Australians have been demonstrating recently how they will ‘say what they like’ when discussing the thorny subject of immigration. Many in the Australian government have voiced openly how they intend to protect Australian culture and if immigrants coming to Australia do not like it…then don’t come to Australia is what they are told.
This is refreshing. Why can’t British people do the same?
01 May 2010
British Embassy Meeting 29 April 2010
The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office operate a system called LOCATE.
This is a database which allows British citizens around the world to register and tell the the FCO where they are. This applies if you are a short term visitor to a country or even a long term expat etc. So, during the past months the British Embassy in Ukraine has been trying to find British citizens to register on the LOCATE system.
We at the BBCU also did our bit to help and sent messages to our members and contacts to persuade them to register. Some long term expats in Ukraine,did indeed register but some still view government databases as not a safe place to put their details.
Anyhow, the reward from the British Embassy in Ukraine for registering on LOCATE was an invitation to a reception hosted by the British Ambassador - Mr Leigh Turner at the wonderful Ambassadors House in Kyiv.
I estimate that about 60 people turned out. I was happy to attend as I actually saw many new faces. It made me realise that there is a life outside the world of business. All the meetings I attend are always business related, as there is a bunch of British expats that meet each other at some event on a regular basis. But this was different as many of the British citizens were people from the teaching profession, writers, support organisations (NGO's etc)and there were many 'non business' people. I met Mr Richard Shirt who has spent the past two years writing a book, just published entitled "Among The Ukrainians". I always envy but also admire those who can take time off to write a book. It's like a dream for many of us, as we know that we will probably never get around to actually doing it. See details about Richards book here: http://amongtheukrainians.co.uk
I observed one man standing on his own and I suspected he was not British. Due to the fact that he was very well dressed. Many Brits still do not know how to wear clothes and many still do not have any care about how they look.
So, I introduced myself and discovered him to be Mr Dmitry Ermolenko, not a typical British name. Dmitry has British citizenship but stays and conducts his business in Ukraine and Russia. Turns out he runs his own retail fashion company and has the licenses for over eleven well known international clothing brands for Ukraine, Russia and Kasakhstan.One smart guy.
Also had a conversation with a man from the Embassy Visa Section. Not an easy job working in an environment where he gets to decide who gets a visa and who doesn't. Well that was my introduction to him, but he sees thing in a different way in a world of systems, points, audits, getting the documents in the correct order etc.
He explained the process of always making sure he made a decision based on the knowledge that he may have to answer to an auditor at a later date. Although a nice man, after a few minutes of conversation I realised he and I live in different worlds. He also made me realise why I am a British EXPAT.
This is a database which allows British citizens around the world to register and tell the the FCO where they are. This applies if you are a short term visitor to a country or even a long term expat etc. So, during the past months the British Embassy in Ukraine has been trying to find British citizens to register on the LOCATE system.
We at the BBCU also did our bit to help and sent messages to our members and contacts to persuade them to register. Some long term expats in Ukraine,did indeed register but some still view government databases as not a safe place to put their details.
Anyhow, the reward from the British Embassy in Ukraine for registering on LOCATE was an invitation to a reception hosted by the British Ambassador - Mr Leigh Turner at the wonderful Ambassadors House in Kyiv.
I estimate that about 60 people turned out. I was happy to attend as I actually saw many new faces. It made me realise that there is a life outside the world of business. All the meetings I attend are always business related, as there is a bunch of British expats that meet each other at some event on a regular basis. But this was different as many of the British citizens were people from the teaching profession, writers, support organisations (NGO's etc)and there were many 'non business' people. I met Mr Richard Shirt who has spent the past two years writing a book, just published entitled "Among The Ukrainians". I always envy but also admire those who can take time off to write a book. It's like a dream for many of us, as we know that we will probably never get around to actually doing it. See details about Richards book here: http://amongtheukrainians.co.uk
I observed one man standing on his own and I suspected he was not British. Due to the fact that he was very well dressed. Many Brits still do not know how to wear clothes and many still do not have any care about how they look.
So, I introduced myself and discovered him to be Mr Dmitry Ermolenko, not a typical British name. Dmitry has British citizenship but stays and conducts his business in Ukraine and Russia. Turns out he runs his own retail fashion company and has the licenses for over eleven well known international clothing brands for Ukraine, Russia and Kasakhstan.One smart guy.
Also had a conversation with a man from the Embassy Visa Section. Not an easy job working in an environment where he gets to decide who gets a visa and who doesn't. Well that was my introduction to him, but he sees thing in a different way in a world of systems, points, audits, getting the documents in the correct order etc.
He explained the process of always making sure he made a decision based on the knowledge that he may have to answer to an auditor at a later date. Although a nice man, after a few minutes of conversation I realised he and I live in different worlds. He also made me realise why I am a British EXPAT.
BBCU Meeting 28 April 2010
The feedback from our meeting this week has been very good.
Our networking meeting - Banking, getting back to business was a great opportunity to hear from people about what is happening in the banking sector in Ukraine.
Unfortunately, these days most bankers are not so eager to be speakers at events as they are tended to be regarded as prime suspects/public enemy number one, for many ills in society.
This was our first meeting at the new Intercontinental Hotel in Kyiv and the panorama view provided on the top floor is probably the best view you can get of Kyiv. Our new 'style' of meeting was also introduced, where people remain standing for the short speeches provided by members and guests. The new format allowed people to get talking and meet more new contacts than before.
However, I will have to drop a note to the management of the hotel as is usual in Ukraine, the staff in hotels still forget to understand how important the customer really is. We may continue to have more meetings at this hotel, if we can get things better.
Our networking meeting - Banking, getting back to business was a great opportunity to hear from people about what is happening in the banking sector in Ukraine.
Unfortunately, these days most bankers are not so eager to be speakers at events as they are tended to be regarded as prime suspects/public enemy number one, for many ills in society.
This was our first meeting at the new Intercontinental Hotel in Kyiv and the panorama view provided on the top floor is probably the best view you can get of Kyiv. Our new 'style' of meeting was also introduced, where people remain standing for the short speeches provided by members and guests. The new format allowed people to get talking and meet more new contacts than before.
However, I will have to drop a note to the management of the hotel as is usual in Ukraine, the staff in hotels still forget to understand how important the customer really is. We may continue to have more meetings at this hotel, if we can get things better.
24 April 2010
A busy week in Kyiv
I receive many invitations each week to attend some event, party, launch, seminar or meeting in Kyiv. This past week I attended a few and was particularly impressed by the big launch party organised by the famous British company – Quintessentially. They opened in Kyiv with a party at the Buddha Bar in the city centre. I estimate there must have been about 300 people including celebrities like Andrey Shevchenko and Vladimir Klitschko who enjoyed this big free party. My only concern is, I think they did not get the message across to the people as to WHAT they will actually do in Ukraine?. It was the usual Kyiv glitzy set which always includes many stunningly beautiful women. The party included a fashion show sponsored by Favorit Health Club.
Many first time visitors to Kyiv are shocked by the seemingly extravagance of many events. (Recession? What recession?)
Thursday, I attended a reception meeting for HRH The Duke of York (Prince Andrew) organised by the British Embassy in Ukraine. It was a great opportunity for HRH to get a feel for what we Brits think about doing business in Ukraine and what are the opportunities as he was meeting the new President of Ukraine the next day.
It’s not easy doing business in Ukraine but there are still many opportunities for those who have a strong will to survive. Earlier in the week I met Valeriya Machkova, a woman who describes herself as an ‘interpreter’ on her business card. But I discovered she has developed a small niche in the medical tourism business. Valeriya takes care of visitors from Arab countries (she speaks fluent Arabic, English and German). She has no web site or promotional materials and all her business is via ‘word of mouth’ from previous Arab clients. She introduces people to the many low cost clinics in Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine where people can still receive excellent medical treatment for a small fraction of the cost in western Europe. I think maybe Ukraine could be ready for more medical tourists.
Many first time visitors to Kyiv are shocked by the seemingly extravagance of many events. (Recession? What recession?)
Thursday, I attended a reception meeting for HRH The Duke of York (Prince Andrew) organised by the British Embassy in Ukraine. It was a great opportunity for HRH to get a feel for what we Brits think about doing business in Ukraine and what are the opportunities as he was meeting the new President of Ukraine the next day.
It’s not easy doing business in Ukraine but there are still many opportunities for those who have a strong will to survive. Earlier in the week I met Valeriya Machkova, a woman who describes herself as an ‘interpreter’ on her business card. But I discovered she has developed a small niche in the medical tourism business. Valeriya takes care of visitors from Arab countries (she speaks fluent Arabic, English and German). She has no web site or promotional materials and all her business is via ‘word of mouth’ from previous Arab clients. She introduces people to the many low cost clinics in Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine where people can still receive excellent medical treatment for a small fraction of the cost in western Europe. I think maybe Ukraine could be ready for more medical tourists.
18 April 2010
Maybe business is starting to recover in Ukraine
We will have our next BBCU meeting on 28th April at the Inter Continental Hotel in Kyiv. The theme will be about banking and getting back to business.
During the past few weeks, I have detected a more positive atmosphere in the business community in Kyiv. Maybe the good weather has something to do with it, but I'm getting reports that companies are recruiting new staff again. Even law firms are starting to take people on again. It would appear that many people are content with the state of stability which has been created with the new president and new government.
I still get invited to lunch or dinner just about everyday by someone in Kyiv, but this year I have decided take a more controlled approach to my time management.
FOCUS is my key aim right now to just concentrate on doing the things which I think will be worth my time and energy. Previously I had always kept about six balls in the air at the same time, well now its just two balls maximum. I am working on a few new projects right now and will shortly be announcing some new ventures.
During the past few weeks, I have detected a more positive atmosphere in the business community in Kyiv. Maybe the good weather has something to do with it, but I'm getting reports that companies are recruiting new staff again. Even law firms are starting to take people on again. It would appear that many people are content with the state of stability which has been created with the new president and new government.
I still get invited to lunch or dinner just about everyday by someone in Kyiv, but this year I have decided take a more controlled approach to my time management.
FOCUS is my key aim right now to just concentrate on doing the things which I think will be worth my time and energy. Previously I had always kept about six balls in the air at the same time, well now its just two balls maximum. I am working on a few new projects right now and will shortly be announcing some new ventures.
10 April 2010
Back to Kyiv after Easter
Back in Kyiv today after a weeks break for Easter back in the UK.
I was in London for a few days and then spent a week in the Lake District with my two daughters Jade and Jasmine.
I was surprised by how cold it still is in England for this time of year, as it was the Lake District it rained just about everyday anyhow. But we still enjoyed the break.
During this time, Gordon Brown decided to call a general election for May 6 and the campaigns began.
Maybe I am getting old, but I didn’t see or hear anything really interesting being put forward by any of the major parties. Plus I notice that many MPs are standing down and not seeking re-election, not just those caught up in the expenses scandal, but many others who it would appear have just had enough of politics in the UK.
One question that people ask me when I am back in England is “What do you miss most about not living in England?” There are two things I miss. Firstly, not seeing my two daughters more often and secondly not being able to drive on good roads.
That’s about it really.
I now feel like a tourist in my own country when I am back in England. I tend to view everything I see and do as a tourist. For example a Ukrainian visitor and I, paid a visit to Windsor Castle. Long time since I have been there and it still makes me feel proud to be British. However, I still find it amazing that the tourist shops and cafes/restaurants around the castle still close at 5pm. Is England geared up to cater for international tourists?
I did find one pub still open and smiled as I heard Americans asking for a drinks menu.
Compared to many other countries, the UK is still a very ‘orderly’ country. However, I purchased a train ticket from London to Retford in Nottinghamshire and had that horrible experience of getting on the train only to discover that all the seats where full.
I was forced to stand up on the train until one passenger got off the train at Peterborough.
How on earth can a developed economy not use a smart intelligent system for selling train seats? In Ukraine, they always know when all the seats have been sold and refuse to sell anymore tickets. This is logical.
I suppose it’s a good thing that the trains are being fully used in England. But then I calculated that the price of the train ticket was more than the price of my air fare from Kyiv to London.
I was in London for a few days and then spent a week in the Lake District with my two daughters Jade and Jasmine.
I was surprised by how cold it still is in England for this time of year, as it was the Lake District it rained just about everyday anyhow. But we still enjoyed the break.
During this time, Gordon Brown decided to call a general election for May 6 and the campaigns began.
Maybe I am getting old, but I didn’t see or hear anything really interesting being put forward by any of the major parties. Plus I notice that many MPs are standing down and not seeking re-election, not just those caught up in the expenses scandal, but many others who it would appear have just had enough of politics in the UK.
One question that people ask me when I am back in England is “What do you miss most about not living in England?” There are two things I miss. Firstly, not seeing my two daughters more often and secondly not being able to drive on good roads.
That’s about it really.
I now feel like a tourist in my own country when I am back in England. I tend to view everything I see and do as a tourist. For example a Ukrainian visitor and I, paid a visit to Windsor Castle. Long time since I have been there and it still makes me feel proud to be British. However, I still find it amazing that the tourist shops and cafes/restaurants around the castle still close at 5pm. Is England geared up to cater for international tourists?
I did find one pub still open and smiled as I heard Americans asking for a drinks menu.
Compared to many other countries, the UK is still a very ‘orderly’ country. However, I purchased a train ticket from London to Retford in Nottinghamshire and had that horrible experience of getting on the train only to discover that all the seats where full.
I was forced to stand up on the train until one passenger got off the train at Peterborough.
How on earth can a developed economy not use a smart intelligent system for selling train seats? In Ukraine, they always know when all the seats have been sold and refuse to sell anymore tickets. This is logical.
I suppose it’s a good thing that the trains are being fully used in England. But then I calculated that the price of the train ticket was more than the price of my air fare from Kyiv to London.
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