We held our Christmas party at the Radisson SAS Hotel in Kyiv on 23 December and we had another record turnout. We had 87 on the list, but many turned up on the night (we never turn our friends away). It was another great success and everyone enjoyed the night even breaking into song together. It was a great way to celebrate the year end and help everyone to start relaxing for the hoidays.
As we draw to a close for 2008, I would like to thank many of the people who make things happen at the BBCU. My thanks go to - Richard Brady, who always keeps things going and ensures that members and guests get to know each other. Moreover, Richard has great public speaking skills and has become very popular among our members. My thanks to PeterFlanaghan, who makes sure we stay on track for our "Britishness". Thanks to Tony Wood for his ideas and thinking on his feet at all times and his positive attitude. Thanks to Tanya Voropai for organising all the admin and making sure things get done on time.
A big thanks to my wife Alina for putting up with me and helping me to do things better all the time. Alina is just amazing.
Looking forward to 2009, we will be drawing up a list of our activities very soon for the new year. Ukraine will be facing tough times in 2009 and the business environment is going to see many changes.
Finally, I would like to thank all our members who have supported the development of the BBCU this year and by working together I hope we can all survive the tough challenges ahead.
26 December 2008
12 December 2008
Credit Crisis Meeting - November
Our November went much better than expected with 68 attending.
We had an alternative 'low price' venue and our catering was low price but with plenty to drink.
Guess what? People really enjoyed it, probably because it was for real and people we not afraid to talk about the issues that concern everyone right now.
The event was different in that we invited members to share their experiences with us.
So thanks go to: Clive Hunter Dunne, Tony Wood, Jim Hydzik, Terry Pickard for their predictions about the start into 2009.
Unfortunately many of us share the view that in Ukraine the economic situation may get WORSE as the new year gets underway. (Which in Ukraine starts around February as people get back from the long holidays)
2009 promises to be an interested year.
We had an alternative 'low price' venue and our catering was low price but with plenty to drink.
Guess what? People really enjoyed it, probably because it was for real and people we not afraid to talk about the issues that concern everyone right now.
The event was different in that we invited members to share their experiences with us.
So thanks go to: Clive Hunter Dunne, Tony Wood, Jim Hydzik, Terry Pickard for their predictions about the start into 2009.
Unfortunately many of us share the view that in Ukraine the economic situation may get WORSE as the new year gets underway. (Which in Ukraine starts around February as people get back from the long holidays)
2009 promises to be an interested year.
15 November 2008
November - Credit Crisis - British Viewpoint
Our next meeting will be on 27 November.
This meeting will focus on the impacts on the current economic situation
We have invited various British expats to come and share their views on what it means for their businesses in Ukraine.
For example, in my business of property, we actually think the positive outcome will be that many Ukrainians will now understand that they MUST learn the importance of negotiating on price. Gone are the days of demanding a price and expecting to get it.
This will be an interesting meeting.
This meeting will focus on the impacts on the current economic situation
We have invited various British expats to come and share their views on what it means for their businesses in Ukraine.
For example, in my business of property, we actually think the positive outcome will be that many Ukrainians will now understand that they MUST learn the importance of negotiating on price. Gone are the days of demanding a price and expecting to get it.
This will be an interesting meeting.
09 November 2008
Another Success for the BBCU
Our meeting on 30 October was very well attended, 83 people (even I was suprised).
Our theme of Business Services Outsourcing went down well, sponsored in part by UCMS - Workforce Management Soluction, they did a great job plus I think many of the people came to find out whats happening in these interesting times we are all facing.
It was noted that many people stayed late and all the drink was consumed!!!!.
So onwards to the success of the BBCU, I am sure we can get to the end of the year in great shape (or at least much better than last year)
Must organise a Christmas event before its too late.
Our theme of Business Services Outsourcing went down well, sponsored in part by UCMS - Workforce Management Soluction, they did a great job plus I think many of the people came to find out whats happening in these interesting times we are all facing.
It was noted that many people stayed late and all the drink was consumed!!!!.
So onwards to the success of the BBCU, I am sure we can get to the end of the year in great shape (or at least much better than last year)
Must organise a Christmas event before its too late.
26 October 2008
Ukraine current situation + October Meeting
Sunday 26 October 2008
During the past few weeks Ukraine has had a few ups and downs, mainly downs.
The national currency, the Hryvna (UAH) has fallen against the USD and other currencies.
The IMF are considering granting a loan to the country of around $15billion.
Some Ukrainian banks suffered from a 'run on' by depositors about fears of a banking collapse.
Indeed many banks have restricted the flow of funds on instructions from the National Bank of Ukraine.(NBU)
Many Ukrainains have enjoyed the ease of obtaining mortages in hard currency, usually USD.
Now they have the problem of significantly higher repayments, as they are obliged to repay in USD and not UAH.
If the NBU allows the UAH to float freely on the exchange market it could be the end to the good old days of when the UAH was sat nicely at 4.85 to USD 1
Moreover, we have the added opportunity and problem of an impending parliamentary election on 15th December. The President has called an early election and the country is facing a third set of elections in as many years. Probably the last things Ukraine needs right now is another election. The people are tired of the political situation and many forecast the turnout will be low.
Anyhow.....the next BBCU meeting will be on Thursday 30 October in our usual meeting place in Kyiv. The theme: Business Services Outsourcing.
During the past few weeks Ukraine has had a few ups and downs, mainly downs.
The national currency, the Hryvna (UAH) has fallen against the USD and other currencies.
The IMF are considering granting a loan to the country of around $15billion.
Some Ukrainian banks suffered from a 'run on' by depositors about fears of a banking collapse.
Indeed many banks have restricted the flow of funds on instructions from the National Bank of Ukraine.(NBU)
Many Ukrainains have enjoyed the ease of obtaining mortages in hard currency, usually USD.
Now they have the problem of significantly higher repayments, as they are obliged to repay in USD and not UAH.
If the NBU allows the UAH to float freely on the exchange market it could be the end to the good old days of when the UAH was sat nicely at 4.85 to USD 1
Moreover, we have the added opportunity and problem of an impending parliamentary election on 15th December. The President has called an early election and the country is facing a third set of elections in as many years. Probably the last things Ukraine needs right now is another election. The people are tired of the political situation and many forecast the turnout will be low.
Anyhow.....the next BBCU meeting will be on Thursday 30 October in our usual meeting place in Kyiv. The theme: Business Services Outsourcing.
27 September 2008
Real Estate in Ukraine
Our September meeting last night was another great success.
Kindly sponsored by EFG Property Services Ukraine and NAI Pickard, presentations were made regarding the current state of the property market in Ukraine, plus the importance of obtaining accurate valuations.
93 people attended and the formal part of the evening was as usual followed by drinks and buffet and lively discussions.
It was commonly agreed by many members that the residential property market has cooled down in Kyiv and in the middle segment we may seem some price reductions next year as a result of more people looking to buy in "Cottage Housing" in the far suburbs or in villages.
Better value for money and a real garden are some of the reasons why people are moving "outward from the city centre".
However, Kyiv city centre prices for prime locations will probably remain the same. Housing in the heart of Kyiv will continue to be attractive as a safe investment.
Regarding commercial property, it was agreed that we will continue to see the boom across office, retail, industrial (mainly warehousing) and land. The demand for offices and retail sites continues to outstrip supply even after the recent political events.
Political instability is now a norm in Ukraine and doe snot appear to be of great concern to the vast majority of Ukrainians. Perhaps it is we foreigners who worry about it more. But foreign companies are continuing to enter Ukraine as it is still seen as one of the few remaining economies offering high returns. The risks are still here. But what would life be without risks?
Kindly sponsored by EFG Property Services Ukraine and NAI Pickard, presentations were made regarding the current state of the property market in Ukraine, plus the importance of obtaining accurate valuations.
93 people attended and the formal part of the evening was as usual followed by drinks and buffet and lively discussions.
It was commonly agreed by many members that the residential property market has cooled down in Kyiv and in the middle segment we may seem some price reductions next year as a result of more people looking to buy in "Cottage Housing" in the far suburbs or in villages.
Better value for money and a real garden are some of the reasons why people are moving "outward from the city centre".
However, Kyiv city centre prices for prime locations will probably remain the same. Housing in the heart of Kyiv will continue to be attractive as a safe investment.
Regarding commercial property, it was agreed that we will continue to see the boom across office, retail, industrial (mainly warehousing) and land. The demand for offices and retail sites continues to outstrip supply even after the recent political events.
Political instability is now a norm in Ukraine and doe snot appear to be of great concern to the vast majority of Ukrainians. Perhaps it is we foreigners who worry about it more. But foreign companies are continuing to enter Ukraine as it is still seen as one of the few remaining economies offering high returns. The risks are still here. But what would life be without risks?
31 August 2008
Summer Ends- Hello September
Well, what an interesting August. Like many people I spent a lot of time watching the events in Georgia via TV. The 24 August Independence Day celebrations here in Kyiv were unusual as we saw a display of Ukrainains miltary machines along the main streets.
There is much talk about how the EU will deal with the "Georgian crisis" and how they will react to Russia. Tomorrow, 1 Sept, a special EU Summit will be held to discuss this.
Many people now think its right o consider offering Ukraine speedy EU membership, as fears grow about possible conflicts between Russia and Ukraine.
Personally, I think EU membership can only benefit Ukraine, however I still think it is a long shot and it will be many years before Ukraine would join the EU. But who knows? Life is full of suprises. It would certainly help to do business easier in Ukraine if it ever does happen.
There is much talk about how the EU will deal with the "Georgian crisis" and how they will react to Russia. Tomorrow, 1 Sept, a special EU Summit will be held to discuss this.
Many people now think its right o consider offering Ukraine speedy EU membership, as fears grow about possible conflicts between Russia and Ukraine.
Personally, I think EU membership can only benefit Ukraine, however I still think it is a long shot and it will be many years before Ukraine would join the EU. But who knows? Life is full of suprises. It would certainly help to do business easier in Ukraine if it ever does happen.
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