Dear Members & Friends
With 2025 almost behind us and with 2026 well in sight, I would like to tell you more about the exciting events ahead of us.
Will the UK rejoin the EU? For the first time since 2016, some senior politicians seem no longer afraid to suggest that the UK should at least join either the customs union or the EU single market again. With only 30% of Brits now still in favour of a hard Brexit, we might see more and more signs of a renewed rapprochement between the UK and the EU. Do not get your hopes up too soon, but it is no longer a taboo subject.
Last week, we had our Golden Bridge Trade & Investment Awards jury meeting in London. This occasion is always a highlight on my calendar, and this year did not disappoint. 14 top-notch companies presented themselves at the KBC London office for a fierce battle for the crown. On 5th February 2026, the winners will be announced at the 25th anniversary of this prestigious award. This will take place in our magnificent central London ballroom. Our guest speaker is GertJan Vlieghe, ex-member of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee and VP of Millennium.
It is a great networking opportunity and the ideal occasion to invite staff and/or clients. Last but not least, there will be some great entertainment which will make this a night to remember for you and our 250+ guests.
In March 2026, we will organise our 3rd Eurostart Venture Awards event, celebrating the most promising university start-ups and spin-offs from Belgium, Luxembourg, and the UK. The event will take place over 2 days, first on 25th March at the Luxembourg Embassy and the next day at the Belgian Embassy in London.
During 2025, we also worked hard to revamp the BLCC website. The result will come to life early next year and give the visitor a more dynamic, informative and easier-to-navigate experience.
Last month, Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, announced her UK budget. Its consequences will only be felt from April 2026 and beyond. You find a detailed article in this newsletter explaining what it will mean for your business.
Finally, 2026 will also be the year in which our BLCC London office will relocate from its current location next to Trafalgar Square to Angel, just one tube stop from St. Pancras/Kings Cross. Located in the creative and tech heart of London, this old printing factory conversion along the Regent Canal, will continue to offer our usual Club Class services such a co-working space and meeting & events facilities. We will keep you posted on the practical side in early January. In the meantime, the facilities at Trafalgar Square can be used without any interruption.
In the name of the BLCC Team, Philippe, Issy, Sheila, Joe, Seb, Chelsea and myself, I wish you a Happy Christmas and a healthy & prosperous 2026. We are looking forward to working with you again next year and scaling your UK business to new heights.
Michel Vanhoonacker
BLCC Chairman