British Chamber Holds Christmas Cracker of a Lunch

On Friday 8 December 2023, the British Chamber of Commerce in Luxembourg (BCC) held its traditional Christmas Luncheon at the Hemicycle in Luxembourg-Kirchberg.

Following a pre-dinner cocktail in the foyer, Andrew Notter, BCC Chairman, welcomed the 220+ people attending the event in the chamber's 31st year. He described 2023 as a very uncertain year for many, both economically and geopolitically. Nevertheless, the chamber has recorded its most members ever and he referenced its 23 events undertaken throughout the year, with many such events to be continued / repeated in 2024. He thanked Becca and Louise from the chamber's secretariat for organising not only the Christmas event, but also the chamber's events throughout the year. He thanked Daniel Eischen, the outgoing BCC Chairman, as well as the event's sponsors.

The guest speaker, British Ambassador to Luxembourg Fleur Thomas, spoke and mentioned that 2023 has been an eventful year, referencing a number of issues common to the UK and Luxembourg. She said that London's and Luxembourg's two fund centres are trying to find new ways of working together. She referenced a series of meetings being held between parliamentarians and business leaders. She also touched on education and working on social collaboration between the two governments and educational representatives. 

The ambassador talked about law enforcement agency collaboration, tackling serious and organised crime. She also referenced community, including the work of the BCC and St George's International School. She touched on getting to know the new ministers in the new Luxembourg government and hinted at the next election in the UK, as well as the ongoing atrocities across the world, including the Israel-Palestine war and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

After pulling traditional Christmas crackers and enjoying the dinner of smoked salmon, roast stuffed turkey and dessert, the by-now traditional gin bar opened which ensured that not all attendees returned to work in the afternoon. A raffle was held with lucky winners coming away with bottles of gin and copies of Daniel Eischen's just-published book, Confinement Cocktails.