Letter from the British Ambassador

France and the United Kingdom have always been at our best when we work together. As neighbours, partners, friends and allies, we share deep connections that span business, culture, innovation and our people. At a time when the world is changing rapidly, those connections matter more than ever.

Across France, businesses, entrepreneurs and professionals are building new partnerships and finding fresh opportunities to collaborate. Our Department for Business and Trade team in Lyon has the privilege of supporting those ambitions and helping to strengthen the economic relationship between our two countries.

Organisations like FIBA play an invaluable role in bringing people together. Your network creates a welcoming space for ideas, connections and opportunities to flourish, whether for those looking to engage with the English-speaking business community in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region or to explore opportunities in the UK.

The strength of any business association lies in its members.  Every individual and company involved with FIBA contributes in their own way to the wider Franco-British relationship.  My thanks for all that you do to foster those links and help them grow.

I am delighted to support FIBA’s work and look forward to seeing our partnership continue to flourish in the years ahead.

Sir Thomas Drew
British Ambassador to France