Australian British Chamber of Commerce

Over 100 Years Strong

The Australian British Chamber of Commerce is a leading organisation created to facilitate the development of business relationships among companies operating in Australia.

Our key objects are:

• To promote, foster and further trade, investment, commerce and industry between Australia and the United Kingdom
• To lead and promote discussion and debate on significant issues affecting business and public affairs or national and international interest and importance
• To facilitate business networking opportunities for both its members and the business community in general by providing quality functions, events and meetings

The Chamber was founded in 1910, the same year as Australia sent the first High Commissioner of the new nation to the United Kingdom. In over a century since then, the Chamber has established a strong reputation as a body that facilitates business development through a range of networking activities primarily the organisation of events such as corporate lunches, private boardroom functions, and more relaxed cultural and cocktail evenings.

The Chamber has developed to further support bilateral trade by providing opportunities for business people to be informed by and exposed to the ideas of successful leaders. Business relationships are developed at a personal level and the Chamber provides support for this process. These opportunities have complemented the growth and role of the Department for International Trade, Austrade and various Australian State government agencies as well as groups including Scottish Development International.

Trade between Australia and the UK is highly significant to both countries. Two-way trade currently stands at more than $29.1 billion, making this Australia’s fifth largest trading relationship. The UK is the second largest source of total foreign investment in Australia: total investment is valued at $515.5 billion. As of 2016, total Australian investment in the UK was $350.5 billion – making the UK Australia’s second most important foreign investment destination.* 

Approximately 1,500 Australian companies are active in the UK, with a large number using the UK as a base for continental Europe. A considerable number of these companies are associated with the Chamber and find its services significant in assisting the development of their business relations in this country. These companies and their executives are valued members and partners of the Chamber, actively involved within its network of influential individuals and organisations.

The Chamber is an independently constituted organisation operating in all states. It has a strong relationship with the United Kingdom through the British High Commissioner and the British Consul-Generals. This provides access to key officials both directly and through Department for International Trade. 

*Figures from DFAT 2018