On Wednesday evening, the British Chamber of Commerce in Luxembourg (BCC) held its annual New Year Cocktail, the first event of its 25th Anniversary, at the residence of the British Ambassador to Luxembourg, John Marshall.

The formal part of the evening consisted of two short speeches; HE Ambassador Marshall welcomed everyone and stated that a lot has already happend in 2017, in the United Kingdom regarding Brexit, in particular the recent legal decision, and in the US regarding the new administration, as well as in The Netherlands regarding the forthcoming elections there.

He said that in his less than 12 months of being stationed in Luxembourg he has got to know the British Chamber very well and is very impressed with their organisation and array of events, with the chamber especially busy this year with its 25th anniversary.

He said that he would be addressing a joint luncheon hosted by both the British and American chambers in Luxembourg, on Monday 6 February, at which attendees will be able to hear his views on Brexit, President Trump, etc.

In closing he mentioned that a specialist British artist - in cycling photography - will be in the Grand Duchy in the summer as the Tour de France passes through Luxembourg (on 3 & 4 July). He called on volunteers to support the embassy's initiative to organise an exhibition of the artist's creations as well as some street art too.

The British Chamber's chairman, Alison McLeod, thanked the event's sponsors and Ambassador MArshall as the event's host, and recalled that the chamber organised 21 events across a broad array of topics and formats last year, attracting 1,400 attendees, and hoped for even more this year, with their 25th anniversary. She explained that it will be celebrated with a special event every quarter, starting with a Dinner in the Dark. She also listed a series of events already confirmed for the coming weeks and months.

The AGM is being held on 6 April at which twelve council members and officers are elected, including the position of Chairman; she confirmed that she would not be standing for re-election. She concluded that 2016 was a successful year for the chamber and she hopes it can build on that success for 2017.

After the formal part concluded, those present at the members-only event enjoyed a networking cocktail with finger food.