Author: Eleanor Johnston

EnglishScore is the British Council’s global English language test and certificate for employability, with over 5 million users in 150 countries. Students receive a score between 0 and 599>. These scores are aligned to an international standard, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). 

EnglishScore is conducted entirely on a mobile phone via an application that can be downloaded from both the Android Play Store and the Apple App Store. The test assesses proficiency in grammar, vocabulary, reading and speaking in less than 40 minutes. It uses adaptive technology to deliver questions tailored to the learner’s level, ensuring a fast and accurate result. During the test, the user’s front camera will be activated to monitor students and detect malpractice.  

EnglishScore is already trusted by more than 150 universities, as well as 10 ministries and government agencies globally. In fact, within Korea and Taiwan, several of their most prestigious universities that are included within the top 500 universities in the world (according to the QS ranking of 2022) have already adopted the EnglishScore learning programme. 

Find out which universities in Latin America are driving digital innovation in English language assessment with EnglishScore. 

BritChaM is delighted to welcome to the Chamber this week our new member Corp4ness and introduce to you their movement: All4NESS. All4NESS is a 360° wellness concept which raises awareness of the importance of the balance between the physical, mental, emotional, social, and financial health of the individual, as a fundamental factor for their development and evolution, through the production of valuable content and memorable experiences. All4NESS designs wellness tools with an impact on the individual, organisations and society following the principles of the United Nations SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).

All4NESS is based on their BEB methodology (Wellbeing In Balance), as well as the Harvard Model of corporate culture and health to promote corporate Wellness, Diversity and Sustainability issues through our CORP4NESS division. They start with the strengthening of the individual, to generate inclusive, productive, and creative groups and organisations, thus achieving direct impact on society and all its spheres.

Experts in Experiential Marketing, the organisation holds certificates in “Orange Economy” from the Inter-American Development Bank, ‘The Art of Happiness’ and ‘Empathy and Emotional Intelligence in Business’ programme certifications from the University UC Berkeley, as well as ‘Health Culture in Companies’ programme certificate from the University of Harvard. All4NESS works with experts & international speakers who, together with them, develop presentations, training, and tools in search of improving the habits and models of thinking of people and
organisations. Thier programmes are based on the delivery of knowledge and tools that allow the collaborators to reach their point of balance in physical, emotional, social, productive, and mental health. The content and production are framed under our PEACE methodology, encouraging people to increase their productivity indicators, focus, adaptability, creativity, and energy, creating a direct impact not only on individuals and their environment, but also on the organisations they form a part of. For more information visit their website at corp4ness.com.

The British Chamber of Commerce in Mexico team would first of all like to thank all of our members for their kind words, messages and public announcements regarding the sad passing of our late Queen Elizabeth II. Many have spoken of her role as a global leader, her incredible sense of duty and unique ability to unite people across the world. We see this reflected in the enormous reaction and outpouring of grief in Mexico. While Mexico does not form part of the many Commonwealth countries of which she was head of state, she still ensured, during her very busy reign, that the relationship between Mexico and the UK was highly valued by the British establishment. During her 70 years on the throne she visited Mexico twice and said that her 1975 state visit was one of the most interesting she had ever made and that she would always remember the wonderful reception she and Prince Philip received from the crowds in Mexico City. Furthermore from the UK, she welcomed five Mexican presidents to Buckingham Palace in London demonstrating her position as the greatest British diplomat of all time. 

As a Chamber we admired her ability to adapt to the dramatically changing times and major events she experienced throughout her life and reign. Some were tragic such as the troubles in Ireland, the Grenfell Tower fire in London and the global Covid-19 pandemic. Other times were happier such as advances in technology – she was the first queen to televise her coronation and Christmas speeches – as well as global developments in equal rights which the Queen was quick to embrace. Whether happy or sad, the Queen was there as a constant to unify nations, always representing the United Kingdom and giving her people a reason to be proud to be British. HM Elizabeth II’s steadfast sense of duty reminds us all of the value of hard work, the importance of citizenship and contributing to society through humble service. As a Chamber we hope to channel these values always when interacting with our membership and growing the bilateral relationship.

The BritChaM team looks forward to seeing King Charles III continue this legacy and will support him as a Chamber representing the best of British values in Mexico.  

Long live the king!

On the 27th of July 2022, BritChaM, in collaboration with Chamber member LOVIS, had the pleasure of hosting the webinar ‘We have valuable people; what more do we need?’. Gilles Vignal, Director of the Chamber, had the honour of welcoming our panelists Paco Calderón, renowned caricaturist from Grupo Reforma and Rafael Funes, Executive Chairman of LOVIS, who joined us to discuss what Mexico needs for national development.

At the beginning of the webinar, our panelists spoke about the differences between caricature in Mexico and the United Kingdom. English caricature contains a lot of criticism of society and politics, and in Mexico, many are afraid to criticise the government. The culture is very different, but people have always commented on society through the medium of the arts. This is a fact that has never changed. The countries of Mexico and England have very different perceptions of themselves, and this is something we can see very clearly in the arts. They also discussed the different components of Mexican culture, and the impact that the conquistadors and Spanish culture had on Mexican civilisation. Mexico sees itself very much as a victim, and this attitude has a profound effect on the country and its interactions with other nations.

Another interesting point that they talked about in the webinar was the Mexican attitude towards problems and problem-resolution. It’s very important to be creative when looking to resolve problems, and it’s easier to find effective solutions when there are different points of view. In the business world, it’s very advantageous to become an international business, because cultural exchange can provide a fresh perspective which can be very useful when looking for different ways to solve a problem. When businesses bring in new talent from abroad, it helps to create a company with more variety, and it has different strengths that can be a very powerful thing in the world of business. A diverse workplace helps to create a company that will flourish.

Additionally Paco and Rafael discussed certain issues with the Mexican political system. It was noted that many minority groups (eg. women, indigenous groups) face a lot of discrimination, however Mexican people are not prone to criticising the government very much. In comparison, it is interesting to see the levels of criticism against the government in the United Kingdom, because they are much higher than here in Mexico. The mindset of a country can enormously affect all parts of its culture, and this could be the reason why the UK has had so much success. It was viewed as extraordinary to see such a small country with so much success, and thus why Mexicans must be more aware of our mindsets and attitudes in the workplace.

To close the event, they once again touched on the topic of caricature and the impact it has on Mexican culture. To communicate through caricature is a very exact art, and is a very valuable medium. Caricaturists must capture what makes a person unique, and how they want to portray them to the rest of the world.

Many thanks to LOVIS for this fascinating webinar, and many thanks as well to everyone who attended. We hope to see you at the next BritChaM webinar, and that you have enjoyed this one as much as we have.

On Thursday 30th of June 2022 the British Chamber of Commerce in Mexico was delighted to host 130 of our esteemed members at the Club de Industriales for our Centennial Anniversary Gala Dinner. BritChaM officially arrived at this special milestone in June of last year, however the pandemic meant celebrations at this time were limited to online. For an association dedicated to networking and bringing people together through events and our business sector groups, this was a particularly challenging period. Therefore, it was especially exciting last week to finally be able to mark 100 years of service to the British business community in Mexico in person with so many valued people who have contributed to our organisation over the years.  

The night was kicked off in style by the Roberto Aymes Jazz Trio who performed a British themed set. The Chamber would like to say a huge thank you to our member The Anglo Arts (part of the Anglo Mexican Foundation) who helped us organise this musical performance. Guests then enjoyed a gourmet dinner followed by fun at the photobooth and finally a fantastic raffle with prizes from British Beers, LUSH, The Duke of Lisbon, Flying Pictures Mexico, Camino Real and Aeromexico.

The Chamber was honored to welcome both Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Mexico, Jon Benjamin, and Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner to Latin American, Johnathan Knott, and we thank them for the kind words they shared on the night. BritChaM must also thank our generous sponsors ERM, Thor & Lovis for their support and we appreciate the messages of congratulations we received from Cesar Pindado, Salvador Ruiz & Carlos Allende Macías on the night.

Finally, thank you to everyone who attended the event and made it such an enjoyable evening. BritChaM is proud to have been, and more importantly will continue to be, a safe haven for British business interests in Mexico and we look forward to 100 more years of collaboration and commitment.

The British Chamber of Commerce in Mexico extends our deepest sympathies and support to those in Ukraine and elsewhere who have been affected by the suffering, violence, and loss of life that the invasion has caused, and we hope for a swift and peaceful end to the conflict. 

After discussions with the Ukrainian Embassy in Mexico, they shared with us the various efforts that are being made here to support Ukranians and they advised us on how we can best channel our supportive efforts, and those of our members.

1. Proyecto Axolotl

Last week BritChaM Director, Gilles Vignal, was honoured to accompany Pablo Caso to the Ukranian Embassy to deliver an artwork that the artist created inspired by the tragic invasion of Ukraine. The triptych, titled Turning Point and valued at $13,500 USD, will be auctioned off on the 22nd of September as part of a larger Gala Dinner event and all funds raised will go towards Proyecto Axolotl. 

Proyecto Axolotl is a Mexico-based initiative which aims to regenerate the lives of Ukranians who have suffered severe injuries in the war, by providing them with prosthetic limb replacements. Read more about this amazing project here.

Finally, thank you to BritChaM member Giancarlo Graber of ThyReality who helped the Chamber facilitate the donation of this artwork.

2. United24

United24 is an initiative launched by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as the main venue for collecting charitable donations in support of Ukraine. Funds will be transferred to the official accounts of the National Bank of Ukraine and allocated by assigned ministries to cover the most pressing needs: 

• DEFENCE AND DEMINING 
• MEDICAL AID 
• REBUILD UKRAINE 

UNITED24 provides fund distribution reports every week. 

People from all over the world have united in their will to help Ukraine and support this initiative. The UNITED24 goal is to increase donations to Ukraine and ensure the efficiency and transparency of their distribution. The Official platform protects you from delays, intermediaries, and fraud. Visit the website here and donate now.

This week the British Chamber of Commerce in Mexico is delighted to welcome Lloyd’s as a new member of the Chamber community. Lloyd’s is the world’s leading insurance and reinsurance marketplace. Through collective intelligence and risk-sharing expertise of the market’s underwriters and brokers, Lloyd’s helps to create a braver world. https://www.lloyds.com/

The company began with a few courageous entrepreneurs in a coffee shop. Three centuries later, the Lloyd’s marketplace continues the proud tradition of sharing risk in order to protect, build resilience and inspire courage everywhere.

Lloyd’s marketplace provides the leadership and insight to anticipate and understand risk, and the knowledge to develop relevant, new, and innovative forms of insurance for customers globally. Essentially it’s the marketplace for people to buy, sell and build insurance and risk solutions that protect people around the world. It offers the efficiencies of shared resources and services in a marketplace that covers and shares risks from more than 200 territories, in any industry, at any scale. Furthermore, Lloyd’s promises a trusted, enduring partnership built on the confidence that Lloyd’s protects what matters most: helping people, businesses and communities to recover in times of need.

BritChaM is delighted to have Lloyd’s join the Chamber, for more information about their services please visit their website: https://www.lloyds.com/