sa Business Club

Our organisation is managed and supported by a number of energetic members who form our committee.

Photographs by H&K Photography: www.handkphotography.co.uk

Mary-Anne Anderson Chairperson and Co-Director

Mary-Anne Anderson is a Capetonian who has spent the last 14 years and counting in the UK. In her day job, she is a Director at international, city-based, law firm Reed Smith. Mary-Anne has been involved with the SA Business Club for six years and keeps coming back for more - "I'm definitely drawn by the people!" In June 2010, she became the SA Business Club's first elected female Chairperson. Despite her busy work-life, Mary-Anne manages to make time to exercise her creative side by painting, sculpting and making jewellery, as well as working up a sweat at the gym or on a run. She also squeezes in the odd wine-tasting. Mary-Anne's dream guest speaker: "It's got to be Madiba!"

Jennifer Johnston Co-Director and CSR Manager

Jennifer Johnston hails from Johannesburg, and moved to the UK five years ago to work as an analyst in banking. Jennifer came on board the SA Business Club committee in 2007 and in June 2010 was elected Co-Director. She says: "It's a rewarding combination of great people, fun times, diverse and engaging speakers and most of all, a powerful connection to my home!" While abroad, Jennifer has caught the travel bug in a serious way, so spends all the spare time she can on travel to new destinations. Jennifer's dream guest speaker would be Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

James Durrant Communications Committee

Born in Cape Town, educated at Diocesan College Bishops and The University of Cape Town, James moved to the UK in 1999 to set-up an office for his technology business Bluegrass Digital. His entrepreneurial spirit, fuelled by the excitement of London, has enabled James to extend his business interests to include; Reve Tourism, Blue Sky Publications, Mustard Catering, Mustard Foods and no doubt he has some other projects under way.James has been a Committee member since 2005 and is also on the committee of SA Charity Golf Day, Starfish Great Hearts Foundation, FoodBank Foundation UK, SATOA and is the interim President of the SA Chamber of Commerce in London. Most importantly he also provides the valuable function of aggravating and entertaining the committee. In his spare time James is a family man and spends with his wife Corinne and his boys Tanguy and Raphael.

Tarry Boast Events Committee/Social Media

Tarry Boast is a Cape Town girl who's been in the UK for close on 9 years. Tarry works at Investec and joined the SA Business Club at the start of 2010, drawn by "the fantastic networking opportunities and the awesome group of people that make up the committee and the club". Being a fan of the outdoors and wine, not in that order, she can often be found combining both...as often as possible. Tarry's dream guest speaker would be Johnny Clegg.

Michelle Roux Corporate Membership Manager

Michelle Roux is originally from Rustenburg, Gauteng - best known for Sun City, but recently famous for the Royal Bafokeng Stadium! She's been living in the UK for a full ten years and counting, and is the Director of Immigration Studio Ltd, an immigration consultancy practise specialising in all UK inbound immigration matters. She's been attending events at the SA Business Club for the last four years, but is excited to have joined the committee in 2010. She says: "I believe the Business Club to be a very credible business networking project where one can keep abreast of South African and UK business developments and get the opportunity to meet interesting and inspiring people." Michelle spends her spare time travelling, reading, cycling and "lazing around in the gym". For her, the best possible guest speaker would be Nelson Mandela.

Carmel Suthons Sponsorship Committee

Born and raised in South Africa, Carmel Suthons has had over 25 years' experience in Public Relations and Marketing in the UK in a variety of product sectors including pro-celebrity golf, hot-air ballooning, horse trials, agricultural shows, charities, fashion, cosmetics, car companies, food and wine.  In recent years she has worked closely with South African companies promoting their products in the UK through her consultancy North&South PR.  Carmel has been a member of the SA Business Club for over 5 years and has recently joined the committee.   "The SA Business Club has been a consistent source of support and networking and has generated solid business opportunities.  I'm delighted to part of the Club's future growth and development and to be serving alongside such a dynamic group of individuals."

Reg Bamford Treasurer

Having qualified at Deloitte & Touche in Cape Town, Reg moved over to London and spent three years in Investment Banking in the City. He founded a small tax consultancy in 1996 and in 6 years turned this into a company with offices in three countries with over 200 staff. Reg lives in Putney with his wife and two young sons. In his spare time, he competes internationally at croquet - he is a three-time winner of the World Championships and holds the title of World Croquet Champion.

Reg's Motto: 'Love what you do and do what you love!'