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

James Durrant is from Cape Town, but moved to the UK ten years ago. James runs Blue Sky Publications, publishers of The South African, SA Property Monthly, New Zealand Times, Australian Times and InLondon Magazine, and is also involved with Bluegrass Technologies, Reve Tourism and Mustard Catering. He's been a part of the SA Business Club for the past 4 years and wants to maintain involvement because he believes he can make a contribution through in particular advising on the IT processes of the Club and bridging the relationship between the newly-formed SA Chamber of Commerce and the SA Business Club. He also provides the valuable function of entertaining the committee. In his spare time James is very much a family man. James's dream guest speaker would be Nelson Mandela.

Francis Jee Membership Committee

Francis Jee has been in London for 3 years and works as an Associate for Morgan Stanley. Francis joined the Business Club a year ago and finds it "an interesting and vibrant forum to learn more about South African and UK business ". Francis relaxes by playing polo, travelling and working out at the gym. Francis's dream guest speaker would be Mark Shuttleworth.

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!'