Statuts Refondus 9 Février 2022.

Article 1- Le cadre juridique et le nom de l’association

L’Association existe entre ses membres qui remplissent les conditions d’adhésion aux présents statuts et notamment les dispositions du décret-loi Marocain : 1.58, 378 du 15 novembre 1985 qui régit les droits des associations tels que modifiés par le Dahir 75 -100 promulgué par Décret 1- 02 – 206 du 23 juillet 2002.

L’Association sera connue sous le nom de British Business Association Morocco (dénommée ci-après « l’Association »)

Article 2 – Objets

Les objets de l’association sont :

(I) de promouvoir et développer des relations avec des entreprises ou des personnes basées au Maroc ou ailleurs dans des questions d’intérêts réciproque. Cet objet identifie en particulier les affaires des intérêts commerciaux, culturels et sociaux Britanniques ;

(II) de se réunir régulièrement pour partager des informations et des idées ;

(III) de donner des conseils et une assistance à ceux qui sont mentionnés au sous-paragraphe (1) ci-dessus, en particulier aux délégations ou aux personnes se rendant au Maroc pour des raisons commerciales ; (IV) de fournir une assistance à une ou plusieurs associations caritatives enregistrées au Maroc. Toute association choisie sera déterminée par les membres ainsi que la nature et l’étendue de l’aide fournie, et (V) d’offrir une assistance aux membres sans obligation ou responsabilité dans la limite des connaissances et l’expérience des membres de l’Association. Cette disposition n’affecte aucune relation professionnelle ou d’affaires entre les membres.

L’Association exerce ses activités au Maroc indépendamment des organisations politiques, syndicales et religieuses conformément à la loi marocaine.

Article 3 – Siège social

Le siège social est à La maison des Associations et des Initiatives Locales, Hay Hassani, Marrakech.

Article 4 – Durée

La durée de l’association est réputée continue sous réserve des dispositions de résiliation prévues à l’article 11, pour un période de 4 ans renouvelable.

Article 5 – Adhésion

L’Association sera composée des membres ordinaires et des membres d’honneur.

1) L’adhésion ordinaire est acquise par toute personne, entreprise ou entité ayant payé la cotisation prescrite et a confirmé par écrit de se conformer aux conditions du présent document et des règlements intérieurs. En particulier, tel qu’énoncé dans les règlements intérieurs, toute demande doit remplir les conditions énoncées qui, si elles sont remplies, confirmeront le statut légal du demandeur et la conformité avec à la loi marocaine. 2) Le Comité Exécutif peut considérer que toute personne qui justifie la reconnaissance de services donnés à ou au nom de l’Association doit être membre honoraire.

3) Son Excellence l’Ambassadeur Britannique au Royaume du Maroc est automatiquement membre honoraire.

Article 6 – Ressources financières

Les ressources comprennent les frais d’adhésion, les investissements, les frais de parrainage et les dons reçus.

Les ressources doivent être utilisées pour payer les dettes habituellement encourues, y compris les dépenses liées aux activités sociales et culturelles. Tous ces paiements feront l’objet d’un examen et d’un examen continu de la part du comité exécutif. Dans les cas où des dépenses exceptionnelles sont proposées, le comité exécutif fera sa recommandation pour un tel paiement à une réunion des membres pour approbation.

Article 7 – Frais d’adhésion

La cotisation sera fixée lors de la dernière réunion du comité exécutif avant le début de la nouvelle année. Les personnes qui sont membres à ce moment-là sont tenues de payer les frais pour l’année à venir au début de l’année ou au plus tard à la première réunion des membres de cette année.

Lorsque la demande d’adhésion est faite dans une année en cours, les frais exigibles sont calculés par référence à la loi réglementant le paiement des cotisations.

Article 8 – Perte de l’adhésion

Lorsqu’un membre agit en violation avec des termes et conditions du présent document et / ou des règlements intérieurs, ce membre peut faire l’objet de mesures disciplinaires entraînant la perte de l’adhésion sous réserve des règlements régissant l’inconduite ou la conduite jugée inacceptable.

L’adhésion cesse lorsque le paiement de la cotisation n’est pas effectué.

À la cessation de l’adhésion, le membre perdra tous ses droits et avantages.

Article 9 – Gestion et administration

La gestion et l’administration relèvent de la responsabilité du comité exécutif composé des membres élus lors d’une réunion des membres. Le comité comprend un président, un trésorier et un secrétaire qui sont les dirigeants de l’Association.

En cas de vacance, l’élection pour combler cette poste vacant aura lieu lors de la première réunion des membres disponibles.

La procédure d’élection au comité est énoncée dans les règlements intérieurs.

Le comité a le pouvoir de coopter un membre pour répondre à des exigences ou à des fins particulières pendant la période nécessaire.

Le comité se réunit au moins six fois par an. La conduite de ces réunions relève de la responsabilité du président ou d’un suppléant en l’absence du président. L’ordre du jour des réunions du comité et les procédures de vote font l’objet des règlements intérieurs. Les rôles et responsabilités respectifs des agents sont également détaillés dans les règlements intérieurs.

Article 10 – Réunions des membres

1) Assemblées Générales Ordinaires.

Les réunions auront lieu mensuellement, sauf pour les mois de juillet et d’août, dans un lieu choisi par le comité exécutif. Il doit y avoir au moins un tiers des membres présents pour que la réunion ait lieu. Les procédures relatives aux points de l’ordre du jour, la notification de ces réunions et les droits de vote sont traitées dans les règlements intérieurs.

2) Assemblées Générales Extraordinaires.

Quand une telle réunion est proposée, il doit exister une question exceptionnelle concernant les affaires de l’Association. C’est une condition préalable que si une réunion est demandée, il doit y avoir au moins six membres présents. Les membres doivent recevoir une convocation au moins sept jours avant indiquant les questions à examiner. Lorsque cette notification est donnée, le comité exécutif a la possibilité, dans ce délai, d’examiner les questions soulevées. Tandis que les délibérations de l’exécutif ne déterminent pas si une réunion a lieu, une opportunité raisonnable doit être donnée au comité pour résoudre ces problèmes sans avoir besoin d’une réunion.

3) Assemblée Générale Annuelle.

L’obligation de tenir une assemblée générale annuelle est obligatoire. Le but de cette réunion est d’examiner les objectifs atteints au cours de l’année en cours et, le cas échéant, de considérer ce qui peut être fait pour atteindre les objectifs souscrits à l’avenir. Lors de cette réunion, chaque agent rendra compte des questions relevant de sa responsabilité. La réunion se tiendra dans le siège de l’association.

Les procédures de convocation des réunions, des points de l’ordre du jour et des droits de vote sont définies dans les règlements intérieurs.

Article 11 – Résiliation

L’Association existe dans le cadre de la loi marocaine. Une telle loi détermine l’existence de l’Association ou sa résiliation.

Les membres ont également le droit de déterminer sa continuation. Toute résolution proposée pour résilier doit avoir l’appui d’au moins la moitié des membres. Une Assemblée Générale Extraordinaire est nécessaire pour une telle résolution.

Dans l’éventualité où les membres décideraient de mettre fin à l’Association, le Comité a le droit absolu de décider lequel d’un ou de plusieurs organismes de bienfaisance recevra une partie ou la totalité des biens liquidés.

Article 12 – Les Comptes bancaires

L’Association est tenue de détenir un compte en son nom auprès d’une banque commerciale enregistrée au Maroc et dans une succursale à Marrakech. Ce compte conservera les sommes reçues sous forme d’abonnements, de dons ou d’argent dans le cadre des attributions de l’Association. Les membres autorisés à signer les chèques seront le président et le trésorier et le Secrétaire Générale en cas de décès, in-capacitation ou absence d’un des autres deux. Tous les chèques doivent être signés conjointement par 2 membres du comité exécutif.

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Article 1- The Legal Framework and name of the Association

The Association exists as between its members who comply with the membership requirements in this constitutional document and in particular the provisions of Moroccan Law Decree: 1.58, 378 dated the 15 November 1985 which regulates the rights of Associations as modified by Dahir 75 -100 promulgated by Decree 1- 02 – 206 dated the 23 July 2002.

The Association shall be known as the British Business Association Morocco (referred to in this document as ‘the Association’)

Article 2 – Objects

The objects of the Association are:

(I)     To promote and develop relationships with any business or persons based in Morocco or elsewhere in matters of mutual benefit. This object identifies in particular matters of British business, cultural and social interests;

(II)   to meet regularly to share information and ideas;

(III)   to give advice and assistance to those as in sub-paragraph (1) above in particular delegations or persons visiting Morocco for reasons of trade or commerce;

(IV) to provide assistance to one or more charitable associations registered in Morocco. Any Association chosen shall be determined by the membership together with the nature and extent of assistance provided, and

(IV) to offer assistance to members, without obligation or liability, within the knowledge and experience of the Association’s membership. This provision does not affect any professional or business relationship between members.

The Association shall carry out its activities in Morocco independently from political, trade union and religious organizations in accordance with Moroccan law.

Article 3 – Registered Office

The Registered Office is La Maison des Associations et Initatives Locales, Route d’Agadir, Hay Hassani, Marrakech.

Article 4 – Duration

The duration of the Association is deemed to be 4 years (renewable) subject to the provisions for termination in Article 11.

Article 5 – Membership

The Association shall consist of ordinary and honorary members.

1)      Ordinary membership is acquired by any person, business or entity having paid the prescribed fee and has confirmed in writing a decision to comply with the conditions in this document and the bylaws. In particular as stated in the bylaws any application must fulfill the requirements set out which if met will confirm the status of the applicant and compliance with Moroccan law.

2)      In the determination of the Executive Committee any person who warrants recognition for valued services given to or on behalf of the Association shall be given honorary membership.

3)      The British Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco is automatically an honorary member.

Article 6 – Financial Resources

The resources shall consist of membership fees, investments, sponsorship fees and donations received.

The resources shall be used to pay liabilities ordinarily incurred including the expense of social and cultural activities. All such payments shall be subject to ongoing scrutiny and review by the executive committee. In cases when exceptional expenditure is proposed the executive committee will make its recommendation for such payment to a members meeting for approval.

Article 7 – Membership Fees

The membership fee shall be fixed at the last executive committee meeting prior to commencement of the new year. Those persons in membership at that time are required to pay the fee for the coming year at the start of the year or at latest by the first members meeting in that year.

Where application for membership is made within a current year the fee payable shall be calculated by reference to the by law regulating the payment of fees.

Article 8 – Loss of membership

Where a member acts in breach of the terms and conditions in this document and/or the bylaws that member may face disciplinary action resulting in loss of membership subject to the bylaws dealing with misconduct or conduct considered unacceptable.

Membership shall cease on nonpayment of the fee when payable.

On cessation of membership the member will forfeit all membership rights and benefits.

Article 9 – Management and Administration

The management and administration shall be the responsibility of the executive committee comprising of members elected at a Members Meeting. The committee shall include a Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary who are the officers of the Association.

When a vacancy arises the election to fill that vacancy shall take place at the first available members meeting.

The procedure for election to the committee is set out in the bylaws.

The committee has the power to co-opt any member to meet special requirements or purpose for such period as may be necessary.

The committee shall meet at least six times annually. The conduct of such meetings is the responsibility of the Chairperson or a deputy in the Chairperson’s absence. The agenda for committee meetings and the procedures for voting are the subject of the bylaws. The respective roles and responsibilities of the officers are detailed in the bylaws.

Article 10 – Members Meetings

1) Ordinary General Meetings.

Meetings shall be held monthly save for the months of July and August at a venue decided by the executive committee. There must be at least one-third of the membership present for the meeting to be quorate.  Proceedings relating to agenda items, notification of such meetings and voting rights are dealt with in the bylaws.

2) Extraordinary General Meetings.

When such a meeting is proposed there must exist an exceptional issue concerning the affairs of the Association. It is a prerequisite that if a meeting is called for there must be at least six members in support. Before a meeting is convened those members must give at least seven days notice stating the matters to be considered. When such notification is given the executive committee has the opportunity within that period to consider the matters raised. Whilst the deliberations of the executive may not determine whether a meeting is held, reasonable opportunity must be given for the committee to resolve such issues without the need for a meeting.

All amendments of the articles of association approved at an Extraordinary General Meeting must be by a quorum with a majority of at least 2/3 of the votes.

A quorum exists where the number of members present, together with those members who are voting remotely, is no less than 2/3 of the membership.

Absent members may vote by email, or other online means, by filling in and signing a remote voting form, returning the completed form to the committee before the vote is held.

If the meeting is not quorate a further Extraordinary General Meeting shall be held within 5 days of the first such meeting.  On that occasion the voting outcome shall be determined by a majority of those members present and those voting remotely.

3) Annual General Meeting.

The requirement to hold an AGM is mandatory. The purpose of the AGM is to review the objectives achieved during the current year, approve the annual financial statement and if appropriate to consider changes to the constitution and elect new committee members if required.

The AGM must be held at the Association’s registered address.

The procedures for calling an AGM, agenda items and voting rights are set out in the constitution and by Moroccan law governing associations.

A quorum exists where the number of members present, together with those members who are voting remotely, is no less than 2/3 of the membership.

Absent members may vote by email, or other online means, by filling in a remote voting form, returning the signed and completed form to the committee before the vote is held.

Authorization for an AGM must be given by the Caid and President of the Commune before it can be held.  Legalized minutes, signed by the Chair, attendance form and approved financial statement must be presented to the Caid promptly after each AGM.

Article 11 – Termination

The Association exists within the framework of Moroccan law. Such law determines the existence of the Association or its termination.

The membership has the right also to determine its continuance. Any proposed resolution to terminate must have the support of not less than half of the membership. The procedures for an Extraordinary General Meeting must be followed.

In the event that the membership resolves to terminate the Association, the Committee has the absolute right to decide which of one or more charities receive part or whole of the liquidated assets.

Article 12 – Bank Accounts

The Association is required to hold an account in its name with a commercial bank registered in Morocco and with a branch in Marrakech. That account will hold monies received as subscriptions, donations or any monies within the Association’s remit. All cheques must be signed by 2 officers.  The officers enabled to sign cheques shall be in the first instance the Chairperson and the Treasurer, with the General Secretary able to act as the second signature if one of the former is unavailable to sign due to their death, incapacitation or absence.

Article 13 – Third Party Liability

The members are not intended to be held personally liable towards third parties because of their adherence to the association.

The committee members and the committee are acting in good faith as officers of the association and shall not be personally or collectively liable for their deeds or omissions.

The British Business Association is pleased to announce a “Get Together Cocktail”

Date: 16th September 2022

Time: 6.00pm – 8.00pm

Location: Sofitel Marrakech

Dress code: Smart casual

This event is open to both members and non members.

1. Membership Applications: Anyone applying for membership is required to complete a membership form giving the details requested and confirming the applicant’s willingness to comply with the association’s constitution and by-laws.

2. Communications: Notice of meetings and events shall be by email unless otherwise stated in the bylaws.

3. Meetings:

I) Ordinary meetings shall take place on the 2nd Wednesday in each month except for July and August.

II)     An extraordinary general meeting if requested must be held no later than fourteen days after a written request is received by the chairperson. When such a meeting is called for there must be at least 6 members supporting that request. All persons in support must sign the request and it must be hand delivered to the chairperson.

III)   Annual general meetings shall take place on the second Wednesday of January each year. The purpose of the meeting is to review the achievements of the previous year and to receive reports from the committee’s officers as appropriate. The procedures to be followed for the purposes of calling and the conduct of a meeting shall be compliant with Article 10 subparagraph (2) of the Constitution.

IV)   Generally meetings will be held at a location decided by the committee. If a member wishes to raise an agenda item details should be given to the secretary not less than seven days before each meeting.

4. Voting:

I)      At an ordinary general meeting, subject to the meeting being quorate, the outcome of any resolution proposed and seconded shall be by simple majority. The meeting is quorate for voting purposes when there are (at least) one third of the members present.

II)     At an extraordinary general meeting the outcome of a resolution proposed and seconded must have a majority of at least two thirds of members present. The meeting is quorate for voting purposes when there are two thirds of members in attendance.

III)   The procedures for voting at the annual general meeting are the same as for an ordinary members meeting.

Generally: For all votes at any meeting provision for voting by proxy will be made. When votes taken are equal the chairperson or deputy on the day has the casting vote.

5. Membership Fees:

Normal membership of the association will be on the basis of company membership with an annual membership fee of 1000 DH.  Each member company will have 2 votes in any election, or votes on any resolution.  Company membership is accompanied by the provision of having up to two registered company representatives.

Individual membership is allowed for such individuals as retirees, non-company owners or individual professional persons (teachers, sole traders etc).  The Individual membership fee is 500 Dh per year and gives the member 1 vote in elections and votes on resolutions.

New members joining part way through a current year:

The first membership fee for any new member joining after January of the current calendar year will be calculated using the factor of twelve based on the number of months expired before the date of application. For each month expired the fee will be reduced by one twelfth. Thereafter the annual fee is due at the start of each new year and payable no later than the annual general meeting.

6. Chairperson: To conduct the business at each meeting. In the absence of the chairperson a committee member will act as deputy. The chairperson will use best endeavors to ensure that the terms and conditions of the constitution and bylaws are met and in particular that the objects of the association are fulfilled. The chairperson will act as the associations principal representative with the Moroccan authorities and any other interested party. In this connection the committee members are required to give the chairperson their full support and assistance when necessary.

7. Secretary: To give notice of the association’s meeting and social events. To minute committee and members meetings. To circulate copies of the minutes of those meetings as soon as practicable. To maintain a file of written communications sent or received in connection with the association’s business. To receive and compile agenda items for both committee and membership meetings.

8.Treasurer: To maintain the financial records of the association and in particular to manage and monitor the associations account with an accredited and approved bank of Marrakech. To ensure that the accounts and dealings with the bank are consistent with Moroccan law. To monitor and records all receipts and payment of money on behalf of the association. To issue and sign cheques jointly with the chairperson to cover recurring costs of a standard nature and additionally to cover exceptional expenditure authorised by the membership. To make payments in cash if necessary to cover costs of a standard nature or the cost of social or cultural events to the authorised limit for the time being.

9.Membership Secretary: To process applications for membership. To inform the treasurer of any such applications and to confirm with the treasurer the initial fee payable. To maintain a register of existing members and to keep the committee informed of changes to the membership roll. With the assistance of the secretary to issue a reminder to existing members to pay the annual fee when due.

10. Liaison with the Authorities and other interested parties including the media: The principal contact or spokesperson shall be the chairperson or such other committee member deputed to deal with such matters or issues. The remit is limited in these terms but any member approached direct concerning the association’s affairs by any authority or the media is obligated to report the matter to any committee member as soon as practicable.

11. Discipline and Loss of Membership: Where there is evidence that a member has acted contrary to the constitution or bylaws the committee has authority to deal with a complaint informally with the member concerned. This procedure will depend on the nature of the complaint. Where a complaint appears of a serious nature subject to investigation of that complaint the member may be called to a disciplinary hearing. The constitution and remit of a disciplinary panel shall be based on standards of fairness. The procedure to be followed shall be notified to the member at least seven days before a hearing. It will also allow for representation by a fellow member. The outcome may result in the expulsion or such lesser measure as may be appropriate.