Franco-British Council

What Franco-British Council does

The Franco-British Council is an independent non-governmental organisation founded in 1972 on the joint initiative of President Georges Pompidou and Prime Minister Edward Heath to promote mutual understanding and joint action between France and the United Kingdom. Headquartered at 167-169 Great Portland Street, London, with a regional office at 25 rue Bourgogne, Paris, it operates as a registered charity in England (No. 1042395) and a registered non-profit in France (SIREN 308 307 784), with a very small staff of 1-10 people.

Its core products are structured programmes rather than technology products: the Franco-British Young Leaders Programme (launched 2017, alumni over 200), the Local Leaders Programme for 20-30 year-olds from disadvantaged backgrounds (growing from 48 to 57 members), the Defence Programme anchored by the annual Defence Conference established under the Lancaster House Treaties in 2010, the Energy/Climate Change/Sustainability Programme, the Science and Society Programme covering AI, renewable energy, healthcare and space, and the Entente Cordiale Scholarship Programme (administration transferring to the French Embassy from 2026). The Council does not develop or deploy proprietary technology.

Revenue is generated through three streams: core government funding from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (the primary financial foundation); project-based corporate sponsorships including MBDA and Airbus on defence conferences and partners such as Inria and the Dunkirk Urban Community on energy/science activities; and associate memberships at £45 per year (£20 per year for under-30s). Go-to-market is event-driven and community-led, delivered through residential seminars, institutional visits, and annual conferences rather than commercial channels. Customers span senior government officials, programme participants (Young Leaders, Local Leaders), defence and security representatives, and the academic and scientific community across the UK and France.

Name

Franco-British Council

Legal name

Franco-British Council

Website

http://francobritish.org/en/

Company type

Private

Founded year

1972

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Franco-British Council is an independent bilateral NGO founded in 1972 that convenes government, defence, energy, science and emerging leaders from France and the UK through structured programmes including the Young Leaders, Local Leaders, Defence, Energy and Science initiatives, funded by both governments and project sponsors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Diplomatic and Bilateral Relations Services

NAICS

International Affairs (92812), Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support (921), Professional Organizations (81392), Executive and Legislative Offices, Combined (92114)

SIC

International Affairs (9721), Foreign Governments (8888), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Democratic Governance & Public Administration Reform (BPADAGAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Technical Committees, Working Groups & Expert Panels (BPADANAB), Intergovernmental Education Cooperation & Bilateral/Multilateral Programs (EDADALAA), Finance, Economics & Public Administration Congresses (THAHAJAL)

Keywords

• Diplomatic relations
• Leadership programmes
• Bilateral dialogue
• Cultural exchange
• International cooperation

Headquarters

HQ city

London

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Government Funding: The Franco-British Council receives core operational funding from the British and French governments. This government support forms the primary financial foundation of the organisation.
2. Corporate Sponsorships: The Young Leaders Programme receives support from private sponsors including MBDA and Airbus (for defence conferences), as well as other corporate partners. These commercial sponsorships are variable and project-based.
3. Associate Membership Fees: Individual associate membership is available for £45 per year (or £20 per year for members under 30), providing newsletters, event invitations, and networking access. This generates modest recurring revenue from individuals interested in Franco-British relations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Franco-British Council is an independent non-governmental organisation founded in 1972 that delivers bilateral dialogue, leadership programmes, and convening events between France and the United Kingdom. It runs structured programmes (Young Leaders, Local Leaders, Defence, Energy/Climate/Sustainability, Science and Society), an Entente Cordiale Scholarship Programme for British postgraduate students, and an individual Associate Membership scheme, funded primarily by the British and French governments and private sponsors.

Product overview

The Franco-British Council is an independent non-governmental organisation based in Paris and London that delivers its mission through five core programmes: the Franco-British Young Leaders Programme (launched 2017), the Franco-British Local Leaders Programme (social mobility initiative for disadvantaged backgrounds aged 20-30), the Defence Programme (annual conferences since 2010), the Energy/Climate/Sustainability Programme (decarbonisation cooperation), and the Science and Society Programme (AI, healthcare, space collaboration). Additional offerings include the Entente Cordiale Scholarship Programme (postgraduate funding for British students in France, founded 1995) and Associate Membership (individual membership at £45/year). The Council also manages a partnership with the Government of Jersey (2025-2030) and organises events including seminars on geopolitics, trade, and cybersecurity. Founded in 1972 by Presidents Pompidou and Heath, the organisation promotes Franco-British bilateral relations across culture, politics, defence, science, education and business sectors.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Franco-British Young Leaders Programme Flagship leadership programme for exceptional professionals under 40 from France and the UK, building a generation of leaders who shape Franco-British relations across politics, business, media, science, military, and academia.
• Franco-British Local Leaders Programme Social mobility initiative for talented individuals aged 20-30 from disadvantaged backgrounds on both sides of the Channel who have demonstrated entrepreneurial qualities for the benefit of their communities, developing impact at international level.
• Defence Programme Platform of influence for the Franco-British defence community featuring an annual Defence Conference and supporting military-to-military dialogue, security cooperation, and defence industry engagement.
• Energy, Climate Change and Sustainability Programme Programme addressing energy, climate change and sustainability challenges through events bringing together government, experts, industry, academics, and civil society to discuss Franco-British cooperation on decarbonisation and clean energy solutions.
• Science and Society Programme Programme promoting Franco-British scientific cooperation covering artificial intelligence, renewable energy, climate science, healthcare advancements, and space exploration, including seminars on AI, cybersecurity, and free trade.
• Entente Cordiale Scholarship Programme Prestigious awards scheme that funds British postgraduate students who want to study in France, funded by the French Embassy in London.
• Associate Membership Individual membership offering regular newsletters, event invitations, access to the annual Franco-British Lecture, and networking events, with annual fees of £45 (discounted £20 for under 30s).
• Jersey Partnership Five-year partnership (2025-2030) with the Government of Jersey including annual places on the Young Leaders Programme, Local Leaders eligibility for Jersey-connected youth, and joint events to promote Franco-British ties.

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Government of JerseycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025In 2025, the Franco-British Council and the Government of Jersey announced a five-year partnership for 2025-2030 to enhance Franco-British cooperation. Jersey participates in all Council activities including Energy, Climate Change and Sustainability, Defence, Science and Society, with particular focus on the Young Leaders Programme. The partnership includes two annual places on the Young Leaders Programme for young professionals with connections to Jersey.
• Franco-British Data SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2023In December 2023, the Franco-British Council agreed to work in partnership with the Franco-British Data Society on Science and Society activities, including a joint seminar on AI and Information Warfare in July 2024.
• UK Ministry of DefencecoreOthers · 1 January 2023The UK Ministry of Defence provided funding for the 2023 Defence Conference and participated in the conference alongside the French Ministry of Defence.
• French Ministry of DefencecoreOthers · 1 January 2023The French Ministry of Defence supported the 2023 Defence Conference and participated alongside the UK Ministry of Defence.
• MBDAminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2023MBDA, a European aerospace and defence company, provided commercial sponsorship for the 2023 Defence Conference.
• AirbusminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2023Airbus provided commercial sponsorship for the 2023 Defence Conference.
• French Embassy in the United KingdomcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2017The French Embassy in London funds the Entente Cordiale Scholarship Programme for British postgraduate students studying in France. From 2026, applications will be managed directly by the French Embassy.
• British Government (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)coreOthersThe Franco-British Council receives funding from the British government through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, which also supports the Young Leaders Programme.
• French Government (Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs)coreOthersThe Franco-British Council receives funding from the French government through the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, which also supports the Young Leaders Programme.
• Dunkirk Urban CommunityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for visits on energy, climate change and sustainable development. In February 2025, the Council visited Dunkirk for a programme organised in partnership with the Dunkirk Urban Community including roundtable on industrial decarbonisation and visits to ArcelorMittal and EDF Gravelines nuclear site.
• British Embassy in FrancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe British Embassy in France supports Council activities and participated in the 2023 Defence Conference and other events.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• British Council: The British Council is the UK's principal cultural and diplomatic relations body, operating globally to promote UK influence in education, culture, and the English language. It is comparable as a state-backed soft-power and relationship-building organisation, though it operates globally rather than bilaterally.
• Alliance Française: Alliance Française is the French government's global network for French language and cultural promotion. Comparable as a France-rooted soft-power and bilateral cultural relations vehicle, although it operates globally rather than focused on a single partner country.
• Institut Français: Institut Français is the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs operator for French cultural action abroad, including language, thought, and cultural diplomacy. Comparable as a French government vehicle for cultural and intellectual engagement, though it is a public operator rather than an independent charity.
• Chatham House: Chatham House (Royal Institute of International Affairs) is a London-based international affairs think tank convening governments, business, and academia on global policy. Comparable as a UK-based, donor-funded convener in international affairs, though research-oriented rather than programme-led.

Direct peers

• Franco-German Youth Office (OFAJ / DFJW): OFAJ/DFJW is the bilateral Franco-German governmental organisation that runs youth exchange, leadership, and civic programmes between France and Germany. It is the closest structural analogue to the Franco-British Council's Young Leaders and Local Leaders programmes, differing only by partner country.
• Ditchley Foundation: The Ditchley Foundation is a UK-based charitable trust that convenes senior policymakers, diplomats, and business leaders for off-the-record international affairs discussions. It is comparable as an independent, government-friendly convening platform for high-level bilateral and multilateral dialogue.
• Wilton Park: Wilton Park is an FCDO-funded executive agency that organises international policy dialogues and residential conferences on global issues. Comparable as a publicly-supported convening platform for cross-border leadership and policy dialogue, with overlapping event-driven GTM.
• Franco-British Chamber of Commerce & Industry: The Franco-British Chamber of Commerce & Industry promotes bilateral trade and business ties between France and the UK through events, networking, and business services. Comparable as a bilateral Franco-British membership organisation with a similar convening role, though focused on commerce rather than policy and leadership.

Others

• Atlantic Council: Atlantic Council is a US-based international affairs think tank shaping transatlantic policy on defence, energy, and security. Comparable as a high-level convening platform that engages governments and industry on bilateral and multilateral policy issues, though broader in geographic scope.
• Council on Foreign Relations: CFR is a US-based nonpartisan membership organisation for foreign policy professionals, convening senior figures across government, business, academia, and media. Comparable as a membership-based convening platform for international affairs and leadership, though US-rooted and broader in scope.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/francobritish
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/franco-british-council

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Franco-British Council