Cable & Wireless is one of the world’s leading provider of integrated communications and a major global carrier of communications traffic: Internet, data, voice and video. Its businesses around the world offer a range of services spanning interactive entertainment and information, broadband data, Internet access and broadcast television, as well as fixed and mobile voice. With 17 million customers in 70 countries, Cable & Wireless is one of the world’s largest carriers of international traffic, provides mobile communications in more than 30 countries and operates the world’s largest, most advanced cableship fleet.

Nortel Networks works with customers worldwide to design, build, and deliver telecommunications and IP-optimized networks. Customers include public and private enterprises; Internet service providers; local, long-distance and cellular communications companies, cable television carriers, and utilities. In the UK, Nortel Networks has invested over £2bn since 1992, upgrading manufacturing and R&D. It employs some 8,000 people, and produced a turnover in 1997 of £1.2bn. In the same period, Nortel Networks generated UK exports amounting to £560m to more than sixty countries around the world. Nortel Networks are pleased to be a sponsor of the World Schools Debating Championship as part of our ongoing support for education initiatives in the UK and around the world.

The Corporation of London is the local authority for the City of London. Drawing on centuries of experience the Corporation meets the demands of the world’s leading international financial and business centre whilst protecting the essential heritage of the City, and reaches out beyond the Square Mile to serve London and the nation as a whole. The Corporation has always been sure to anticipate and adapt its approach to a constantly changing economic and political climate. This continues today as the Corporation prepares to play its part alongside the 32 other London boroughs in a new era of national and local government.

The world’s need for energy is growing steadily day by day. Energy and materials, used safely and efficiently, are essential to the prosperity and growth of every country and every region in the world. Sustaining and enhancing our quality of life depends upon them. BP Amoco’s goal is to play a leading role in meeting these needs from oil, gas, solar power and petrochemicals without damaging the environment. Ours is a positive, progressive involvement. Innovation will be the hallmark of the way we work with people, technology, assets and relationships. We will always be constructive, using our know-how to produce constructive and creative solutions to every challenge. Our success depends on our making, and being seen to make, a distinctive contribution to every activity.

LCCI Examinations Board (LCCIEB) is a major international awarding body offering business qualifications that are recognised by employers worldwide and is one of the UK’s largest providers of National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs). Our links with the International Chamber of Commerce movement give us unique access to employers who help us to keep our qualifications up-to-date and relevant to today’s job markets. English is the principle language of communication worldwide and the ability to use English is the key to a successful career in international business. LCCIEB offers a wide range of recognised practical written and oral English language awards oriented to the business world, including business English teaching qualifications.

Beachcroft Stanleys is a City firm of solicitors providing a wide range of legal services to corporate, public and private sector clients. Our Senior Partner, The Rt Hon the Lord Hunt of Wirral, MBE was previously a Government Cabinet Minister. Our broad client base includes major names in the insurance industry, publicly quoted companies and charitable organisations, as well as individuals and private companies. We also have a prestigious reputation in the public sector particularly in the National Health Service where we act for over 130 Trust and Authorities, as well as a number of universities and funding agencies. A proposed merger with Wansbroughs Willey Hargrave, set for the 1st May 1999, will create a national firm of the future with a head office in London and offices in the major commercial cities.

The role of the Bar Council is to be the governing body of the Bar; to promote and improve the services and functions of the Bar; and to represent the interests of the Bar on all matters relating to the profession, whether ‘trade union’, disciplinary, public interest or in any way affecting the administration of justice. A principal objective is to represent the Bar as a modern and forward looking profession which seeks to maintain and improve the quality and standard of service to all clients.

The Department for Education and Employment, for hosting a Reception at Lancaster House, where the Government was represented by the Rt Hon Betty Boothroyd M.P., Speaker of the House of Commons, and Charles Clarke M.P., Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for School Standards.

The Official Hotel of the World Schools Debating Championships 1999. Thanks to Julian Hey, Rooms Division Manager, and everyone else who managed our stay.

for donating water to all 143 debates in the competition.

for free use of the Reuters Business Briefing Service.

Alleyn’s School

Blackheath High School

Charles Darwin School

City of London Boys’

Dulwich College

Eton College

Francis Holland School

Harrow School

J.A.G.S.

London Oratory School

St. Paul’s School

Royal Masonic School

St. Olave’s School

Oxford Union Society

Cambridge Union Society

Westminster School

City of London Girls’

Grey Coat Hospital

American School in London

The Law Society

Inner Temple

Middle Temple

Lincoln’s Inn