formerly
Empowering Francophone Entrepreneurs in London
EFEL is the new home for the former networking groups PIFL (Professionnels Indépendants Francophones de Londres) and JCCFB (Jeune Chambre de Commerce Franco-Britannique).
In 2025 these 2 successful and well-established communities merged and became the EFEL (Empowering Francophone Entrepreneurs in London). This new organisation has been created to offer bilingual French & English speaking individuals, new & early-stage founders, entrepreneurs & directors, networking, training and mentoring activities to help their businesses thrive.
Véronique Rapetti & Cylia Rousset
Founders of EFEL
Who are the PIFL?
Created in 2014, and managed by Cylia Rousset since 2018, The Professionnels Indépendants Francophones de Londres (PIFL) is an active and growing network of French speaking Entrepreneurs.
Through monthly networking events, and on social media platforms, they have been sharing experience, getting answers, recommending each other, finding partners, customers… for the past 10 years.
PIFL over the last 10 years:
• Facebook group of over 2.3K members (Instagram: 260 followers, Linkedin page : 370 followers, Linkedin Group : 150 members )
• 500+ active members in our mailing list (+ 10 new members every month)
• Over 70 networking events attended by 40-50 people each
• Partnerships with all main French Media and excellent reputation gained amongst the French Community in London
Who is the JCCFB?
The Jeune Chambre de Commerce Franco-Britannique was created in 1982 by a small but very enthusiastic team of volunteers willing to share and encourage other people to discover the richness of French & British cultural diversity. Veronique Rapetti is President of the JCCFB since 2003.
Over 35 years, JCCFB has been promoting cultural awareness and meeting new people, while enjoying social events. Their mission is to encourage and facilitate your integration and personal growth in a Franco-British environment through the discovery of our respective traditions, business practices, and cultural and social activities (on average up to 80 people/event). The JCCFB creates a unique blend of experiences, connections and learning.
JCCFB over the last 20 years:
• Linkedin group of 800 members
• strong committee with up to 15 people
• approx 200 events, attended by 30-60 people each
• Annual charity ball for Medecins du monde attended by up to 200 people
• Variety of topics: cheese or chocolate tastings, Petanque, theatre/musical evenings, Franco-British cultural differences, focus on how to prepare for your pension, tax regimes and networking social events
About Cylia Rousset
Since moving to London with her family in 2008, Cylia has been deeply involved in the French community, passionately supporting fellow expatriates in settling into their new city and helping them thrive. Her dedication has seen her take on key roles, such as Vice President of Londres Accueil, Director of the French Rallye, and managing various projects for the APL (Parents' Association of the Lycée Français). In 2021, she was elected Déléguée Consulaire, a role that reflects her commitment to her community.
In 2016, Cylia launched her own marketing agency, further demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit. In 2018, she took on the responsibility of managing the PIFL group, a space for fellow entrepreneurs to connect and grow their networks.
Today, Cylia brings her expertise as the Marketing & PR Manager at L'Ecole de Battersea and L'Ecole des Petits.
About Véronique Rapetti
Veronique, has been involved and President of JCCFB for over 25+ years. She loves giving back to the Franco-British community in London, and in the past has also been volunteering for the Centre Charles Peguy, was a VP for FAFGB; more recently has joined Digital Boost as a volunteering business mentor, in addition she has been part of the team that launched OWIT UK to support Women in International Trade.
With her passion for entrepreneurship, her experience of building capabilities for growth, combined with her international & commercial background, she brings a multitude of business & start-ups insights into JCCFB and her various activities.