The countdown has begun—the 10th British Business Awards (BBA) is just over three months away and plans are well under way. The BBA is the jewel in the crown of the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan’s (BCCJ) event calendar and a highlight for the international business community in Tokyo. With this year being the 10th anniversary of the awards, we promise to deliver the best edition yet.
The mission of the BCCJ is to strengthen business ties between the UK and Japan, and the BBA helps do this by identifying and celebrating organisations, entrepreneurs and individuals who have made a successful contribution to the cause. This year there will be five categories up for grabs and we welcome nominations from chamber members and non-members alike.
Five judges from the worlds of business, sport and government will judge each category, and British Ambassador to Japan Paul Madden CMG will present the winners with BBA trophies designed specifically for the occasion.
All the information you need regarding nominations is available on our website. If you are considering putting your business forward, or nominating someone else for an award, I urge you to do so. Entry is simple, costs nothing and all nominees receive pre-event and on-the-night exposure.
Winning a BBA trophy is a prestigious endorsement of an organisation’s projects, initiatives, results and achievements. Recognition within the international business community for excellence and achievement—be it for innovation, commitment to diversity, sustainability or market growth—is great publicity, and previous winners have reported tangible benefits to their business, as well as increased morale and motivation among staff.
Red carpet glamour
Attending the BBA is a great night out. I think it’s safe to say the BCCJ is well known for throwing a good party, and the BBA is certainly no exception. On 2 November, expect to see the Grand Hyatt Tokyo’s revamped ballroom transformed for a luxury, red carpet experience. More than 300 guests will enjoy an evening to remember.
You’ll be greeted with welcoming drinks and music, before moving to the ballroom for a delicious, five-course British-themed meal with accompanying fine wines from BBR Limited (Berry Bros. and Rudd) and the finest scotch whisky to round off the meal.
After the awards ceremony, there will be time to hit the dance floor and enjoy some top-quality live music. Although the official proceedings end at 10:30pm, there will be an optional after party in the lobby bar right outside the ballroom. The next day being a national holiday and the start of a long weekend, there’s really no excuse not to come along.
Treat staff, impress clients, bring friends. Tickets are limited and on sale now; you have until 28 July to take advantage of the early-bird discount. I will dust off my dancing shoes and look forward to seeing you there!
