Delivering value in 2015
Forging new and diverse relationships is crucial to the ongoing development of the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BCCJ). It broadens our exposure, teaches us about UK–Japan ties, and leads to new opportunities for our members.
New year update
During the break, I met the British-Japanese Parliamentary Group in London. Their mission is to improve links between the UK and Japanese governments, and to increase understanding between the cultures.
We will begin posting details of the group’s activities—currently involving over 120 MPs from both countries—via our weekly e-newsletter.
Also during the holiday, we were pleased to see in the New Year Honours list that long-term BCCJ member Mark Crowther, former president of International Nuclear Services (INS) Japan K.K., was awarded an MBE for services to the British nuclear industry in Japan.
Following 3/11, Crowther was instrumental in the industry’s response to issues at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant and the subsequent decommissioning activities.
Welcoming VIPs
Closer to home, we are pleased to be rolling out a jam-packed events programme for 2015. We pledge that, throughout the year, we will deliver over 40 exciting and informative sessions that are of value to you and your networks.
They are to include exploratory opportunities related to the 2019 Rugby World Cup and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, featuring VIPs from the UK and Japan.
Our events programme starts on 20 January with “Japan 2015”, forecasting what is in store for policy and the economy this year.
Looking further ahead, the 8th annual British Business Awards (BBA) will take place in November. Following our successful 2014 event, the pressure is on to deliver a superlative evening for members, clients and guests.
Since 12 hotels are members of the BCCJ, selecting a venue is no easy task. We began a tender process late last year, so stay tuned for news of the 2015 BBA location and date.
Role models at work
On a different note, we will welcome 40 high-school students from Kitakyushu in Fukuoka Prefecture to Ark Hills on 22 January for a BCCJ youth seminar designed to introduce them to an international working environment.
Hosted at the offices of BT Japan, the session will feature a presentation on “Big Business” from Haruno Yoshida, president of BT Japan. Representing entrepreneurs will be Jeremy Sanderson, chief executive of Icon Partners K.K.
This year, the BCCJ will continue to play a strong role in the business community in Japan, making connections between the public, private and civil sectors, while continuing to focus on delivering value to our growing membership.
As always, we look forward to hearing about how we can serve you in new and useful ways: info@bccjapan.com
