Sept / Oct 2021

Transform the norm

British Business Awards 2021

For 14 years, the British Business Awards (BBA), organised by the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BCCJ), has been acknowledging, celebrating and rewarding the best of UK–Japan business relations.

I can remember attending my first-ever BBA at the Conrad Tokyo in November 2010, at the request of then-BCCJ President Phil Gibb. I was bowled over by the impressive line-up of winners and vibrancy of our business community.

Our gala event this year (BBA 2021) will be live- streamed from another exciting venue in central Tokyo, on the evening of 5 November.

Supported by the BCCJ’s key partners, and a range of generous member firms and friends, the BBA 2021 provides a fantastic platform for firms and individuals to gain recognition for their achievements throughout the year.

You are invited

On the night of the BBA 2021 gala, you will be welcome to dress up, reflect and celebrate. This will be no ordinary event!

Ahead of the big bash, guests will receive options for joining BBA red-carpet action, including sumptuous food and beverage offerings from great BCCJ brands. And you will be dazzled by our array of digiraffle prizes donated by BCCJ members who, despite the challenges of the past year, remain generous and steadfast in their support of our chamber.

Nominate

With just a few weeks to go until the BBA 2021 nominations deadline on 18 October, you still have the opportunity to submit suggestions for firms and people who’ve shown great vision and commitment to our community over the past 12 months. You can nominate your favourite firms and individuals to secure the prestigious title of BBA winner.

The BCCJ office is currently receiving nominations for firms and individuals across six award categories. The BBA 2021 categories are:

Company of the Year

Company of the Year nominees are required to show excellence and innovation across their organisation in Japan, focusing on outstanding transformations over the past year.

UK–Japan Partnership

Those nominated should be joint-ventures, alliances, or other partnerships that have made demonstrable contributions to the enhancement of the UK–Japan commercial relationship.

Entrepreneur of the Year

Nominees should be individuals who exemplify entrepreneurialism and have created commercial success through an entrepreneurial spirit. Nominees will typically be leading non-listed organisations in Japan with 25 or fewer employees.

Responsible Business

Open to eligible firms that have driven exceptionally effective responsible business (social / environmental) programmes or initiatives in Japan. Nominees should not be NPOs.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Open to eligible firms that have driven outstandingly effective Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives, services or solutions in Japan.

Digital & Technological Innovation

Open to eligible firms that have driven transformation through the delivery of effective Digital & Technological Innovation, services or solutions in Japan.

Why nominate?

BBA winners are acknowledged as industry leaders. Winning a BBA is a valuable measure of success that can be used in a variety of communications— creating heightened credibility among your industry peers, investors, clients, customers and the wider community.

All BBA 2021 nominees will enjoy pre-event and on-the-night publicity, and winners will receive a variety of promotional benefits.

If you’d like to nominate a firm (even your own!) for a BBA 2021 trophy, please let us know. We’d love to celebrate your success.