British Business Awards announced

British innovation, business success and social contributions in Japan were recognised Friday night at a gala event in Tokyo attended by almost 300 guests.

Organised by the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BCCJ), with winners chosen by a panel of independent judges from business, media and government, the British Business Awards (BBA) has become one of the biggest annual events of the foreign business community in Japan and a unique showcase for British creativity, culture and lifestyle.

This year’s winner of the coveted Company of the Year award was The British School in Tokyo, recognized in 2014 for educating children from across the world, from a wider range of nationalities than at any other time in its 25 year history.

Person of the Year winner was Director of UK Trade and Investment at the British Embassy Tokyo, Sue Kinoshita, cited for working tirelessly on ensuring British firms can maximize opportunities brought about by the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, following the success of London 2012.

The other winners were:

Entrepreneur of the Year: Elizabeth Handover (Lumina Learning) UK-Japan Partnership: TELEHOUSE International Corporation of Europe / KDDI Corporation Community Contribution: Fermenstation Co., Ltd. New Market Entrant: Rhino Rugby Japan

British Ambassador to Japan Tim Hitchens said: “It has been a great pleasure to again present trophies to the deserving winners of the British Business Awards in recognition of their creative and pioneering business skills, hard work and generous community contributions.”

Hitchens added that the UK and Japan are fortunate to share over 400 years of diplomatic, trade and cultural relations. These awards, he said, now in their seventh year, shine a light on organisations and individuals forging new successes and partnerships between our two countries.

“I look forward to seeing what the future holds for tonight’s winners and all 50 nominees, and encourage others with ties to both countries to consider entering next year’s BBA.”

The five judges were: Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun Section Editor Keiko Akaho; Japan Cabinet Office Special Advisor William Saito; GlaxoSmithKline Japan President Philippe Fauchet; Flourish Global Ambassador Sue Hunt; and Odgers Berndtson Chairman Richard Boggis-Rolfe. The Person of the Year winner was chosen through a vote by BCCJ members.

BCCJ President David Bickle said: “The BCCJ applauds all nominees and congratulates the winners on their remarkable achievements. Competition for all awards was intense, reflecting the high quality of the nominees and the strength and vibrancy of the British-Japan business relationship.”

© Japan Today