News Article

News Article

The British Business Awards 2024 Launched in Shanghai – Championing innovation, impact and business excellence across China

5 Aug 2024

On 30 July, the British Business Awards 2024 was launched in Shanghai at the office of the British Chamber of Commerce Shanghai.

Organised by the British Chambers of Commerce in China, the British Business Awards recognise and promote excellence in innovation, enterprise and endeavour in both the British and Chinese business communities. This year, the Awards are supported by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), the British Council, China-Britain Business Council (CBBC), Confederation of British Industry (CBI), Scottish Development International, Invest Northern Ireland, and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in the UK.

Sohail Shaikh, British Deputy Trade Commissioner for China

British Deputy Trade Commissioner for China, Sohail Shaikh shared in his keynote speech: “In the four quarters to the end of Q4 2023, China was the UK’s 5th largest trading partner, accounting for 5.1% of total UK trade. We are investing and cooperating in many business sectors of the future: green energy, the digital economy and healthcare, to name just three. Building on these foundations and capitalising where our respective strengths complement each other will require innovation, enterprise and endeavour. All things that the British Business Awards celebrate. In a sense you can see these Awards as a kind of compass, pointing the way to a successful and mutually beneficial future. ”

Kristen Johnston, Chairwoman of the British Business Awards 2024

Chairwoman of the British Business Awards 2024, Kirsten Johnston, introduced this year’s Awards, “The tenth edition of the British Business Awards recognise excellence in leadership, partnership, innovation, education, social impact, sustainability, and commercial endeavours. We welcome and encourage entries from companies across China. At the same time, I am excited to introduce the new brand for the 2024 Awards. This year, we have launched a brand identity inspired by the auspicious Chinese Knot, a symbol of friendship and a fruitful, long-lasting relationship that represents the trade relations between the UK and China. The new logo serves as a Mark of Unity (团结 tuán jié) and features the energetic and ever-changing colours of the Aurora Borealis.”

 

Established in 2008, the biennial awards have become an increasingly prestigious feature of the business calendar, and this year will consist of nine categories:

  1. British Company of the Year Award (sponsored by Smiths Group)
  2. Outstanding Contribution to the UK Award
  3. Innovation Award (sponsored by The University of Manchester)
  4. Chinese UK Alumnus Award
  5. Education Partnership Award
  6. Sustainability Award (sponsored by the University of Nottingham Ningbo China)
  7. Business Partnership Award
  8. Inspiring Leadership Award
  9. Social Impact Award

Applications are now open and invite all eligible businesses and individuals to enter. Key dates of Awards are as follows:

  • 24 July​: Website Launch, Online Applications Open
  • 30 July​: Official Launch Event​
  • 26 September​: Applications Close
  • 23 October​: Finalists Announcement Event
  • 23 Oct – 8 Nov​​: Finalists Interviews
  • 21 November: Awards Ceremony Gala Dinner

More information is available at www.britishbusinessawards.org.

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