Congratulations 2021 British Business Awards Winners!

14th annual British Business Awards (JP), and first ever hybrid gala
“TRANSFORM THE NORM”
celebrates UK-Japan business relations,
organised by the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan.

The best of UK-Japan relations, as well as British excellence, innovation, diversity, entrepreneurship and responsible business contributions in Japan were recognised last night at the 2021 British Business Awards (BBA2021) – a hybrid black-tie gala event live streamed from the British Embassy Tokyo.

Organised by the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BCCJ), with award winners chosen by a panel of six independent judges from the worlds of business, sports, government, and media, the BBA is now considered a unique yearly showcase for British creativity, culture and commerce.

Driven by the theme of “TRANSFORM THE NORM”, this year’s BBA highlighted some of the most impressive and innovative contributions made by UK-Japan-related organisations over the past twelve months, including responses to the continued challenges posed by the pandemic.

BBA2021 Winners

Company of the Year: Klein Dytham architecture

To recognise the trailblazing year Klein Dytham architecture (KDa) has enjoyed having being nominated for both the World’s Best Hospitality Building and the World’s Best Short Stay Hotel in 2021. KDa has also been recognised for their PechaKucha show-and-tell format, which has pivoted online and led to over 500 hybrid events being held globally, and has resulted in PechaKucha being invited to COP26 as a partner of the global #GetOnWithIt classroom for children.

BBA 2021 Winner Profile: Company of the Year – Klein Dytham Architecture

UK-Japan Partnership: Ocado Group & AEON Group

To recognise the vital progress over the past 12 months – in challenging global conditions – of a partnership between two significant Japanese and UK businesses that are set to transform the nature of online grocery retailing in Japan.

BBA 2021 Winner Profile: UK-Japan Partnership – Ocado Group & AEON Group

Entrepreneur of the Year: Clarence Education Asia

To recognise Fei Fei Hu and Ayahi Suda, husband and wife co-founders of the education management company Clarence Education Asia (CEA), for their great success in launching a family of new British international schools in Tokyo, including Phoenix House International School in September 2021, significantly increasing the UK’s presence and influence in Japan.

BBA 2021 Winner Profile: Entrepreneur of the Year – Clarence Education Asia

Digital Tech and Innovation: Exscientia

To recognise Exscientia’s successful application of AI to the design of two of the world’s first three AI-designed drug molecules to enter clinical trials, in collaboration with Sumitomo Dainippon Pharmaceutical Co Ltd. and the successful 2021 series D fund raise led by SoftBank Vision Fund 2 that preceded Exscientia’s IPO.

BBA 2021 Winner Profile: Digital Tech and Innovation – Exscientia

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Unilever Japan

​​To recognise Unilever Japan for its leading initiatives on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion – such as gender and nationality balance in management, the inclusion and support for LGBTQ+ persons in the workplace, and combating stereotypes and social norms – all created with a view to changing and creating a more inclusive society in Japan.

BBA 2021 Winner Profile: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – Unilever Japan

Responsible Business: AstraZeneca KK

To recognise AstraZeneca’s “Ambition Zero Carbon”, their commitment to have zero carbon emissions from operations and ensure the company’s entire value chain is carbon negative by 2030, bringing forward decarbonisation plans by more than a decade. Also to commend AstraZeneca’s nonprofit COVID-19 vaccine, co-developed with Oxford University, which is being produced in Japan and is significantly contributing to local and international communities.

BBA 2021 Winner Profile: Responsible Business – AstraZeneca Japan

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Hybrid

The hybrid BBA2021 gala was supported by an impressive range of BCCJ member companies and friends, with Robert Walters Japan contributing as Headline sponsor, and Gold sponsor IHG generously donating 14 prizes for attendees to win in a luxury raffle draw.

MC’d by professional British DJ Guy Perryman, the event featured appearances from HM Ambassador to Japan, Julia Longbottom CMG, BCCJ President David Bickle OBE, and many other BCCJ leaders and supporters.