BBA2026 Official Nominees | UK-Japan Partnership of the Year
Among 54 shortlisted applications to the British Business Awards 2026 - The Nineteenth Evening, the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan is delighted to announce the eight (8) candidates for this year's UK-Japan Partnership of the Year Award.
The UK–Japan Partnership of the Year Award recognises a collaboration that has combined shared ambition, active cooperation and cross-border expertise to deliver tangible results and strengthen the relationship between the United Kingdom and Japan.
Here, we introduce each nominee's executive summary (reason for applying), in alphabetical order below.
To learn more about the British Business Awards 2026, visit our navigation page here.
UK-JAPAN PARTNERSHIP OF THE YEAR
BRITISH BUSINESS AWARDS 2026 NOMINEES
Atlantic Pacific International Rescue Ltd
Nebama MIND | 一般社団法人根浜MIND
In 2016, Kamaishi residents founded Nebama MIND to host Japan's first volunteer-run lifeboat service, developed and delivered by Atlantic Pacific UK (APUK). Ten years on, together they train young people in rescue and emergency response and are bringing water safety into schools, because as disasters increase, communities need trained civilian responders.
Aston Martin Lagonda Limited | アストン マーティン
VIBROA Co., Ltd. | 株式会社VIBROA
Japanese developer VIBROA and British luxury brand Aston Martin announced an exclusive real estate partnership in Japan, building on their collaboration on Nº 001 Minami Aoyama. Combining British design philosophy with Japanese development expertise, the partnership extends their work together across multiple locations and sectors.
Financial Times Group | フィナンシャル·タイムズ·グループ
Nikkei Inc. | 株式会社 日本経済新聞社
The Nikkei-FT partnership has created a world-leading news organisation - a bilateral beacon of trust at a critical time. This, its tenth year, has proved the strength and sustainability of the alliance with collaboration successes including record readership, technology transfer, youth engagement, and cultural contributions to Japan and the UK.
NLCS International
Hakko LR Co., Ltd | 八光エルアール株式会社（八光グループ）
North London Collegiate School International and Hakko LR have established NLCS Kobe: a long-term UK-Japan education partnership combining 175 years of British educational expertise with Japanese investment, regional knowledge and cultural stewardship. Launched in 2025, the partnership is creating a globally connected, Japan-rooted school model in Kobe, strengthening bilateral exchange through education, talent, culture, architecture and sustainability.
Rugby School Global | ラグビー・スクール・グローバル
Clarence Education Asia | クラレンス・エデュケーション・アジア
Rugby School Global and Clarence Education Asia have created a partnership that brings together the best of British education with a deep commitment to Japan and serving the Japanese and international community. In just a few years, it has grown into a genuinely collaborative relationship spanning education, community, business & academia, with impact reaching beyond the school gates.
Sanderson Design Group | サンダーソン デザイン グループ
Sangetsu Corporation | 株式会社サンゲツ
Sanderson Design Group has partnered with Sangetsu Corporation in Japan on a successful licensing programme for the past 10 years. Together, we have developed beautifully crafted collections tailored specifically to the Japanese market across Morris & Co., Harlequin, Scion and EDA.
Simmons & Simmons LLP | シモンズ·アンド·シモンズ·エルエルピー
TMI Associates | TMI総合法律事務所
For 25 years, Simmons & Simmons and TMI Associates, one of Japan’s 'Big Five' law firms, have combined English and Japanese legal expertise to help UK and Japanese businesses invest, grow and operate across both markets. In 2026, the partnership deepened through cross-border transactions, talent exchange and joint client delivery.
YAMATO HOLDINGS CO., LTD. | ヤマトホールディングス株式会社
HIVED Ltd | ハイブド
This application highlights the collaboration between Yamato Transport, a Japanese logistics company with over 100 years of history, and HIVED, a UK-based AI startup, creating new value in UK-Japan logistics. Beyond mere financial investment, both companies jointly develop services by leveraging each other's expertise—forging a truly synergistic partnership.
In great thanks to our BBA Partners
This year's British Business Awards has been cherished and elevated by the below Partners. We are delighted to have their support for The Nineteenth Evening.
