British Business Awards 2026 | Applications Now Open
On Wednesday, 29 July 2026, applications for the British Business Awards 2026 - The Nineteenth Evening opened to BCCJ members and the general public. With seven accolades carefully curated to showcase the breadth of talent, expertise, and cross-collaboration between the UK-Japan business corridor in 2026, the British Business Awards remains a beacon of recognition and reverence from within the wider community.
The British Business Awards 2026 marks its nineteenth year of celebrating industry excellence, and the UK-Japan business community. This year, we gather at the Fairmont Tokyo, on Friday, 13 November 2026. An evening of assured excellence, the evening comes alive through the nominations, anticipation, and the unfiltered excitement that surrounds who will walk away a BBA2026 winner.
Now is the time to make an application.
Why Apply
Upon being confirmed as a finalist for the British Business Awards 2026, your organisation becomes part of this year’s story.
Recognition extends far beyond the possibility of winning. A place on the shortlist affirms your organisation’s meaningful contribution to the UK–Japan business community, while unlocking a considered programme of promotional opportunities before and during the Awards, with further exposure following the evening should your organisation be named a winner.
Whatever the size of your organisation, it is the distinctiveness of your story that remains at the heart of success.
Making an Application or Nominating
We warmly encourage organisations to put forward their own work, as no one is better placed to articulate its significance and impact. We equally welcome nominations recognising those whose achievements over the past year deserve wider celebration.
Each organisation may submit up to two applications across the seven award categories.
Application Period
BCCJ members and general public are eligible to submit their applications to the British Business Awards 2026 from Wednesday, 29 July 2026 to Wednesday, 30 September 2026. Applications submitted after this deadline will not be considered.
Application Method
Each award features its own, distinct application. We recommend taking time to consider your responses deeply, ensuring you remain within the word count.
The easiest way to complete your application(s) to the British Business Awards 2026 is through our dedicated online questionnaires via the GlueUp platform, which can be found below. Should you require an offline document, we have prepared downloadable word files for each category to take away, which you can also find under each category below.
This is not a marketing exercise, so we recommend that you focus on your output & impact rather than overly-expressive wording.
Application Language Requirement
Due to the diverse selection of judges appointed each year, we ask that all applications be submitted in English only. Should you require translation services, we are happy to introduce you to member companies who are able to assist you.
Summary of Awards
For the British Business Awards 2026 - The Nineteenth Evening - there are seven accolades which will be presented on the night:
- Company of the Year
- UK-Japan Partnership of the Year
- Entrepreneur/SME of the Year
- New Market Entrant of the Year
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award
- Responsible Business of the Year
- Digital Technology & Innovation Award
Each representing different facets of the same coin: success, ambition, and drive. View our British Business Awards 2025 winners here.
Without further ado, we are delighted to present the applications for each award below.
The Dedicated BBA2026 THE AWARDS page can be found here.
COMPANY OF THE YEAR | 2026
Tell us what your organisation made happen in Japan this year.
The Company of the Year Award recognises an organisation that has combined outstanding performance with strong leadership, innovation, investment in its people and a positive, lasting contribution to Japan.
Start your digital application here.
(Offline applications will appear shortly.)
UK-JAPAN PARTNERSHIP OF THE YEAR | 2026
Tell us how your partnership created meaningful value between the UK and Japan this year.
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.
Each nomination must name two partner organisations: one British and one Japanese.
Start your digital application here.
(Offline applications will appear shortly.)
ENTREPRENEUR / SME OF THE YEAR | 2026
Tell us how your organisation turned entrepreneurial ambition into meaningful growth in Japan this year.
The Entrepreneur or SME of the Year Award recognises an organisation that has combined entrepreneurial leadership, innovation and resilience with clear commercial success, customer impact and strong potential for future growth in Japan.
Start your digital application here.
(Offline applications will appear shortly.)
NEW MARKET ENTRANT OF THE YEAR | 2026
Tell us how your organisation established a meaningful presence in Japan and laid the foundations for long-term growth.
The New Market Entrant of the Year Award recognises an organisation that has entered Japan with ambition, strategic clarity and tangible commitment, creating early value while building strong potential for sustained success in the market.
Start your digital application here.
(Offline applications will appear shortly.)
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION AWARD | 2026
Tell us how your organisation created a more inclusive and equitable environment in Japan this year.
The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award recognises an organisation that has translated its commitment to DEI into meaningful action, positive cultural change and lasting opportunities for underrepresented or vulnerable groups in Japan.
Start your digital application here.
(Offline applications will appear shortly.)
RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR | 2026
Tell us how your organisation turned responsible business commitments into meaningful impact in Japan this year.
The Responsible Business Award recognises an organisation that has embedded responsible practices into its operations, creating measurable environmental, social or ethical value while demonstrating a clear commitment to lasting positive impact in Japan.
Start your digital application here.
(Offline applications will appear shortly.)
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION AWARD | 2026
Tell us how your organisation used technology to create meaningful change in Japan this year.
The Digital Technology and Innovation Award recognises an organisation that has developed, applied or advanced digital, AI or other emerging technologies to deliver measurable business, customer or industry impact in Japan.
Start your digital application here.
(Offline applications will appear shortly.)
BCCJ Support
Our aim is to make this process an enjoyable reflection on your efforts and success throughout the last year. Should you need any further clarification or accessible adjustments, please do not hesitate to contact the team at: [email protected].