Taking the Leap: How a Referral to the BCCJ Led to a BBA Win
For Francis Fung, in retrospect, it is clear that two very distinct paths were set for the close of 2025. One within the BCCJ and one without. Referred by BCCJ member Helen Iwata, in a span of months Francis joined the Chamber and quickly became an active participant within the community.
On 7th November, he attended his first British Business Awards and also walked away with his business, KiFor, winning Entrepreneur of the Year. If it were not for the referral, Francis may have walked into a completely different 2026.
BCCJ Communications & Digital Marketing Lead, Josh Welch, sat down with Helen and Francis to interview them in regard to the past year, myth-bust ideas about the Chamber, and dived into learning how this referral came to fruition.
Pictured above, from left to right: Helen Iwata, Francis Fung and Josh Welch
Misconceptions about the Chamber and the surprising ease of becoming a member
Beginning the conversation, Josh inquired to Francis about the overall impression of the Chamber from a non-member. In three words: 'Daunting, exclusive, and not-for-me'.
In fact, Francis' initial impression of the Chamber led him to believe that the Chamber was solely aimed at high-level executives, officials, and conglomerates - for him, there did not seem to be room for entrepreneurs or as he classed himself, 'solopreneurs'.
Echoing Francis' thoughts, Helen confirmed that there seems to be a variety of misconceptions about the Chamber. Firstly, the fact that most professionals do not even realise they can benefit from being a member. When probed further, it seemed that there is consensus among certain people that the Chamber focuses heavily on high-level trade between the UK-Japan and less so on business connections; additionally, the simplicity of joining seems to be majorly misunderstood.
Francis spoke highly of the affordability of membership, especially for entrepreneurs, and described the overall joining process as welcoming and supportive. 'Sarah Backley (the current Executive Director) spends so much time with every member right from the beginning. I couldn't believe she offered me 90 minutes of conversation in our first meeting.'
Helen agreed. 'I think connections at the BCCJ are the most vital part of membership.'
How connections instil trust and encouragement
Francis had known about the BCCJ for some time. He had attended a separate event where he first met Helen in June 2025.
It was actually Helen herself that influenced Francis to join the Chamber - if people such as Helen were so earnestly involved and enjoyed their time with the Chamber, maybe he could too. Francis referred to his understanding of the Chamber being close to 'an old boy's club,' so when he learnt that Helen was not only a member, but was on the Executive Committee, his impression drastically shifted.
'If people realised there were so many cool individuals, I think more people would join.'
It had been the same way for Helen back in 2014. Previous Executive Director Lori Henderson's enthusiasm and encouragement to join the BCCJ is what led Helen to the same conclusion.
Member Gets Member scheme
Speaking to Helen, Josh inquired as to why she chooses to refer people more than simply promoting the Chamber. 'I love to watch the joy that people experience getting to learn about things they didn't know could benefit them.'
Francis asking questions to the DBT Permanent Secretary on the 29th September 2025.
Helen is also pictured, right beside him.
For Francis, the referral meant he felt 'instantly involved' within the Chamber. It gave him the confidence to attend events freely and engage fully with the community.
A particular favourite for Francis was the Chamber's Member Benefit event - Welcome Wednesday - which takes place once a quarter, and gave Francis the opportunity to introduce himself and his company to the newest cohort of members.
Applying for the British Business Awards
In mid-October, with BBA nominations heading to a close, Helen encouraged Francis to consider nominating his company, KiFor. For him, he felt it was too soon to show up at such an event. This left Helen with one response: 'rookie mistake.'
Helen explained further: 'being nominated, or nominating yourself, for an award makes you think deeply about your business as you answer the application questions.' Moreover, it is a moment to really understand the work you are doing and what you hope to gain in the future.
For smaller companies, it is an effective way to establish a visible presence within the wider community. Any nominated company becomes part of BCCJ communications in the lead-up to the event, throughout the programme itself, and, in the case of a win, long after it concludes.
Francis, pictured having won the Entrepreneur of the Year award, alongside Julia Longbottom CMG, Ambassador of the UK to Japan
Out of 48 eligible applications for the entirety of the BBA, there were 9 entries for Entrepreneur of the Year 2025. Despite his initial reluctance to apply and thanks to encouragement from Helen, Francis brought the trophy home for KiFor.
What did winning mean for you?
'I think it made me feel more confident to approach companies in Japan.'
In his words, winning the BBA meant recognition of his efforts from more than trusted allies and friends. It defined his past work as a success to a wide group of people who all share similar values and aim to advance the UK-Japan business community.
'I want to win again.'
Helen said she felt like a 'proud mum' as she watched him win the award. Who'd have known that a simple referral to join the BCCJ would lead to such an outcome?
In the end, it is clear that there was much more to his membership than simply winning the award. Even if Francis had not taken home the trophy, 'it opened my eyes to the amount of companies out there.'
Final thoughts
In practical terms, joining the BCCJ had a tangible outcome for Francis: through the BCCJ he said he felt it was more realistic to envision doing business with companies he would have previously thought were inaccessible.
'It opened my eyes to the opportunities the BCCJ provides.'
For Helen, connection and joy sat at the heart of her feelings about the past few months. Watching someone close to her be able to also thrive and grow at the BCCJ was something she truly cared about.
In one sentence: what happens when someone opens the door?
'It made me feel like I can pass it on and help others succeed in Japan, too.'
About the BCCJ's Member Gets Member scheme
The Member Gets Member scheme is an ongoing offer to any member who refers a new member to the Chamber - in return, we offer the referrer additional free seat coupons to use at our events throughout the year.
For more details, click here and scroll down.
Meet Helen
'Experience the joy of welcoming people in!'
Helen Iwata is President of Sasuga Communications K.K. and an Executive Committee member of the BCCJ. Otherwise known as 'The Less Effort More Impact Coach' – Helen helps busy business professionals in Japan and beyond to do brilliant work without sacrificing their personal lives. During her ten years with McKinsey & Company in Tokyo, she served as manager of client communications and trained consultants and clients in leadership, teamwork, and communication skills, including presentations and meeting facilitation.
Connect with Helen via LinkedIn or visit her website.
Meet Francis
'If you are considering membership, don't be put off - just reach out!'
Francis Fung is the founder of KiFor, a purpose-first company, blending corporate learning, real-world action and charity collaboration. In under a year, KiFor raised over ¥2 million in support of single mothers, orphans, and people experiencing homelessness, while also providing laptops, food boxes, and essential care to children and families in need.