British chamber to host inaugural British Business Awards next week

Sean Blakeley, chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce in Korea (BCCK), speaks at the 2024 King’s Birthday Dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul, May 30, 2024. Courtesy of BCCK.

The British Chamber of Commerce in Korea (BCCK) will honor companies that have significantly contributed to strengthening trade relations between the two countries next week. The awards will be presented during the 2025 King’s Birthday Dinner, a black-tie banquet event scheduled for May 30 in Seoul.

The inaugural 2025 BCCK British Business Awards will celebrate winners across five categories: U.K. Impact in Korea, Campaign of the Year, Responsible Business of the Year, Innovative Business of the Year and the Chair’s Award for Personal Contribution. The organization began accepting applications for nominations last month.

According to the BCCK, the awards will “recognize outstanding achievements by businesses and individuals that made a significant impact on the British-Korean business landscape.”

The awards will shine a spotlight on entities that have made a lasting impact on bilateral commerce, as well as those with notable marketing or corporate social responsibility practices.

Companies committed to embracing diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, will be specially honored. Additionally, those demonstrating exceptional innovation in business operations, products or services will also be recognized.

The awards will be judged by a panel of high-profile experts, including distinguished leaders from the private sector, government bodies and academia. Selected for their expertise, influence and industry knowledge, the panel will ensure a credible and thorough evaluation process, according to the BCCK.

Among the judges is Lord Tom Watson of Wyre Forest, who was appointed in January as the U.K. government’s trade envoy to Korea. A former member of the House of Lords, deputy leader of the Labour Party and member of parliament, Lord Watson is now focused on strengthening UK-Korea trade and investment ties.

Hyundai Motor Group Executive Vice President Kim Il-bum will also serve as a judge. Currently leading the group’s global policy initiatives, Kim has previously been a presidential protocol secretary, interpreter for former Korean presidents and held positions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and SK Group.

Two judges with backgrounds in journalism include Korea Times President and Publisher Oh Young-jin and Ewha Womans University professor Sohn Jie-ae. Oh has been writing for the Seoul-based English daily since 1988 and became its president in 2020. Sohn, a former CNN anchorwoman who led the broadcaster’s Seoul bureau from 1995 to 2010, currently works as a senior communications consultant for the World Bank.

The BCCK said the awards ceremony will see over 120 company representatives, 60 percent of whom come from multinational companies.

“The flagship event will bring together the British and Korean communities to experience British culture, celebrate friendship and business excellence, and have fun," BCCK Executive Director Lucinda Walker said.