The inaugural edition of the UK-Poland Business Awards, jointly organised by the British Embassy in Warsaw and the British Polish Chamber of Commerce (BPCC), brought together prominent representatives from the worlds of business and public administration on 23 June in Warsaw. The event recognised companies and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the development of investment, innovation and trade between the United Kingdom and Poland. The ceremony was opened by H.E. Anna Clunes, British Ambassador to Poland.
This first edition of the UK-Poland Business Awards took place at a time when economic relations between the two countries are reaching historic highs. According to BPCC data, the value of bilateral trade exceeded €36.4 billion in 2023 – a 35% increase compared to 2018. Particularly strong growth was noted in the services sector (+70%), and Poland has become one of the UK’s key regional partners. British investment in Poland has doubled, reaching PLN 91.4 billion, while more and more Polish companies (such as InPost and TFKable) are successfully expanding in the UK.
“Economic relations between our countries are strong and increasingly diverse – they encompass not only investment and trade, but also joint efforts in green transition, new technologies, and defence. Today’s award winners demonstrate how ambitious and long-term our partnership can be,”
said H.E. Anna Clunes, British Ambassador to Poland.
“Our mission as a Chamber is to support dialogue, initiate cooperation, and create a platform for knowledge exchange that strengthens business relations between the UK and Poland. The UK-Poland Business Awards gala is a celebration of this collaboration and a testament to how much we can achieve together,”
said Michał Obiegała, Chairman of the BPCC Board.
Guests of honour included Michał Baranowski, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, and Chris Barton, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Europe. Awards were also presented by representatives of the Embassy’s Department for Business and Trade, the Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH), and members of the BPCC board.
The evening concluded with a cocktail reception in the Embassy gardens and a networking session with award winners, business leaders and public sector representatives.
UK-Poland Business Awards 2025 – Winners:
1. Polish Investor of the Year – InPost Group
For investments in the UK totalling £1 billion by 2029, the development of logistics infrastructure, the creation of up to 12,000 jobs, and rapid growth in delivery volume.
2. British Investor of the Year – Reckitt
For investments in Poland exceeding £305 million since 2018, expansion of its plant in Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki, job creation, and growth in exports and R&D activity.
3. British-Polish Collaboration Award – PGZ, MBDA UK, Babcock, Thales UK
For strategic partnerships in the Narew and Miecznik projects – a milestone in defence cooperation, technology transfer, and industrial development.
4. Winning Business in Poland – Castorama Poland (Kingfisher plc)
For achieving market leadership in the Polish DIY retail sector, developing a network of 107 stores, and becoming the UK’s largest private-sector employer in Poland.
5. Winning Business in the UK – Tele-Fonika Kable
For successful integration into the UK offshore energy supply chain, acquisition of JDR Cable Systems, and construction of a £130 million subsea cable factory.
6. R&D Champion – GSK
For more than 20 years of R&D investment in Poland and the significant contribution of GSK’s Polish team to the development of breakthrough vaccines and therapies.
7. Green Transition Champion – Lightsource bp
For developing a 3.2 GW portfolio of solar energy projects in Poland and launching the first PV farm in Kotun.
8. Inclusive Employer – London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG)
For creating an inclusive organisational culture at its Gdynia office, employing staff from 60 nationalities and operating under a co-management model.
9. Debut of the Year – ElevenLabs
For a spectacular entry into the UK and global markets with its AI voice synthesis technology and the establishment of its European headquarters in London.
10. Lifetime Achievement Award – Martyn O’Reilly
For nearly 30 years of supporting British expats, promoting Scottish trade, and strengthening UK–Poland ties, including his role as Scotland Trade Envoy to Poland.
