The British-Polish Business Awards returned in 2026 for their second edition. The official Gala marked a continuation of an initiative dedicated to recognising outstanding achievements and fostering strong economic ties between the UK and Poland.
Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, the awards have gained recognition as a key platform for showcasing excellence in investment, innovation and cross-border cooperation.
Held on 28 May 2026 at the British Embassy in Warsaw, this year’s Gala brought together prominent representatives of business and government to celebrate organisations and individuals whose contributions are helping to shape a dynamic and forward-looking UK-Poland economic partnership.
The awards are organised by the BPCC and the British Embassy in Warsaw, whose ongoing collaboration supports the development and growing impact of this initiative. The 2026 edition was supported by media partners TVN24 BIS and Puls Biznesu.
Winning Business in Poland
BP Poland
For 35 years, BP has been a strategic contributor to Poland’s economy and energy security. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, BP played a critical role in safeguarding Poland’s fuel supplies through crude oil supply agreements with ORLEN, helping to replace Russian imports and stabilise the market during a period of acute disruption. To date, BP has invested 5.5 billion złotys in Poland and contributed 15 billion złotys in taxes, while supporting around 10,000 jobs directly and indirectly. Its nationwide network of more than 570 service stations underpins Poland’s role as a key EU logistics hub, while ongoing investment in EV charging infrastructure, biofuels and sustainable aviation fuel supports long term resilience and competitiveness
Winning Business in the UK
Panattoni
This award recognises Panattoni for its outstanding foreign direct investment into the UK and its long term commitment to strengthening the country’s logistics and industrial infrastructure. The UK is central to Panattoni’s global growth strategy, with well over £1 billion of overseas capital invested.
A flagship example is Panattoni Park Swindon, a £900 million development set to become one of Europe’s largest logistics parks and to support thousands of jobs. Together with major investments in Kent and Aylesford, all delivered to net zero carbon standards, Panattoni’s sustained investment, regeneration and environmental leadership represent a strong vote of confidence in the UK.
Polish Investor of the Year
Press Glass Holding SA
Press Glass is recognised for its long term commitment to the UK economy, demonstrated by the opening of its 23,000m2 state-of-the-art factory in Port Talbot in 2025. This landmark investment builds on more than a decade of sustained growth in the UK, during which Press Glass has expanded organically and through acquisitions to establish four production sites in Port Talbot, Peterborough, Cumbernauld and Barnsley, employing over 1,000 people nationwide. The Port Talbot project safeguards existing jobs, creates new roles and sets new industry standards through advanced automation and sustainable manufacturing solutions. Ranking among the UK’s leading manufacturers of insulated glass units, Press Glass continues to strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity and makes a lasting contribution to the UK construction sector as an exemplary Polish investor.
UK Investor of the Year
Rolls-Royce
Rolls Royce has made a major, long term British investment that strengthens Poland’s position as a hub for high value business services and advanced engineering. The Global Capability Centre launched in Kraków in December 2025 is creating a European hub for finance, procurement, HR, data analytics and project management, already employing over 120 highly skilled professionals and set to grow further. Beyond services, Rolls Royce is a strategic partner for Poland’s economy and security: supporting aerospace manufacturing through its Aero Gearbox joint venture; powering energy security and critical infrastructure, contributing to defence capability; and underpinning national connectivity through LOT Polish Airlines. This breadth and depth of engagement exemplify a world class UK investor in Poland.
British-Polish Collaboration
Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) and BAE Systems
BAE Systems and Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) exemplify a high impact UK–Poland industrial partnership delivering tangible outcomes for national and European security. Their landmark cooperation on the production of 155 mm ammunition brings together UK technological expertise and Polish industrial capability to significantly strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity in Poland at a time of heightened demand. Underpinned by a strategic partnership agreement, the collaboration reflects a shared long term commitment to joint industrial development, technology transfer, and skills enhancement across the defence sector. Developed through an intensive year-long collaborative process, the partnership has established a strong platform for future joint programmes and export opportunities. By aligning complementary strengths, scale and ambition, BAE Systems and PGZ have created a partnership that materially reinforces European defence resilience and marks a major step forward in UK–Poland defence and industrial cooperation
Leadership Award
Anna Rulkiewicz, Lux Med
Anna Rulkiewicz is a standout example of strategic, values-driven leadership in Polish healthcare. As CEO of Lux Med since 2007, she built Poland’s largest private healthcare platform, integrating hospitals, outpatient care, diagnostics, and insurance to serve around three million patients annually. She has led sector-wide digital transformation, large-scale prevention and corporate health programmes, and initiatives promoting mental health, workplace wellbeing and women’s leadership. Through senior advisory, supervisory and policy roles, she actively shapes Poland’s health system and social dialogue. Her sustained impact, scale of delivery and commitment to patient-centred innovation make her a unique and influential leader in Poland and the wider CEE region.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Michael Dembinski
Michael Dembinski has exerted a lasting influence on UK–Poland trade relations as a leading advocate, analyst, and policy interlocutor. Over more than two decades at the BPCC, he has supported hundreds of companies, shaped the bilateral business agenda, and contributed to UK-Poland policy dialogue on trade, investment, and regulatory issues. A trusted adviser to business leaders and public institutions, he is widely cited on economic trends and market developments, helping inform decision making on both sides. His continuity, credibility and deep understanding of both markets have made him a central figure in building trust, resilience and long term partnership between the UK and Poland.
Source:
https://www.events.great.gov.uk/website/17339/
