The Awards were announced and presented at the Chinese Burns Supper held by the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) in Glasgow on 30 January 2025, with over 270 guests in attendance.  

Businesses were shortlisted across six different categories: Chinese Corporate of the Year, Educational Partnership of the Year, Scottish Corporate in Hong Kong 2025, ESG Champion of the Year, Marketing Campaign of the Year, and China Welcome of the Year.  

CNOOC Petroleum Europe Ltd won the award for Chinese Corporate of the Year: a category which celebrates the huge contribution that Chinese businesses make to the Scottish economy. CNOOC Petroleum Europe Ltd entered the UK North Sea in 2013 and has been a major player in the UK’s offshore energy industry ever since: employing around 600 staff across its onshore and offshore operations and investing in local communities through financial and voluntary support all the while exploring opportunities to integrate renewable energy sources in its offshore operations.  

Celebrating the power of UK-China educational collaboration, the award for Educational Partnership of the Year went to the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) and the Chinese Service Centre for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE). Following an MoU signing between the Scottish Executive and the Ministry of Education, China, in January 2003, the SQA has worked in collaboration with CSCSE to offer training and skills-based, short-cycle higher education qualifications, SQA Advanced Diplomas (ADs) in China for over 20 years – a partnership that has certainly stood the test of time.  

The award for Scottish Corporate in Hong Kong 2025, sponsored by Invest Hong Kong, showcased the impact that Scottish businesses are making in Hong Kong’s dynamic market. It was won by Cashmaster International, a leading global provider of cash management solutions with a design and manufacturing centre based in Dalgety Bay, Scotland, and extensive experience of supporting the Hong Kong market. Since having entered Hong Kong in 2017, Cashmaster International has supported over 25 large enterprises in the region and has provided more than 5,000 devices and accessories to the Hong Kong market. 

Leading Scottish engineering group, Weir Group took home the award for ESG Champion of the Year – a category that recognised the importance of sustainable business practices in Scotland and China. Weir Group has a long history of operations and engagement in China, and today the company employs around 600 staff in China. In 2024, Weir Group marked an important and exciting milestone as it opened a brand new, $60 million state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Xuzhou – a facility setting new standards for Weir in terms of efficiency and sustainability, and supporting the company’s delivery of its commercial and ESG goals. 

The award for Marketing Campaign of the Year, sponsored by logistics company W.M. London, went to leading China Marketing agency, Emerging Comms, and Glencairn Crystal, Scotland’s premier creator of professional whisky glassware. The marketing campaign run by Emerging Comms tackled unique challenges that Glencairn Crystal faced in the Chinese market: boosting the brand’s credibility, image and increasing brand awareness amongst Chinese consumers.  

The campaign partnered with industry KOLs to create compelling educational content from Emerging Comms’ Scottish studio, with whisky-related influencers delivering expert endorsements, and lifestyle KOCs generating authentic testimonials. The campaign achieved over 852,000 reads, and has helped establish sustainable growth for Glencairn Crystal in China.  

Finally, the return of an award category that had become impossible due to travel restrictions in recent years, China Welcome of the Year provided a timely opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of Scottish companies in the retail, travel and hospitality sectors who have gone over and above in welcoming Chinese visitors to Scotland. Sponsored by the Scottish Confucius Institute for Business and Communication at Heriot-Watt University, the award went to leading travel consultancy and destination management company, Magna World Ltd.  

Established in 2015 – with headquarters in Scotland and a branch in Hainan, China – Magna World has evolved from organising bespoke tours to becoming a significant contributor to Scotland’s economy through inward investment. Magna World has built strong relationships with leading Chinese travel agencies and created memorable experiences such as whisky tastings, historical castle stays, and golf packages, reflecting Scotland’s rich heritage. And in a milestone achievement, the company expanded its role by securing inward investment to purchase two historic castles in Scotland: supporting local tourism and hospitality, as well as preserving Scotland’s cultural heritage.  

Now going into its 12th year (a full cycle of the Chinese zodiac!), the China-Britain Business Council’s Chinese Burns Supper, in partnership with the University of Glasgow and Scottish Development International and Scottish Enterprise, has become a permanent fixture in the China-Scotland business calendar.   

The unique event featured a fusion of Burns Night traditions with those of Chinese New Year as a backdrop for black-tie networking for the China-Scotland business and educational community. Guests enjoyed a dynamic programme of entertainment – ringing in the Year of the Snake in style – with the customary Address to a Haggis, a Lion Dance, Chinese Ribbon Dancing and for the first time ever, a ceilidh, amongst other performances. Bufan Li, a Chinese student in the University of Glasgow’s music department, sang A Red, Red Rose accompanied by Andy Chung on guitar. 

Funds were raised to support two noteworthy charities: Waverly Care – a Glasgow-based HIV and hepatitis C charity, with a range of specially tailored services supporting the Chinese community affected in Scotland. And the Migrant Children’s Foundation – which enriches and develops the lives and education of disadvantaged children in China via a plethora of educational and health-focused initiatives. 

The Awards were generously supported and made possible by CBBC’s partners and sponsors:

The University of Glasgow; Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London; Scottish Development International; Scottish Enterprise; The Scottish Confucius Institute for Business and Communication at Heriot-Watt University; Invest Hong Kong; WM London 

The full list of Nominees for each Award category is as follows: 

Chinese Corporate of the Year 

• BYD 
• CNOOC Petroleum Europe Limited  
• Hainan Airlines 

Educational Partnership of the Year 

• Scottish Qualifications Authority & CSCSE 
• Lancaster University College at Beijing Jiaotong University 
• Uoffer Global 
• Edinburgh Napier University & Shanghai Normal University (SHNU) 

Scottish Corporate in Hong Kong 2025 

• EGG Lighting 
• Cashmaster International 
• Speak with Impact 
• Murray & Currie 

ESG Champion of the Year 

• Burness Paull LLP 
• Weir Group 
• University of Strathclyde 

Marketing Campaign of the Year 

• Shanghai Yiming Cultural Information Consulting 
• Edrington 
• The Edinburgh Natural Skincare Company / Commercial Cross  
• Glencairn Crystal / Emerging Comms 

China Welcome of the Year 

• Johnnie Walker Princes Street 
• Magna World Travel 
• Montblanc Consulting 

For further enquiries about the awards, please contact James Brodie at James.Brodie@cbbc.org.

The post Winners of the China-Britain Business Council’s 2025 China-Scotland Business Awards Announced appeared first on Focus - China Britain Business Council.

Click here to buy tickets to the Chinese Burns Supper

Introducing the shortlist for the China-Scotland Business Awards 2025

China Welcome of the Year

This category is a reflection of the strong return of Chinese visitors to Scotland over the past 12 months, who bring so much to the local economy. The award seeks to recognise Scottish companies in the retail, travel and hospitality sectors who have gone over and above in welcoming Chinese visitors to Scotland. 

• Johnnie Walker Princes Street
• Magna World Ltd Travel
• Montblanc Consulting

Chinese Corporate of the Year

Chinese businesses continue to invest and grow in Scotland across a whole range of important sectors of our economy, which is something we seek to encourage and support. This category will recognise the significant contributions Chinese businesses continue to make to the Scottish economy. Applicants can include both established and newly incorporated businesses in Scotland, whose owners/founders or significant shareholders are from Mainland China and Hong Kong. 

• BYD
• CNOOC Petroleum Europe Limited
• Hainan Airlines

Educational Partnership of the Year

In recognition of this year’s partnership with the UK-China Joint Institute Alliance (JIA), we’ve decided to widen eligibility to include UK-wide institutions for the first time. Educational institutions/companies of any size will be recognised for the exciting partnerships they have established between the UK and China and the impact they are making.

• SQA – Scottish Qualifications Authority & CSCSE
• Lancaster University College at Beijing Jiaotong University
• Uoffer Global
• Edinburgh Napier University & Shanghai Normal University (SHNU)

Scottish Corporate in Hong Kong 2025

Hong Kong remains a dynamic market from which businesses can access the plethora of business opportunities within Southeast Asia and Mainland China itself. We will be celebrating Scottish businesses with a footprint in Hong Kong. Nominations/applications will be open to both new entrants and established businesses, as long as the business still retains a registered office in Scotland. 

• EGG Lighting
• Cashmaster International
• Speak With Impact Limited
• Murray & Currie

Marketing Campaign of the Year

Open to both agencies as well as product/service owners themselves, this category is looking to recognise excellence in the marketing of either Chinese products or services in Scotland or vice-versa. Agencies do not need to be based in Scotland but if not, the campaign in question should have a Scotland-China focus.  

• Shanghai Yiming Cultural Information Consulting
• Edrington
• The Edinburgh Natural Skincare Company Ltd. / Commercial Cross Limited
• Glencairn Crystal Studio Ltd / Emerging Comms

ESG Champion of the Year

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) is already a key attribute for successful and sustainable business practices in Scotland and China. This category would like to celebrate Chinese and Scottish businesses who have demonstrated their commitment to ESG strategies over the past year in either Scotland or China in particular in support of net zero and the principles of Fair Work First. Organisations can hail from any sector and be of any size.  

• Burness Paull LLP
• The Weir Group PLC
• University of Strathclyde

Click here to read about last year’s winners

The post CBBC announces shortlist for China-Scotland Business Awards 2025 appeared first on Focus - China Britain Business Council.

CBBC’s Chinese Burns Supper will feature a fusion of Burns Night traditions — including a ceilidh — with those of Chinese New Year as a backdrop for black-tie networking. Don’t miss this opportunity to ring in the Year of the Snake with CBBC.

Click here to apply for the awards — Applications close 9 December!

Click here to buy tickets to the Chinese Burns Supper

Introducing the China-Scotland Business Awards 2025 award categories

China Welcome of the Year (for Retail / Travel / Hospitality) – Apply here

This category is a reflection of the strong return of Chinese visitors to Scotland over the past 12 months, who bring so much to the local economy. The award seeks to recognise Scottish companies in the retail, travel and hospitality sectors who have gone over and above in welcoming Chinese visitors to Scotland. 

Chinese Corporate of the Year – Apply here

Chinese businesses continue to invest and grow in Scotland across a whole range of important sectors of our economy, which is something we seek to encourage and support. This category will recognise the significant contributions Chinese businesses continue to make to the Scottish economy. Applicants can include both established and newly incorporated businesses in Scotland, whose owners/founders or significant shareholders are from Mainland China and Hong Kong. 

Educational Partnership of the Year (open to all UK Institutions) – Apply here

In recognition of this year’s partnership with the UK-China Joint Institute Alliance (JIA), we’ve decided to widen eligibility to include UK-wide institutions for the first time. Educational institutions/companies of any size will be recognised for the exciting partnerships they have established between the UK and China and the impact they are making.

Scottish Corporate in Hong Kong 2025 – Apply here

Hong Kong remains a dynamic market from which businesses can access the plethora of business opportunities within Southeast Asia and Mainland China itself. We will be celebrating Scottish businesses with a footprint in Hong Kong. Nominations/applications will be open to both new entrants and established businesses, as long as the business still retains a registered office in Scotland. 

Marketing Campaign of the Year – Apply here

Open to both agencies as well as product/service owners themselves, this category is looking to recognise excellence in the marketing of either Chinese products or services in Scotland or vice-versa. Agencies do not need to be based in Scotland but if not, the campaign in question should have a Scotland-China focus.  

ESG Champion of the Year – Apply here

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) is already a key attribute for successful and sustainable business practices in Scotland and China. This category would like to celebrate Chinese and Scottish businesses who have demonstrated their commitment to ESG strategies over the past year in either Scotland or China in particular in support of net zero and the principles of Fair Work First. Organisations can hail from any sector and be of any size.  

Professional Advisory of the Year – Apply here

Working in support of the many exporters, investors, universities and entrepreneurs are a whole host of professional advisory services without whom many of the deals and partnerships we celebrate in other categories would simply not be possible. This category is open to advisory firms (accountants, lawyers, bankers, IP experts all welcome!) who have advised either Chinese corporates in Scotland or Scottish businesses in China over the past 12 months. Firms don’t necessarily have to be based in Scotland themselves, but if not their clients would need to be.

Last year’s winners

Marketing Campaign of the Year

• Edinburgh Tourism Action Group, China Ready Initiative

ESG Champion of the Year

• Alliance for Water Stewardship 

Professional Advisory of the Year

• Burness Paull 

Scottish Corporate in Hong Kong 2024

• Museum Context Hong Kong 

Chinese Corporate of the Year

• COES Caledonia (UK) Limited 

Dragon Award for Pioneering Spirit

• Speech Graphics 

Educational Partnership of the Year

• The University of Edinburgh – The Zhejiang University – University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJE).

Click here to read more about last year’s winners

The post Apply now for the China-Scotland Business Awards 2025 appeared first on Focus - China Britain Business Council.

Businesses were shortlisted across seven different categories: Marketing Campaign of the Year; ESG Champion of the Year; Professional Advisory of the Year; Scottish Corporate in Hong Kong 2024; Chinese Corporate of the Year; The Dragon Award for Pioneering Spirit; and Educational Partnership of the Year.

Edinburgh Tourism Action Group (ETAG) won the newly launched Award for ‘Marketing Campaign of the Year’. The Award recognises ETAG’s success in launching Edinburgh’s first-ever Chinese social media campaign at the end of 2016 as part of its China Ready Programme to position Edinburgh as a must-visit destination and one of the most China-friendly destinations in the UK.

‘ESG Champion of the Year’ – sponsored by Diageo – was awarded to the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS), whose mission is to ignite and nurture leadership in credible water stewardship through a market-based system that guides, recognises, and rewards good water stewardship practice. AWS’s first site to achieve certification to the AWS Standard in 2015 was Ecolab’s Taicang facility in the critically stressed Tai Hu basin. Since then, AWS has steadily enabled more major companies and their suppliers to adopt the AWS Standard in China and established a China Representative Office in Shanghai in 2023.

The Award for ‘Professional Advisory of the Year’ went to Burness Paull LLP, an independent law firm with a dedicated China Desk. Burness Paull LLP’s goal is to build upon its strong track record in advising Chinese clients and become the go-to firm for Chinese clients investing in Scotland and the wider UK by providing tailored services and comprehensive support to bridge cultural and business gaps between the UK and China.

Another new award category for 2024 was ‘Scottish Corporate in Hong Kong’, which was sponsored by InvestHK London. The winner was Museum Context Hong Kong, whose exciting new partnership with Edinburgh’s literary gem, Elephant House, will lead to the launch of Elephant House International Hong Kong in 2024, with a further US$3 million investment going to create a uniquely immersive experience bringing together Museum Context’s Edinburgh merchandise with the story of the Elephant House and sharing this with the people of Hong Kong. 

‘Chinese Corporate of the Year’ was awarded to COES Caledonia (UK) Limited – a UK subsidiary of the Chinese maritime giant, the China Ocean Engineering Solutions Group (COES) – which has made significant investments in Scotland’s maritime sector. This investment in Scotland has been concentrated in state-of-the-art offshore construction engineering, heavy lift, deep sea dive, pipelay and subsea engineering, and new marine and offshore renewables vessels, totalling close to USD US$1 billion.

Another new category for this year’s ceremony was the ‘Dragon Award for Pioneering Spirit’, which was designed to recognise organisations pioneering partnerships between Scotland and China. Sponsored by Heriot-Watt University’s Scottish Confucius Institute for Business and Communication, the award went to Speech Graphics, which delivers pioneering facial animation technology to the entertainment industry. Over the past year, Speech Graphics has successfully deepened its connections between China and Scotland, notably establishing a partnership with GrowthEase, a leading provider of enterprise technology solutions in China. 

Finally, the ‘Educational Partnership of the Year’ Award went to the Zhejiang University – University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJE). Established in 2016, ZJE is the University of Edinburgh’s flagship overseas institution for education and scientific research and is based in Haining, Zhejiang Province in China. A £1 billion investment has provided purpose-built, state-of-the-art research, teaching, accommodation, and recreation facilities. The partnership facilitates an ambitious global biomedical research agenda between two well-matched world-leading universities with a common vision to develop the next generation of biomedical scientists and support biomedical innovation.

Now going into its 11th year, CBBC’s Chinese Burns Supper, in partnership with the Confucius Institute for Scotland at the University of Edinburgh, has become a permanent fixture in the China-Scotland business calendar. 

The event featured a fusion of Burns Night traditions with those of Chinese New Year as a backdrop for black-tie networking for the China-Scotland business and educational community. Guests were treated to a dynamic programme of entertainment, including the customary Address to a Haggis, a ‘Bian Lian’ (Face Changing) performance, a poetry recital of Earl of the River by Consul General Zhang Biao and Richard Lochhead MSP, and a Dragon Dance, amongst other performances. 

Funds were raised to support The Eric Liddell 100 (EL100), a programme of events and activities to recognise and celebrate the life, sporting, and community service achievements of Eric Liddell. It is being planned around 2024, the centenary of his historic success at the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris.

The Awards were generously supported and made possible by CBBC’s Partners and Sponsors: The Confucius Institute for Scotland at The University of Edinburgh; Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office; Scottish Enterprise; Scottish Development International; Heriot-Watt University; Diageo; Invest Hong Kong; Moutai China; Time Machine + Folks; Kinloch Anderson; Glencairn Crystal Studio Ltd; and Harris and Lewis Smokehouse.

The full list of Nominees for each award category is as follows:

Marketing Campaign of the Year

• Edinburgh Tourism Action Group, China Ready Initiative
• Emerging Comms
• Ningbo Orient Wires & Cables Co Ltd
• Commercial Cross Ltd

ESG Champion of the Year

• Logan Energy Limited
• Bakkafrost Scotland
• Alliance for Water Stewardship
• Beira
• Wood

Professional Advisory of the Year

• Burness Paull
• Harper Macleod LLP
• Opergy Scotland

Scottish Corporate in Hong Kong 2024

• Museum Context Hong Kong
• EGG Lighting
• Cashmaster

Chinese Corporate of the Year

• SANY Heavy Machinery (UK) Ltd
• COES Caledonia (UK) Limited
• ZZCOMM Technology (UK) Co. Ltd

Dragon Award for Pioneering Spirit

• Speech Graphics
• 126 Water for Whisky
• University of the West of Scotland

Educational Partnership of the Year

• University of Stirling – Partnership with Hebei Normal University
• University of Strathclyde – Partnership with Peking University 
• Edinburgh Napier University – Partnership with Shanghai Normal University 
• The University of Edinburgh – The Zhejiang University – University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJE).

The post CBBC Announces Winners of 2024 China-Scotland Business Awards appeared first on Focus - China Britain Business Council.

1. ESG Champion of the Year

• Logan Energy Limited
• Bakkafrost Scotland
• Alliance for Water Stewardship
• Beira
• Wood

2. Chinese Corporate of the Year

• SANY Heavy Machinery (UK) Ltd
• COES Caledonia (UK) Limited
• ZZCOMM Technology (UK) Co. Ltd

3. Marketing Campaign of the Year

• Edinburgh Tourism Action Group, China Ready Initiative
• Emerging Comms
• Ningbo Orient Wires & Cables Co Ltd
• Commercial Cross Ltd

4. Scottish Corporate in Hong Kong 2024

• Museum Context Hong Kong
• EGG Lighting
• Cashmaster

5. Professional Advisory of the Year

• Burness Paull
• Harper Macleod LLP
• Opergy Scotland

6. Educational Partnership of the Year

• University of Stirling
• University of Strathclyde
• Edinburgh Napier University
• The University of Edinburgh

7. Dragon Award for Pioneering Spirit

• Speech Graphics
• 126 Water for Whisky
• University of the West of Scotland

Buy a ticket for the 2024 China-Scotland Business Awards & Chinese Burns Supper

Now going into its 11th year (just one shy of a full cycle of the Chinese zodiac!), CBBC’s Chinese Burns Supper has become a permanent fixture in the China-Scotland business calendar.

In partnership with The Confucius Institute for Scotland at the University of Edinburgh, the event will fuse Burns Night traditions with those of Lunar New Year as the backdrop for black-tie networking and the presentation of the China-Scotland Business Awards 2024.

This year’s pre-dinner drinks reception will be supported by the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office, adding a fitting touch to welcome in the Year of the Dragon.

Buy a ticket now

The post Announcing CBBC’s China-Scotland Business Awards Finalists appeared first on Focus - China Britain Business Council.

Explore our 7 award categories

1. ESG Champion of the Year

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) is already a key attribute for successful and sustainable business practice in Scotland and China. This category would like to celebrate Chinese and Scottish businesses who have demonstrated their commitment to ESG strategies over the past year in either Scotland or China, in particular in support of Net Zero and the principles of Fair Work First. Organisations can hail from any sector and be of any size. Apply here.

2. Chinese Corporate of the Year

Chinese businesses continue to invest and grow in Scotland across a whole range of important sectors of our economy, which is something we seek to encourage and support. This category will recognise the significant contribution Chinese businesses continue to make to the Scottish economy. Applicants can include both established and newly incorporated businesses in Scotland, whose owners/founders or significant shareholders are from Mainland China & Hong Kong. Apply here.

3. Marketing Campaign of the Year

Open to both agencies and product/service owners, this category is looking to recognise excellence in the marketing of either Chinese products or services in Scotland, or vice-versa. Agencies do not need to be based in Scotland, but if not, the campaign in question should have a Scotland-China focus. Apply here.

4. Scottish Corporate in Hong Kong 2024

Hong Kong remains a dynamic market from which businesses can access the plethora of business opportunities within Southeast Asia and Mainland China itself. For the first time this year we will be celebrating Scottish businesses with a footprint in Hong Kong. Nominations/applications will be open to both new entrants and established businesses, as long as the business still retains a registered office in Scotland. Apply here.

5. Professional Advisory of the Year

Working in support of the many exporters, investors, universities and entrepreneurs are a whole host of professional advisory services without whom many of the deals and partnerships we celebrate in other categories would simply not be possible. This category is open to advisory firms (accountants, lawyers, bankers, IP experts all welcome!) who have advised either Chinese corporates in Scotland or Scottish businesses in China over the past 12 months. Firms don’t necessarily have to be based in Scotland themselves, but if not, their clients would need to be. Apply here.

6. Educational Partnership of the Year

A stalwart of these awards, education remains the bedrock of ties between the two nations, and we look forward to continuing to celebrate achievements in this sector. Educational institutions of any size will be recognised for the exciting partnerships they have established between Scotland and China. Apply here.

7. Dragon Award for Pioneering Spirit

Mighty oaks from little acorns grow. In the spirit of the Year of the Dragon, this category is designed to award any business or educational institution for the endeavour they have shown in the past year to establish partnerships between Scotland and China. However nascent the collaboration might be, credit will be given to strong vision, innovation and clear demonstration of a pioneering attitude. Apply here.

Buy your ticket for the 2024 China-Scotland Business Awards & Chinese Burns Supper

Now going into its 11th year (just one shy of a full cycle of the Chinese zodiac!), CBBC’s Chinese Burns Supper has become a permanent fixture in the China-Scotland business calendar.

In partnership with The Confucius Institute for Scotland at the University of Edinburgh, the event will feature a fusion of Burns Night traditions with those of Lunar New Year as a backdrop for black-tie networking and presentation of the China-Scotland Business Awards 2024.

This year’s pre-dinner drinks reception will be generously supported by the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office, adding a fitting touch to welcome in the Year of the Dragon.

Buy your ticket now

The post Applications Close 14 Dec: Win at the China-Scotland Business Awards appeared first on Focus - China Britain Business Council.

Apply for the Awards (and buy tickets for the Chinese Burns Supper) here. Please note that applications for the awards close on 7 December 2023

Now going into its 11th year (just one shy of a full cycle of the Chinese zodiac!), CBBC’s Chinese Burns Supper has become a permanent fixture in the China-Scotland business calendar.

In partnership with The Confucius Institute for Scotland in the University of Edinburgh, the event will feature a fusion of Burns Night traditions with those of Lunar New Year as a backdrop for black-tie networking and presentation of the China-Scotland Business Awards 2024.

This year’s pre-dinner drinks reception will be generously supported by the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office, adding a fitting touch to welcome in the Year of the Dragon.

The Awards will once again benefit from the long-standing partnership with Scottish Development International and Scottish Enterprise, with whom we’ve decided to re-jig the categories to offer opportunities to a wider spectrum of companies to take part. Full details of the new categories can be found below.

Award Categories for 2024

ESG Champion of the Year
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) is already a key attribute for successful and sustainable business practice in Scotland and China. This category would like to celebrate Chinese and Scottish businesses who have demonstrated their commitment to ESG strategies over the past year in either Scotland or China in particular in support of Net Zero and the principles of Fair Work First. Organisations can hail from any sector and be of any size.  

Apply here

Chinese Corporate of the Year
Chinese businesses continue to invest and grow in Scotland across a whole range of important sectors of our economy, which is something we seek to encourage and support. This category will recognise the significant contribution Chinese businesses continue to make to the Scottish economy. Applicants can include both established and newly incorporated businesses in Scotland, whose owners/founders or significant shareholders are from Mainland China & Hong Kong. 

Apply here

Marketing Campaign of the Year
Open to both agencies as well as product/service owners themselves, this category is looking to recognise excellence in the marketing of either Chinese products or services in Scotland, or vice-versa. Agencies do not need to be based in Scotland, but if not, the campaign in question should have a Scotland-China focus.  

Apply here

Scottish Corporate in Hong Kong 2024
Hong Kong remains a dynamic market from which businesses can access the plethora of business opportunities within South East Asia and Mainland China itself. For the first time this year we will be celebrating Scottish businesses with a footprint in Hong Kong. Nominations/applications will be open to both new entrants and established businesses, as long as the business still retains a registered office in Scotland. 

Apply here

Professional Advisory of the Year
Working in support of the many exporters, investors, universities and entrepreneurs are a whole host of professional advisory services without whom many of the deals and partnerships we celebrate in other categories would simply not be possible. This category is open to advisory firms (accountants, lawyers, bankers, IP experts all welcome) who have advised either Chinese corporates in Scotland or Scottish businesses in China over the past 12 months. Firms don’t necessarily have to be based in Scotland themselves, but if not, their clients would need to be.

Apply here

Educational Partnership of the Year
A stalwart of these awards, education remains the bedrock of ties between the two nations, and we look forward to continuing to celebrate achievements in this sector. Educational institutions of any size will be recognised for the exciting partnerships they have established between Scotland and China. 

Apply here

Dragon Award for Pioneering Spirit
Mighty oaks, from little acorns grow. In the spirit of the Year of the Dragon, this category is designed to award any business or educational institution for the endeavour they have shown in the past year to establish partnerships between Scotland and China. However nascent the collaboration might be, credit will be given for a strong vision, innovation and clear demonstration of a pioneering attitude. 

Apply here

A look back at the 2023 China-Scotland Business Awards 

The Sixth Annual China-Scotland Business Awards returned in 2023 to recognise and celebrate achievements in trade and investment between Scotland and China. 

The winners of the 2023 Awards were:

Educational Partnership of the Year: Edinburgh Napier University and Guangxi University of Science and Technology

Entrepreneur of the Year: Simon Smiley, Director of Napiers the Herbalists

Chinese Investor of the Year: AccuBio / Zhejiang Orient Gene Biotech Co.,Ltd

Award for Climate Action: University of the West of Scotland

Exporter of the Year: PG Paper Company Ltd 

Click here to read more about the 2023 China-Scotland Business Awards and Chinese Burns Supper

The post Apply now for the China-Scotland Business Awards 2024 appeared first on Focus - China Britain Business Council.

The awards were presented during the Chinese Burns Supper and were once again delivered in partnership with Scottish Enterprise & Scottish Development International.

Congratulations to the winners of this year’s awards

Educational Partnership of the Year: Edinburgh Napier University and Guangxi University of Science and Technology

Entrepreneur of the Year: Simon Smiley, Director of Napiers the Herbalists

Chinese Investor of the Year: AccuBio / Zhejiang Orient Gene Biotech Co., Ltd

Award for Climate Action: University of the West of Scotland

Exporter of the Year: PG Paper Company Ltd

Taking place for the 10th time, CBBC’s Chinese Burns Supper has become a permanent fixture in the China-Scotland business calendar. Once again partnering with the Confucius Institute at the University of Glasgow, the event featured a fusion of Burns Night traditions with those of Chinese New Year as a backdrop for black-tie networking for the China-Scotland business and educational community.

Click here to see the winners of the 2022 awards

Click here to see the winners of the 2021 awards

The post Winners of the 2023 China-Scotland Business Awards appeared first on Focus - China Britain Business Council.

We are delighted to announce the shortlist for the 2023 China-Scotland Business Awards. The awards are once again being delivered in partnership with Scottish Enterprise & Scottish Development International.

Shortlist for the 2023 Awards

Exporter of the Year
PG Paper
PSI Global
House of Glenroy

Chinese Investor of the Year
Accubio / Zhejiang Orient Gene Biotech Co. Ltd;
Shopbycard Ltd

Entrepreneur of the Year
Simon Smiley
Fu Wei

Award for Climate Action
University of the West of Scotland
Wood

Educational Partnership of the Year
Edinburgh Napier University & Guangxi University of Science and Technology
The Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJE)
The University of Dundee Joint Educational Partnership with Northeastern University

The final awards will be presented during CBBC’s Chinese Burns Supper (for tickets, click here). Now going into its 10th year, the supper has become a permanent fixture in the China-Scotland business calendar. The event will feature a fusion of Burns Night traditions with those of Lunar New Year as a backdrop for black-tie networking for the China-Scotland business and educational community.

Read on to find out more information about each awards category.

Exporter of the Year

Exports are at the heart of Scotland’s trading relationship with China, and an increasingly important area of development as the Chinese market develops an appetite not just for Scottish engineering and financial services, but also its food and drink. Open to companies of all sizes and all sectors, this category aims to celebrate Scottish exporters who have shown resilience and determination to get through the challenges of the past 12 months, as well as a powerful strategy for 2023 and beyond.

Educational Partnership of the Year

Scotland’s education sector has been one of the most pioneering in fostering ties with China in the past few decades. The diverse projects undertaken are almost always in partnership with other organisations, forming the beating heart of innovation between the two countries. The Educational Partnership of the Year award aims to recognise excellent examples of such collaboration for the impact they have on the next generation of young people and cutting-edge research, as well as the wider Scotland-China business community.

Chinese Investor of the Year

Investment from China in Scotland has traditionally been in the energy sector, which is still very dominant, but in recent years the tech sector has also been a key area of activity. Investment is fundamental to the wider China-Scotland relationship and so ‘Investor of the Year’ is awarded to inward investment that has had a significantly positive impact on the Scottish economy and society.

Award for Climate Action

The ‘Award for Climate Action’ is a celebration of international collaboration between Scotland and China in climate action. China’s continued engagement in these initiatives is essential if they are to be a success. What Scottish businesses with Chinese connections have been doing to mitigate the impending climate emergency will be celebrated through this award.

Entrepreneur of the Year

The ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ award seeks to celebrate an outstanding individual who has shown exceptional entrepreneurship in growing their business in China and/or Scotland. Open to any entrepreneur-led business active in the Scotland-China business community, who have demonstrated resilience and creativity in facing up to the past year of challenges.

Last Year’s China-Scotland Business Awards Winners

Exporter of the Year: Glencairn Crystal
Educational Partnership of the Year: City of Glasgow College / Zhejiang Technical Institute of Economics (ZJTIE)
Chinese Investor of the Year: Virens Technology
Award for Climate Action: Sunamp
Entrepreneur of the Year: Yuxuan Zhang
Lifetime Achievement Award: The Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Strathclyde, Professor Sir Jim McDonald.

Click here to book your ticket for the Chinese Burns Supper and the 6th China-Scotland Business Awards

The post Shortlist announced for the 2023 China-Scotland Business Awards appeared first on Focus - China Britain Business Council.

Applications are now open and will close at midnight on Friday, 2 December 2022. Early applications are encouraged. Interested parties can apply for five different categories: Exporter of the Year, Educational Partnership of the Year, Chinese Investor of the Year, the Award for Climate Action and Entrepreneur of the Year. Read more about the categories below. The awards are once again being delivered in partnership with Scottish Enterprise & Scottish Development International.

Exporter of the Year

Exports are at the heart of Scotland’s trading relationship with China, and an increasingly important area of development as the Chinese market develops an appetite not just for Scottish engineering and financial services, but also its food and drink. Open to companies of all sizes and all sectors, this category aims to celebrate Scottish exporters who have shown resilience and determination to get through the challenges of the past 12 months, as well as a powerful strategy for 2023 and beyond.

Educational Partnership of the Year

Scotland’s education sector has been one of the most pioneering in fostering ties with China in the past few decades. The diverse projects undertaken are almost always in partnership with other organisations, forming the beating heart of innovation between our two countries. The Educational Partnership of the Year award aims to recognise excellent examples of such collaboration for the impact they have on the next generation of young people and cutting-edge research, as well as the wider Scotland-China business community.

Chinese Investor of the Year

Investment from China in Scotland has traditionally been in the energy sector, which is still very dominant, but in recent years the tech sector has also been a key area of activity. Investment is fundamental to the wider China-Scotland relationship and so ‘Investor of the Year’ is awarded to inward investment that has had a significantly positive impact on the Scottish economy and society.

Award for Climate Action

The ‘Award for Climate Action’ is a celebration of international collaboration between Scotland and China in climate action. China’s continued engagement in these initiatives is essential if they are to be a success. What Scottish businesses with Chinese connections have been doing to mitigate the impending climate emergency will be celebrated through this award.

Entrepreneur of the Year

The ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ award seeks to celebrate an outstanding individual who has shown exceptional entrepreneurship in growing their business in China and/or Scotland. Open to any entrepreneur-led business active in the Scotland-China business community, who have demonstrated resilience and creativity in facing up to the past year of challenges.

Last Year’s China-Scotland Business Awards Winners

Exporter of the Year: Glencairn Crystal
Educational Partnership of the Year: City of Glasgow College / Zhejiang Technical Institute of Economics (ZJTIE)
Chinese Investor of the Year: Virens Technology
Award for Climate Action: Sunamp
Entrepreneur of the Year: Yuxuan Zhang
Lifetime Achievement Award: The Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Strathclyde, Professor Sir Jim McDonald.

Click here to apply for the 2023 China-Scotland Business Awards. Please note that applications close on 2 December 2022

The post Applications extended to 9 December | Apply now for the 2023 China-Scotland Business Awards appeared first on Focus - China Britain Business Council.