Chamber News

In the world of international business and policy, some agreements quietly set the stage for transformation – often years before their full impact is felt. This October, Maria Nilsson, State Secretary to Minister for Upper Secondary School, Higher Education and Research Lotta Edholm, and Lord Vallance, UK Minister for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Cooperation in Research and Innovation, marking another step in a journey that began with the Strategic Partnership Agreement of 2023. For leaders in both countries, this MoU is not just a formal gesture – it is a signal of intent, and an invitation to shape the future together.

For many, the thrill of live sport is a treasured experience – one that deserves to be seamless, safe, and memorable. GO Sport Travel, a long-standing member of ours, has spent nearly a quarter of a century perfecting just that. We sat down with Per Gavelius, founder and Managing Director, to hear the story behind the company’s journey from its roots in Sweden to its current position as a trusted international operator.

Just an hour from London lies Chilworth Manor Vineyard, a family-run estate blending English winemaking with Swedish traditions. With roots stretching back to the Domesday Book and a vision firmly set on sustainability and community, the vineyard has quickly established itself as part of the growing Surrey Hills wine region. We sat down with co-founder Mia Wrigley and Commercial Manager Max Pywell to hear how history, innovation, and a touch of Swedish glögg shape their journey.

London’s financial district is no stranger to change, but DNB’s recent acquisition of Carnegie is turning heads across the City. By bringing together two of the Nordics’ most influential banks, they combine decades of financial expertise under one roof to help their clients navigate today’s unpredictable world – and we are proud to welcome this union to the SCC UK Patronship.

Step into a room filled with music, laughter, and the unmistakable energy of people singing together, and you’ll see something remarkable: strangers becoming friends, teams growing closer, and barriers fading away. This spirit of connection is at the core of Moyagi, the exclusive karaoke bar founded by Jonathan Merlo Sjöö and Marcus Schuterman. We spoke with them about how Moyagi brings people together through music – and why, in an online world, it matters to occasionally disconnect.

As the world faces mounting environmental challenges, the role of business in driving sustainable change has never been more critical. From shifting mindsets around long-term impact to embracing transparency and innovation, leaders across industries are reimagining what it means to operate responsibly. In this Q&A, we hear from three voices where they share their perspectives on the most pressing changes needed in business sustainability, the trends shaping the future, and how their organisations are preparing to lead the way.

In a world where agility, integration, and trust are more vital than ever, DSV’s philosophy of ‘Winning As One’ stands out as a blueprint for how global logistics can drive both business performance and meaningful relationships. In conversation with Jesper Hansen, Senior Vice President for Road at DSV, and Rebekah Kemp, Senior Director Road at DSV UK, it’s clear that this unified approach isn’t just a slogan – it’s a practical, lived strategy that’s helping DSV scale new heights, adapt to sweeping change, and serve customers with effectiveness.

Take a moment, grab a coffee, and settle in – we’re excited to bring you the latest from our Swedish-British business community!

The Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the United Kingdom congratulates our Chair, Peter Jelkeby, on his appointment as Country Retail Manager & CSO for IKEA in Germany, effective 1 January. Peter will continue to serve as Chair of the Chamber, fulfilling his current term until the Annual General Meeting in June 2026 where a new Chair will be elected.

In 2024-25, the West Midlands once again proved its strength as the UK's top performing region outside the capital for Foreign Direct Investment, with over 130 businesses from around the world choosing the West Midlands as the location to launch, expand and thrive. Swedish businesses are playing a pivotal role in shaping the region’s future. Innovation, collaboration, and cultural synergy are driving a wave of activity that’s transforming Birmingham and its surrounding areas into a hub for technology, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing.

As the UK navigates a shifting economic and political landscape, the sixth edition of the Business Climate Survey reveals that Swedish businesses’ perceptions of the UK market are growing more complex. Where resilience once defined the outlook, this year’s findings point to a more cautious optimism among Swedish businesses.

In an age of digital connection and fleeting communities, finding places where people truly feel they belong is rare. Yet, nestled in the heart of London, the Home House Collection – under the stewardship of Managing Director Andrew Richardson – continues to redefine what a members’ club can be: a home, a haven, and a community that thrives behind centuries-old walls.

Swedish craftsmanship is more than a method – it is a mindset shaped by tradition, sustainability and a relentless commitment to quality. From timeless minimalism to expressive interiors, it is a craft rooted in respect for material, detail, and longevity. It stands for purposeful design, often understated but never ordinary, and always driven by the ambition to create something that endures. In this Q&A, we explore what Swedish craftsmanship means today, and how its principles continue to inspire, challenge, and shape those who carry this legacy forward.

As we head into a new season, we’re delighted to announce fresh titles and new beginnings within our team. The SCC UK spirit is stronger than ever, and we’re ready to make an even bigger impact as the events season approaches.

In a world increasingly shaped by digital tools, how do we integrate technology without over-complicating things? Education is one arena where this challenge is particularly visible, but it’s also one that holds valuable insights for anyone responsible for introducing new systems, be it in schools or in business. Skolon, led by CEO Oliver Lundgren, is an example of what can happen when digital change is approached with a practical touch and a focus on genuine user experience.