Chamber News

Built to withstand the toughest jobs and the harshest weather, Blåkläder Workwear is designed for the long haul. This Swedish powerhouse has been crafting gear tough enough to outlast trends – and sometimes decades of wear – since 1959. Now, as one of the newest Members of SCC UK, Blåkläder is bringing its special blend of innovation, sustainability, and craftsmanship to the British market.

Five years after the UK’s departure from the EU, the impact of Brexit still reverberates through Swedish-British business. From supply chains to talent acquisition, companies have had to rethink strategies and adapt to new realities. We asked five SCC UK Members from various industries to share how Brexit has shaped their operations — what’s changed, what’s worked, and what the future holds for Sweden-UK business relations.

When you think of Swedish innovation, what comes to mind? Perhaps sleek design, cutting-edge technology, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability. Enter SCC UK Member NIBE, a pioneering Swedish company that has been transforming climate solutions for over 70 years. From its humble beginnings in Markaryd, Sweden, NIBE has grown into one of Europe’s largest manufacturers of heat pumps, shaping the future of energy efficiency and sustainability. So, what truly sets NIBE apart? Let’s hear from Paul Smith, Managing Director at NIBE UK.

This guest column by Nick Baines rethinks what Brand Sweden means today, arguing that tired tropes no longer cut through and that it's time for Swedish organisations to show — not tell — how their values truly set them apart on the global stage.

For over five decades, SCC UK Member Oriflame has brought Swedish beauty innovation to the UK, earning its place as a trusted name in skincare and cosmetics. In celebration of their 55th UK anniversary, we spoke with Sofia Radomska, Managing Director of Oriflame Cosmetics UK & Ireland, about the company’s journey, its Swedish roots, and the vision that continues to drive its success in the market.

In modern office spaces, where creativity meets efficiency, design plays a crucial role. For SCC UK Patron Kinnarps, this principle has guided their journey from the very beginning. Founded by Evy and Jarl Andersson in the Swedish village of Kinnarp in 1942, the company has grown from a carpenter’s shop to a global powerhouse in 40 countries. Yet, their passion of improving workspaces remains the same as then, guided by Founder Jarl’s belief that ‘anything, however good, can always be improved a little.’

As the world continues its fight against climate change, some industries are finding themselves at the front line of the battle. The steel industry, which accounts for 7-9% of global CO2 emissions, is one of them. For SSAB — global leader in advanced high-strength steel and SCC UK Patron — tackling this challenge is central to their strategy. With a uniquely Swedish approach that blends innovation and a collaborative mindset, SSAB is working to transform steelmaking whilst creating a more sustainable future for generations to come.

In a pioneering effort to reduce emissions and transform the construction industry, SCC UK Patron Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) is spearheading a collaboration in London. The project introduces a UK-first solution for electrifying urban construction worksites with the use of a mobile powering source. By teaming up with key partners – including London-based startup Charge Fairy, Transport for London (TfL), and FM Conway – Volvo CE is playing a central role in addressing the barriers to electric construction machinery.

Ethics, morals, life, and death – the biggest stakes of all. Healthcare is the sexiest industry there is. At least if you ask Kalle Conneryd Lundgren, Global CEO of SCC UK Member Kry – who is leading in combining medical expertise with the latest technology. We caught up with him at Kry’s UK offices to talk about the future of healthcare, patient care, and what his younger self would think of the dynamic career he’s built.

The Q1 issue is here, and we’re thrilled to once again share inspiring stories from our network.

In today’s interconnected world, success often hinges on meaningful relationships and well-timed opportunities. For a law firm like Freeths – ranked amongst the UK’s top 50 – a membership with SCC UK has proved to be a valuable gateway to collaboration, growth, and impactful connections. Freeths’ active engagement with the Chamber has highlighted a series of success stories, demonstrating how an involved membership can open doors for businesses to thrive.

Imagine a scenario where your company’s survival hangs by a thread. It feels like the whole world is watching you teeter on the edge; a difficult newspaper article, a critical social media post, challenging emails from the Board and legitimate Executive concerns that if the market finds out what’s going on, shareholders will be spooked. One wrong move, one misstep, and it could spell disaster. This is where crisis communications experts, such as Chris Philipsborn, Managing Partner at Kreab London, come into play.

Burton Albion FC, known as "the Brewers," is a small yet sturdy English Football League (EFL) team with deep community roots. When the Nordic Football Group (NFG) became the majority owner of Burton Albion FC in June this year, it marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the club and its supporters. This acquisition by a group of Nordic investors promises to blend Scandinavian values and innovation with English football tradition, setting the stage for a unique journey.

With over 150 years of innovation, Atlas Copco Group has become a cornerstone of industries as diverse as medical research, food production, and renewable energy. But what is the secret behind this enduring success? We spoke to Alex Bongaerts, Vice President of the UK & Ireland Holding Region, to find out how this Swedish-born powerhouse continues to flourish and shape the future of a changing world.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors are becoming increasingly important in the business world as companies strive to align their operations with sustainable, ethical governance, and...