Chamber News

From the hum of the service centre to the innovation shaping tomorrow’s industries, Alfa Laval is a company defined by people and passion. At the centre of it all is Rachel Bridges, Managing Director for the UK and Ireland, whose leadership blends authenticity, curiosity, and a love for learning – qualities that ripple through every team and process she touches. And somewhere amid the precision, engineering, and innovation, sled dogs have found a place too.

This season’s LINK looks back at a packed year across the Swedish–British business community, and looks ahead to what’s coming next – from connected infrastructure and leadership, to energy use at home and SMEs growing in the UK.

This Q&A brings together three voices from across the Swedish-British business community. Each contributor answers two focused questions: what stood out most in this year’s budget for their sector or business, and whether any surprises – positive or negative – might influence their plans for the year ahead.

In The Landmark’s Tower Suite, in front of the impressive windows overlooking the winter garden, Tania Tandon sat with an almost disbelieving smile. In front of her, the gleaming Skultuna-crafted Extraordinary Member Award 2025 on the table – a symbol of a journey that began with an Indian junior doctor moving to Sweden in 1970s and has since led to a new kind of law firm in the UK, a bridge between cultures, and a remarkable contribution to the Swedish–British business community.

We're excited to offer an exclusive early bird discount for Outer Thinking and the Annual Christmas Luncheon 2026 — two back-to-back events that blend impactful leadership discussions with festive celebrations.

As technology reshapes the world of work, the race for talent is evolving fast. Digital culture now sits at the heart of recruitment, demanding new approaches from employers and candidates alike. But amid AI-driven hiring tools and virtual onboarding, the human touch remains vital. What does it take to thrive in a tech-enabled workplace, and what qualities still set great hires apart? We asked three leaders from across our network how digital culture shapes their recruitment, how technology is changing the search for talent, and which timeless human traits they still value most in today’s digital-first landscape.

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.