The spring issue of LINK 376 is here!
02 April 2026
LINK 376 is here – our spring issue, dedicated to future‑proofing across the Swedish–British business community. Dive into everything from shop floors and mobility to dealmaking, energy, and culture, learn how organisations are building for what comes next – and meet the people leading that work.
Here’s a taste of what you’ll find inside:
On the cover: from the shop floor to MD
Meet Karen O’Rourke, H&M’s new Managing Director for the UK & Ireland, as the brand marks 50 years in the UK market. With 25 years at H&M – starting on the shop floor – Karen talks about leading through change, keeping customers and teams at the centre, and what it really means to “future‑proof” fashion retail while balancing style, quality, and value.
Moving people, moving business
K2 Group joins the SCC UK membership with a people‑centred take on global mobility. Global Head of Immigration Jesper Albrekt shares how “because it’s personal” shapes everything from long‑term visa journeys and compliance to leadership development, culture, and their new China immigration function.
A new Patron’s view of the deal landscape
New SCC UK Patron CMS offers a front‑row view of Sweden–UK transactions – from M&A and energy transition to digital infrastructure and data‑rich assets. Partners Eva Talmacsi and Magnus Forssman unpack shifting deal structures, risk allocation, and why Swedish and British businesses are so well placed to collaborate in a more complex market.
The coolest bar in London?
Step inside ICEBAR by ICEHOTEL – a new corporate hospitality venue in central London, built entirely from Torne River ice in northern Sweden. CEO Marie Herrey shares how an Arctic‑inspired, seasonally rebuilt bar can shift group dynamics, bring ESG to life in practice, and show what it means to “dig where you stand” when building a brand.
‘If we see a spade, we call it a spade’
Stirling Square Capital Partners Managing Partner Henrik Lif on backing Swedish mid‑market champions from a pan‑European base in London. He reflects on moving from Stockholm to a more diverse investment culture, the Swedish edge in governance and ambition, and how digitalisation and sustainability are reshaping value‑creation playbooks.
When does future‑proofing stop helping?
Eidra’s UK Managing Director Paul Harrop takes a critical look at the language of “future‑proofing” – and why it can trap organisations in static thinking. Drawing on work across strategy, product, and technology, he explores what real future preparedness looks like, how AI amplifies rather than interprets signals, and the leadership habits that actually make organisations more adaptable.
Innovation in the background, impact in the foreground
New member ABB talks electrification, automation, and digitalisation – and how those three forces are quietly powering everything from offshore wind and lightning protection systems to advanced manufacturing and grid resilience in the UK & Ireland. Country Holding Officer Malgorzata Moussa shares how ABB is approaching net zero, resilience, and talent.
Future factories – three Patrons on the factory floor in transition
In our Q&A, AstraZeneca, SSAB, and Atlas Copco share how automation, data, and AI are changing work on the shop floor – from smart robotics and digital changeovers to sustainability reporting and upskilling – and what hasn’t changed at all about the role of human expertise.
Engineering the transition
Polarium, Scania UK, and Virtual Manufacturing compare notes on decarbonising heavy industry in the UK and Sweden. They highlight where the biggest near‑term emission cuts can be made, the technologies they are betting on, and what needs to change in regulation, infrastructure, and collaboration to move from pilots to full rollout.
Say ‘hej’ to Emma
Get to know our new intern Emma Lundéen Lindberg – why she chose London, what drew her to SCC UK, and how she hopes to support members and strengthen the community during her time with the Chamber.
You’ll also find:
A warm welcome to our newest members across sectors – from consulting and tech to manufacturing and education.
Highlights from recent forums, flagships, and networking events – capturing the energy in the room across the SCC UK calendar.
