The winter issue of LINK is here – as inspiring as ever!
16 December 2025
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.
Here’s a taste of what you’ll find inside:
On the cover: leadership that’s anything but transactional
Step inside Alfa Laval UK & Ireland with Managing Director Rachel Bridges, whose leadership is rooted in authenticity, curiosity, and a genuine care for her team. From sled dogs to service centres, she shows how culture, innovation, and people-first thinking come together across the organisation.
Listening first, growing second
Follow Newbie’s journey from a small organic cotton collection in Gothenburg to 11 UK stores – and a plan for 30 by 2030. Country Manager UK Gemma Keenor shares how “Newbie lovers”, community insight, and sustainability are guiding every step of their expansion.
Three voices on the Autumn Budget
What does this year’s UK Autumn Budget really mean in practice? Hear from Vattenfall, Kekst CNC, and Skanska UK as they unpack the implications for energy, investment, infrastructure, and long-term planning.
The energy awakening at home
Energy costs, time pressures, and climate awareness are reshaping daily routines across the UK. Electrolux’s Will Sherwood‑King reflects on how design, innovation, and smart appliance features can make sustainable choices easier in everyday life.
Shipping in a world of geopolitical challenges
In our guest column, NYK Group Europe’s Carl‑Johan Hagman explores how protectionism, regional tensions, and delayed climate regulation are reshaping global shipping – and why openness, clear rules, and innovation still matter more than ever.
What you can’t see is changing everything
Netmore has quietly built one of the UK’s most extensive IoT network footprints. CEO Ove Anebygd explains how invisible infrastructure is helping utilities cut leaks, manage resources more intelligently, and connect millions of devices – with Swedish DNA at the core.
A new era of Sweden–UK innovation
Dive into the new UK-Sweden Memorandum of Understanding on research and innovation – and what it could mean for AI, fusion, telecoms, and closer collaboration between universities, businesses, and policymakers on both sides of the North Sea.
The day children ask about manual lawn care
Husqvarna Group’s CEO Glen Instone reflects on a 336‑year‑old company that keeps reinventing itself, and what it means to lead a product‑centric, innovation‑driven business into its next chapter.
Celebrating extraordinary members
Meet Tania Tandon, Founder of TandonHildebrand and this year’s recipient of the Extraordinary Member Award – a story of cross‑cultural roots, a different way of running a law firm, and a long‑standing commitment to the SCC UK community.
SMEs on entering – and growing in – the UK
In our SME Q&A, Tendium, Sitoo, Readly, Mindler, and Rocket Padel share candid reflections on navigating UK regulations, procurement, healthcare, and local audiences – plus their best advice for fellow founders and scaleups.
You’ll also find:
- A warm welcome to our newest Members
- Highlights from recent forums, flagships, and networking events
- A first look at upcoming events in 2026 – from People & Talent Forum and Tech Forum, to Nordic M&A Forum and Outer Thinking: Swedish–British Summit
