The Link no. 367

LINK DEDIC AT ED T O T H E S W EDISH - BR I T ISH BUSINESS COMMUNIT Y SINCE 1906

“I think the key concept you need

to bring into all projects is that we are good ancestors. Anna Lisa McSweeney, architect and UK Head of Sustainability at White Arkitekter on the characteristics of sustainable and regenerative architecture.

367

ABOUT THE SCC The Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the United Kingdom is the ultimate platform for entrepreneurs and businesses within the Swedish-British business community. Founded in 1906 – by business and for business – we have represented, inspired and promoted our members, extended commercial relations between our countries, and delivered first-class services and events for over a century.

THE SCC TEAM Fredrik Warneryd Chief Executive EVENTS AND PROGRAMMES Heledd Redondo Head of Events & Programmes Timoteo Harvey Sparbanksstiftelsen Finn Scholar Ebba Nyström Sten A. Olsson Foundation for Research and Culture Scholar Siri Attling Intern MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS Jonas Eklund Head of Communications Saga Palmér Marketing Executive Maja Stenberg Scholarship Fund for Swedish Youth Abroad Scholar MEMBERSHIP AND COMMUNITY Hannah Carlsson Membership & External Relations Manager Patricia Malmström Intern BUSINESS SERVICES Anna Crona Head of Business Services Molly Bohlin Hedström Gull & Stellan Ljungberg’s Foundation Scholar Axel Olausson Elof Hansson Foundation Scholar Nica Andrén Intern

CONTACT US Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK Sweden House, 5 Upper Montagu Street, London W1H 2AG +44 (0)20 7224 8001, info@scc.org.uk

Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK SCCUK

DEAR MEMBER, Reflecting on the past year, the world has battled a number of great challenges. But wherever there’s challenge, there’s also opportunity – which along with our four pillars: sustainability, innovation, people-culture, and the new Swedish-British relationship, have constituted the very fundament of the Chamber’s undertakings in 2023. Over the year, the SCC has hosted some 80 events, gathering more than 2,500 guests in total. For another year we’ve been happy to see high traction and great enthusiasm at our flagship events, touching upon some very topical fields with an exceptionally prominent cohort of speakers, including Anna Lisa McSweeney at White Arkitekter, who you can read more about on pages 18-21. Events such as the “Swedish Business Footprint” -series, in partnership with Business Sweden and the Embassy of Sweden in London, have continued to flourish. Most recently, shining some light on the North West (pages 8-11) and the West Midlands Region (pages 26-27). Highlighting the value of joint initiatives, we’ve also seen new formats taking shape this year. For instance, The High-Level Delegation visit, which you can read more about on pages 34-36. Finishing the year strong, we hosted our leadership conference Outer Thinking: Swedish-British Summit, proudly held in the presence of TRH The Crown Princess and Prince Daniel of Sweden. Last but not least, we wrapped up the events calendar with the Annual Christmas Luncheon. With more than 500 guests, it marked the ideal start to the festive season together—among both familiar and newfound friends. This year, we gladly announced Lars Olsson as our Extraordinary Member, who you can read more about on pages 32-33. As we’re now about to leave 2023 behind, I would like to say a massive thank you to our partners, sponsors, and patrons supporting us throughout the year. And to you, reading this, thank you for being part of our community another year. I would also like to thank the fantastic SCC team, our Board of Directors and Chairman Peter Jelkeby – Because at the end of the day: fulfilling the Chamber’s purpose is a real team effort. In the pursuit of our common goals, whether in the realms of innovation, sustainability, or fostering a rich people culture, our community serves as a robust partner, actively contributing towards strengthening the Swedish-British relations. Continuing our mission, we approach 2024 with dedication to keep providing relevant platforms, spotlighting the influence and contributions of Swedish businesses – all across the UK.

FREDRIK WARNERYD Chief Executive Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK

MEET THE PATRONS The patronship of the Chamber consists of a core group of member businesses, all committed to the long-term support of the Swedish-British business community. The patrons are advocates for the members of the Chamber and in return, the patronship comes with a range of added benefits, exclusive access and invites as well as extended marketing and networking opportunities. Founded in 1992, the patronship has grown steadily and consists today of a vast number of member businesses that represent a wide range of industries, from the financial sector and manufacturing, to retail and tech. The patrons reflect the strength of the Chamber’s business platform and represent some of the largest brands in SwedishBritish business.

CONTENTS

The LINK 367 EDITORS: Jonas Eklund, Saga Palmér, Maja Stenberg COVER: Anna Lisa McSweeney White Arkitekter COVER PHOTO: Maja Stenberg

PAGES 18-22

THE WAY TOWARDS NET-POSITIVE URBAN TRANSFORMATION We sat down with Anna Lisa McSweeney, architect and UK Head of Sustainability at White Arkitekter, to delve into the core principles of regenerative urban planning.

PAGES 10-11

Keeping the UK pest-free Dave Clements, Managing Director of SCC member Pestokill, explains how Anticimex’s recent investment in the company has opened new doors for business.

PAGES 16-17

Meet H.E. Stefan Gullgren Meet H.E. Stefan Gullgren, new Ambassador of Sweden to the United Kingdom.

PAGES 40-41

PAGES 18-22

A taste of Sweden in every sip

CIRCULARITY: THE NEW NORM IN WORKSPACE FURNITURE

Will Cole, Marketing Director at Löfbergs UK, on the Swedish heritage behind the Löfbergs brand and its advantages in the UK market.

In today’s business world where sustainability and flexibility are paramount, NORNORM introduces its unique subcriptionbased office furniture service.

SWEDISH BUSINESS FOOTPRINT IN THE NORTH WEST TEXT & PHOTO: JONAS EKLUND

As one of the fastest growing cities in Europe and the strongest economy in the UK outside London, Manchester, the regional capital of the North West of England, has taken huge steps in transforming its industrial roots into a diverse and dynamic market for businesses to thrive. We spoke to Annette Borén, the SCC’s North West Chapter Chair about the region’s recent development and how she came to call Manchester home.

A diverse and dynamic city An estimated 200 languages are spoken in Manchester, making it a diverse and multicultural city, something that, according to Annette, is only adding to the city’s dynamics. “I think these dynamics are very interesting. A lot of people with different nationalities, from different countries, cultures, and religions, they all meet in Manchester. And it just creates a very interesting vibe.”

he marketplace is very big, and it is growing. And the City of Manchester is growing, it’s a very dynamic place,” says Annette Borén, SCC North West Chapter Chair and newly appointed CFO and board member of radiator manufacturer Stelrad. Reflecting on the development of the North West, Annette says that the region and its main cities have gone through a massive transformation in the past ten years. “The fact that construction has been thriving, has clearly transformed the Manchester city centre. It looks very different today, compared to ten years ago, and I’ve been able to see it with my own eyes. The same has happened in Liverpool, and Leeds is another city that has gone through a complete transformation as well.”

How Manchester became home Before putting down her roots in Manchester, Annette started her career with Atlas Copco, where she held several positions throughout the years. “I started in the company’s Unirock division in Fagersta, in the mining districts of Sweden, before moving on to Ockelbo,” she recalls. Later, her career would take her to one of Atlas Copco’s sales units in Paris, to a position at the head office in Stockholm, and then to the Cash Pool in London. “I had a very good start to my finance career with Atlas Copco. I learned at lot about the importance of policies and processes, and quite early on, I learned to interact with very senior people, which has helped me in my decision making going forward.”

Fastest growing economy outside London Traditionally strong in manufacturing, the economy in the North West is today dominated by the service sector. Sectors on the rise include science and healthcare, advanced materials, digital, and financial services, not least in Manchester, which is the economic centre of the region. The city is one of Europe’s fastest growing cities, and the UK’s largest and fastest growing economy outside London. “A lot of companies in London relocate some areas of their business or their complete businesses to Manchester because the business rates are better. And because we have one of Europe’s biggest student populations in Manchester, it is quite easy to recruit really great talents.”

When Annette started building her family and got children, they decided to move to Helsingborg, in the south of Sweden, to be close to family and friends. “I started a career in banking and insurance, first with Skandia. Then I followed my manager to Länsförsäkringar, which then opened up an opportunity

Annette wanted to re-connect with, in her words, “something Swedish” and contacted the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK to discuss a membership. The discussions took a quick turn when she was offered the position as the Chamber’s North West Chapter Chair, as the previous holder of the role was stepping down. “And then I decided, why not? It sounded like a fantastic opportunity to get even more connected with the Swedish businesses in the area and support the Chamber with the work that they are doing. I think it is amazing to connect Swedish businesses with opportunities in UK, but also British businesses looking to connect with Sweden.”

for me to become the CFO at Doro, a Swedish company listed at NASDAQ OMX.”

A growing community Looking back at some of the highlights from her nine years as North West Chapter Chair, Annette remembers when Manchester United became members. “I think that was a fantastic milestone for the area and for the Chamber in the North West.” A more recent milestone was the Swedish Business Footprint in the North West event organised in Manchester in September. “What we did at that event, was involving the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Andy Burnham’s office, but also connecting with universities, to make sure that we work together to contribute to more quality and more output from the region.”

It wasn’t before long a new international opportunity knocked on the door, when Annette was headhunted by Hilti, a multi-national business serving the construction industry, with its Northern Europe hub located in Manchester. “At the time, it wasn’t on my radar to move. And it was definitely not on my radar to move to another country or to Manchester. But I was very attracted with the core values, the people agenda, and how successful they are in the market.”

According to Annette, the Chamber is growing as a community and gaining momentum in the North West. She mentions Anticimex’s recent investment in North West-based Pestokill, Essity’s four paper mills, and IKEA’s expansion of several collect and order points in the region, as examples of the positive development. “The event we held in September was part of this, really connecting and establishing the Swedish community even more firmly in the area.”

Nonetheless, Anette started to commute and then, her family joined her in Manchester. “We integrated the children in the English schooling system and realised the education for them here is very solid.” And soon enough, they felt settled down. “This is where we have our children and family. That’s why we’ve started to call Manchester home and it’s a lovely place to live in.”

Putting Manchester at the front While perhaps still overshadowed by London, Manchester and the North West have come a long way in boosting the region’s economy and productivity. “I think there’s so much more we can do to put Manchester a bit more at the front and next to London, as a really good alternative. There are, for example, more than a handful of big private equity companies with a base in Manchester for a reason. I think Manchester is an excellent entry point into the UK market.”

Connecting Swedish businesses in the North West Having been working with Hilti for a couple of years,

KEEPING THE UK PEST-FREE TEXT & PHOTO: JONAS EKLUND

Anticimex, the Swedish world-leading pest control business is entering the UK market through a recent acquisition of Nort West based Pestokill. Dave Clements, Managing Director of SCC member Pestokill, explains how the investment has opened new doors for business and how Anticimex’s digital solutions enable sustainable and efficient methods for pest control.

f we strip pest control back to its basic levels, it is about prevention rather than cure. Digital pest control provides us a sustainable solution, so we can eliminate or reduce pesticides. Before the acquisition, we didn’t have the smart solutions, which Anticimex is well known for globally,” Dave says. From one man band to a team of 250 At only 17 years of age and straight after high school, Dave founded Pestokill back in 1985 as a one-man business. “It was my father who directed me that way. I did a Pest Control Association course, got qualified, and started the business on my own,” he recalls. Initially doing domestic work, Dave started investing heavily in the Yellow Pages, which was the main advertising channel to be seen in at the time. “That allowed us to move into commercial clients, which now represents about 90% of the market for us.” Headquartered just outside Manchester in Leigh, Pestokill is today a 250 staff strong business with a nation-wide coverage, servicing clients across the UK. With only one significant competitor working on a national level, the pest control market is dominated by many small local players, which has proven to be an advantage for Pestokill. “The pest control industry has a lot of local one to five-man operation businesses that

only operate in a small community. Even in London, there are businesses that would operate parts of only one side of the city,” Dave explains. “That leaves a big gap in the market for someone to deliver a national service professionally.” Opening new doors About a year ago, Pestokill was acquired by Anticimex, a Swedish global leader in pest control, which has, apart from adding stability, opened up completely new doors for the business. “It has always felt like David and Goliath in the UK, when I go up against the market leader bidding for work. Whereas now, I’ve got my big brother and his global family behind me. We can now compete with anybody – nationally and globally.” He continues: “We are now fourteen months into the acquisition, whereof the first twelve months were very much making sure structure and our base platform is ready to build on. And then beyond, the big opportunity for us is to grow organically, but also to acquire companies strategically when they’re in the right location for us. And we’ve now got the funds available, should we need to.” Fighting pests digitally With the acquisition, Pestokill has not only gained access to a network of knowledge on a global level, but to advanced pest control technology that focuses on

“It has always felt like David and

Goliath in the UK, when I go up against the market leader bidding for work. Whereas now, I’ve got my big brother and his global family behind me. prevention rather than fighting pests once there is an infestation. According to Dave, the first step is to think more like a pest and be proactive. “Man is a victim of his own making – we do literally leave the door open for pests. I look at premises through the eyes of a mouse or a rat. So, if you leave food out on your desk at night, I’ll be thinking ‘I’m coming out for that food at night’.” Traditional pest control measures would involve site visits every four to six weeks to look around the site to identify risks and to see if pests have been around. But digital pest control offers not only a sustainable solution through eliminating pesticides, but also 24/7 monitoring to quickly detect and take measures against pests. “We detect it, deal with it, and solve it. So, we’ve got less damage to your food, less damage to your products, and basically a pest-free environment.” Taking the best ideas from around the world According to Dave, there are many perks of being part of the Anticimex family. “As the head of the business,

you don’t really have many people you can go and speak to whereas now, for the first time in 37 years I have a boss. It’s really nice having someone to reflect on and to sound ideas with.” Dave recounts some recent news about certain pest control equipment that has been banned in the UK and that by drawing from experience of the group, they can be pointed in the right direction in finding alternative solutions. “It’s nice that we can reach out to the Nordics and ask what they do about it. We like not to create a new wheel, so we are happy to take the best ideas from around the world and bring it to the UK and make it work.” People buy from people Despite the company’s transformation and growth, Dave says it is important to hold on to the values the business once was founded on. “I still want it to feel like a family business, that it’s people who care about what we deliver. And that’s the way it should be in my view – people buy from people.”

THE ‘NEW FOOD’ REVOLUTION TEXT: MAJA STENBERG | PHOTO: TETRA PAK

With a constantly growing population and a food system standing for approximately one third of the global greenhouse gas emissions, SCC patron and food innovation pioneer Tetra Pak faces the future with their ‘new food’ initiative – focusing on revolutionary methods to promote more sustainable food production. “Our purpose is to commit to make food safe and available everywhere,” says Ida Svensson, Transformation Manager New Food, Tetra Pak.

hether you’re pouring your juice or getting the chickpeas out for your curry – Tetra Pak’s logo is widely recognised and can be found on packages in refrigerators and cupboards all across the globe. With operations in 160 countries, the company is a big player in the food system globally. Not quite as visible as the packages, however, are the divisions within the company focusing on processes and services in the food production chain. Ida explains: “What you don’t see is how the milk, juice, or cheese that’s inside the package is produced. At Tetra Pak we also have a processing division operating globally. So, if you eat an ice cream for instance, no matter where you are in the world, there’s a 70% chance that it has passed through a freezer produced by Tetra Pak.” Support from idea to shelf “It’s a long way from idea to the consumers’ shelf, but we support all the way,” says Ida. Whether it be a startup with an idea of a new plantbased product, or an established company wanting to expand their range of yoghurts, Tetra Pak has product development centres spread around the globe in which they help their clients optimise the recipe for their specific product. “We have different development centres depending on the products. If you’re testing ice

cream, we would bring you to Denmark, and if it’s tea, you might end up going to Singapore.” Challenges in the current food system Regarding the existing food system, Ida points out a number of challenges to overcome. Not only does the food system stand for approximately one third of the greenhouse gas emissions, but there is also an increasing number of diseases connected to what we eat. On top of this, one third of the population is overweight and more than 800 million people are chronically undernourished. “The food system as it is now, is not sustainable. And if we look towards the future with the growing population, which the World Health Organisation expects to be more than 10 billion people, we need 56% more food to feed us all. We are already using approximately 50% of the land we can use for agriculture, and we don’t want to increase the size of that. It’s clear that we need more food, but we can’t produce it in a way that puts more stress on the system than it already does,” says Ida. The New Food initiative As the need for change becomes more and more prominent, Tetra Pak has started looking into how food can be produced in a more sustainable way.

With an eye on the future, the company has now embarked on a ‘new food initiative’ – featuring advancing technologies such as precision, and biomass fermentation as methods of food production. “Fermentation in itself is nothing new, it is a classic technique that’s been used for thousands of years. But once you combine it with modern techniques like the bioreactors used in pharma, it is possible to help produce food in a sustainable way,” Ida explains. “In precision fermentation, you can programme a microorganism to produce a specific type of protein or fat, which can then be used in a product. When it comes to biomass fermentation, it means that you can grow for example fungi in a bioreactor instead of out in the forest.” Today, microorganisms in a bioreactor are often fed with just sugar – meaning that as long there is energy, food can be grown anywhere. In the future, Ida says, it is also realistic that instead of feeding the microorganisms with sugar we’d be able to feed them with CO2. “So if you play with this thought of having a bioreactor in the desert, run by solar energy and fed with CO2 – you have cut a lot of different steps. We need more pieces in the puzzle to solve the challenges we have, but we do believe that these microorganisms are an important piece to help us along the way.”

Innovation and collaboration “The interest for the new food sector is huge globally, and in order to advance fast and in the best possible way for our consumers we need to collaborate. It’s not about removing everything we have today. We still want to protect the dairies and the farmers, and add new things to the market.” In order to advance innovations, Ida emphasises the importance of partnerships. For example, Tetra Pak regularly collaborates with universities and recently launched the initiative “Biotech Heights,” with Lund University, focusing on biotechnology advancements. Looking ahead, Tetra Pak aims to continue connecting cross-disciplinary players, as it facilitates progress in the sustainable food production. “We want to continue to fulfil our purpose to make sure that people get food. And as a company, we feel that we need to take our responsibility. We have a global network, long history in the food industry, and the experts and resources to investigate. This is nothing that can be solved overnight – it takes muscles, network, and resources to do it.”

Types of new food In a near future, Ida believes that fermented foods will become more and more present in our everyday lives. Once the EU legislations adapts, she believes we will see an increased amount of ‘new food’ products in this part of the world – which can already be found in for example the US and Singapore. This includes new vegetarian products, as well as hybrid products where parts of the meat are replaced with fermented ingredients. “It might sound a bit strange. People have asked me ‘is this gene modified food?’ and the answer is no. In fact, I’m pretty sure you’ve already eaten it. For example the rennet, used in making cheese, is produced with precision fermentation,” says Ida. Looking at the next steps beyond the establishment of fermented products, Ida envisions cultivated meats and insects becoming more and more common in the future.

MEET H.E. STEFAN GULLGREN TEXT: SAGA PALMÉR | PHOTO: MAJA STENBERG

30 years of service in the name of Sweden has brought Stefan Gullgren from the far east to the very west of Europe. Having served as Ambassador to Poland and Ukraine, and at the Embassy of Sweden in Moscow, he’s now taking on the role as Ambassador of Sweden to the UK. The Link sat down with him to learn more about his background, the importance of bilateral relations and how Sweden and the UK can grow even stronger bonds.

weden and the UK have a strong bond and a good relationship, and I aim to improve it even further – especially within areas such as industry, trade, and security,” Stefan says and continues: “It’s certainly in our interest to continue building these collaborations in areas where both Sweden and Britain have much to offer, and where we would be stronger and more successful by working together.” Barely six weeks into his new role, Stefan has already identified some key opportunities that could benefit both Sweden and the UK, and their respective communities. With a strong trade foundation already in place, he believes that the countries could collaborate more within areas where they are among the best in the world. “Britain has great experiences within highly advanced technology – artificial intelligence, cyber security and quantum technology, to name a few. And Sweden has a lot to offer as well with world leading companies in many of the most advanced technological areas. Our shared interest to be at the forefront of such innovation provides a great platform for cooperation.” By thinking more about how to build strong and close ties, Stefan believes we could achieve better results. He emphasises the importance of working together to stabilise the region, with the uncertainty caused by the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which has had an impact on the security of not only Sweden and the UK, but the whole of Europe. “These are serious times, and I think we need to be prepared for quite a long time of uncertainty in

Europe. We don’t know how long the war will continue for and we don’t know what will happen after the war – with Europe, with Russia, nor with the economy. In addition, we need to deal with other global challenges such as climate change. This is a time where we conduct policies, not because we chose to, but because they are necessary.” According to Stefan, Sweden and the UK have a solid foundation to collaborate on security issues, something he believes will get even stronger when Sweden becomes a full member of the NATO alliance. “If you look at our relationship with the UK today, you’ll see that we are working very closely together in supporting Ukraine, and that we have a very close cooperation on Eastern Europe in general as well as on security and defence policy. Now, with our hopefully soon to be fully realised membership of NATO, I hope we can collaborate even more within issues concerning security and defence – something I’ve had reason to deal with in my previous roles.” During his nearly 30 years in the field of foreign affairs, Stefan has already served at the Swedish embassies in several Eastern European countries, including Russia, Poland, and Ukraine. And despite his success as a diplomat, he says that his choice of career was something of a coincidence. Initially with plans to study law, he enrolled at Uppsala University in 1989, subsequently specialising in international taxation and international commercial law. While in Uppsala, seeing the overthrow of communism in Eastern Europe in 1989 and the events that followed, he decided to take up extra courses in parallel to his

“Sweden and the UK

have a strong bond and a good relationship, and I aim to improve it even further.

law studies at the university’s department for East European Studies. “I got very interested in everything that was happening in Eastern Europe and I started taking extracurricular courses following these events. In one of the courses, we were expected to be able to follow the reporting of these events also in Russian printed media, which is how I came to take up the Russian language.” Stefan completed his studies in 1994 and as the summer approached, he applied for various traineeships. He was offered a traineeship at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who, thanks to his studies of Eastern Europe and the Russian language, ended up offering him a twoyear contract at the Embassy of Sweden in Moscow. “None of this was part of my plan; I was planning on serving as a clerk at the court after the summer, and I just needed something to do in between. Then this opportunity in Moscow came up, and as a 26-year-old with no firm plans, I just thought ‘well why not?’” This was the beginning of Stefan’s career as a diplomat. His contract at the Embassy in Moscow got extended a couple of times, before he decided to pursue the Diplomatic Training Programme at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Sweden. “Having completed a term of four years at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Stockholm, my wife and I decided to return to Moscow. After a couple of years at the Embassy’s political section dealing with mainly Russian internal politics, I became head of the section for economic affairs and trade. In this position, I had an opportunity to work closely with the Swedish business community to promote their and Sweden’s economic interests. I found that very inspiring, and together we achieved quite a lot.” After more than six years in Moscow, Stefan was appointed Ambassador of Sweden to Ukraine, and served in Kyiv for almost five years, before returning to Stockholm where he became head of the department for Eastern Europe and Central Asia. His next diplomatic chapter took him to Warsaw in 2017, when he was appointed Ambassador of Sweden to Poland. He stayed there until moving to London just a few

months ago. Even though it’s his first time living in the UK, he believes that he, like most Swedes, has some sort of bond to the country. “I think that Swedes in general have a feeling of familiarity with the UK and its culture. Many Swedes have studied in the UK when they were young, and many of us grew up reading Agatha Christie and other crime authors and watching criminal dramas on TV like Midsomer Murders. All this is making us feel quite close to the Brits.” While serving abroad and in Stockholm, Stefan has worked closely with the UK and British colleagues and has been following the events taking place in the country. As a new Ambassador to the UK, he believes that some things will be similar to his previous roles, while others will be completely different. “I come in with a lot of experience on Eastern Europe, security and defence issues as well as promoting Swedish economic and business interests – all of which were key tasks in my roles in Eastern Europe and in Stockholm. I think these will be key issues also during my time here in the UK,” he says and continues: “However, many things are new and different. The Embassy of Sweden in London is one of the larger Swedish embassies in the world. A vital part of what we do is to offer consular services to the more than 100,000 Swedes living in the country, which includes processing and handing out more than 11,000 passports per year. We are constantly working towards making these services more efficient and accessible to the Swedes living in the UK’’.” Needless to say, Stefan has a full agenda for the months, even years, to come. Still relatively new in his role, he says he is mostly looking forward to creating connections and new relationships within the Swedish-British community. “First and foremost, I want to meet as many people as I can, especially now in the beginning. I want to understand not only what the Embassy is doing, but what the Embassy could be doing – in order to build, improve and leverage on our strong bond to the UK. I’d say I’m optimistic; I’m humble but determined to do my best.”

THE WAY TOWARDS A NET-POSITIVE URBAN TRANSFORMATION TEXT & PHOTOS: MAJA STENBERG

With climate change no longer being a distant threat but an imminent reality, architectural practices are facing major challenges. Seeking not only to limit the negative environmental effects, but aiming for net-positive impact, is SCC member White Arkitekter. The Link spoke to Anna Lisa McSweeney, architect and UK Head of Sustainability at White Arkitekter, to delve into the core principles of regenerative urban planning to break down the key question: How do we transform our cities into spaces that thrive in harmony with nature and its population?

t White Arkitekter, we’ve always said that we want to enable a sustainable life through the art of architecture. We are of an explorative nature, and we have good experience of basing our projects in research,” says Anna Lisa. White Arkitekter is one of Scandinavia’s leading architectural practices, looking to provide sustainable architecture, urban design, landscape architecture, and interior for current and future generations. The employee and ownership structure of White Arkitekter allows for this knowledge and curiosity to feed back on the company’s investments. On average, around six percent of the turnover is allocated to research activities annually, such as the “White Research Lab”, which seeks to ensure that projects remain as sustainable and of as high quality as possible. By applying practice-based cross disciplinary research onto the operations, the purpose is to initiate collaborations with like-minded institutions and, ultimately, support sustainable ways of living. “It allows us to develop themes within our operations. Up until 2023, the themes we have focused on are circular architecture and healthy living environments.”

The Pillars of Regenerative Architecture Having worked at White Arkitekter for two and half years, Anna Lisa has been involved in strategic as well as project-based work in the company. She is also on the steering group for ‘Architects Declare’ – an international network of architectural practices committed to addressing the climate and biodiversity emergency. The steering group supports signatory practices through knowledge-sharing and engaging stakeholders, policy makers, and the media. The objectives in the declaration are all characterised by their focus on encouraging the built environment to become more regenerative – an increasingly adopted word in the architecture sphere, but which must be used with caution to not undermine its true meaning, according to Anna Lisa. The term signifies a transformative shift in mindset from a linear way of thinking of architecture, to view it as an integral part of ecological systems and promote mutual benefits between human and nature. “While sustainable architecture seeks to limit negative effects, regenerative architecture means

“I think the key concept you need to bring into all projects is that we are good ancestors.

we can actually have a net positive impact, be more replenishing and resilient,” Anna Lisa explains. Discussing the characteristics of sustainable and regenerative architecture, Anna Lisa emphasises the importance of adopting a long-term perspective and view humankind as caretakers of the environment. “I think the key concept you need to bring into all projects is that we are good ancestors. That means that we think long term, and that the decisions we make is going to affect local ecosystems today, tomorrow, and long into the future. We must think about nature and the mutual benefits, for example in how we design and at the same time improve soil health or water flows on a bigger scale.” More than just the built environment However, it is not solely about creating eco-friendly buildings. The idea of sustainable and regenerative architecture also feeds into promoting equality and inclusivity within communities, says Anna Lisa. “We must provide places that are safe and more

equally distributive in terms of economic and social opportunities. It’s about more than just a building: it’s about all the economic, political, physical, and cultural systems that impact the choices available to a person in the place they live. It’s important to ask ourselves: Does the built environment allow for a person to make sustainable choices?” The importance of communication Although the urban landscapes hold a lot of power in terms of enabling sustainable choices on a day-today basis, other factors are hindering progress, such as short-sightedness and lack of awareness amongst leaders and the public. “We don’t have the right mindset, and we don’t have the correct narrative. It’s almost like a blind-sightedness. People don’t realise the scale of the issue until it affects them personally.” To facilitate a shift in mindset amongst the public, Anna Lisa believes that a change of narrative to more relatable concepts is needed. Bringing up the ‘Ultra Low Emission Zone’ in London as an example of resistance from the public, she points out how the way

in which messages are communicated from leadership play a significant part in shaping people’s perceptions of the status quo. “The way these messages are communicated from leadership are so anonymous. If we instead said that we’re going to make a safe air zone and we’re going to make sure that it is a healthy place, people would relate to that narrative so much better. Talking about improving health and lifestyle, as well as mentioning the added benefits to the planet, I think is a better way to go.” Highlighting health benefits As human and planet health goes hand in hand, embracing the green transition when designing futureready landscapes comes with a wealth of positive opportunities on an individual as well as societal level. “From a social economical point of view, there’s huge possibility for job creation in the circular economy. And by aligning our economy to the wellbeing of nature and people, we could make such rich, beautiful and enjoyable places to be.” For instance, Anna Lisa explains how sustainable urban planning can promote biophilia – the connection between human beings and nature, deeply engraved into our DNA. Biophilic design, from lower carbon

materials in the interior stimulating tactile senses, to a green and biodiverse outside environment, all comes with positive effects such as reduced stress levels and enhanced creativity and overall wellbeing amongst the population. Community engagement – a crucial part In order to truly transform our cities, designing for community participation and coevolution is key. As an example of this Anna Lisa mentions a new hospital in Wales, one of White Arkitekter’s ongoing projects, where all major development has to be pinned against a ‘Wellbeing of Future Generations Acts’ framework, ensuring the decisions are beneficial even for future beings. “It would be great if we can take on those kinds of frameworks into local levels and make sure that we make decisions based on the wellbeing of the future.” Besides empowering young generations and incorporating their perspectives into decision-making processes, Anna Lisa would also like to see nature itself being taken more into consideration when aligning development plans with long-term benefits. “Over time, hopefully, we’ll see that cities are not separate from the land we once occupied. I hope that we can start to see ourselves as part of the systems we’ve already spoken about, and letting nature be more dominant.”

GIVING BUILDINGS A NEW LEASE OF LIFE TEXT: JONAS EKLUND | PHOTO: OKTRA

Property technology, often called proptech, is changing how we look at buildings at its very core. Instead of tearing them down, new technology is unlocking the potential of developing existing buildings by making them more energy-efficient, while enhancing the experience for the people using them. “Proptech has grown massively. I think we’re at the beginning of a very steep curve that will revolve around the reduction of energy use and more intelligent use of energy, combined with providing better and higher quality environments for people to work inside,” says Martin Reeves, Development Director at Oktra.

ktra is an office design and build company with almost 30 years’ experience in planning, designing, and constructing workspaces for its clients. With four offices in the UK and around 200 employees, the company offers services stretching from feasibility studies and workplace strategies to architectural design, construction, as well as AV, IT, and furniture. “We aim to provide a complete environment for all of our clients, whether they are staying in the same space and reinventing themselves or leaving to find a new address. So, we try to look after every single facet of that process.” A shift in how we look at buildings Earlier this year Martin got involved in the Chamber’s Ecosystem Exchange: Proptech programme, sharing his expertise and insights to a group of aspiring Swedish proptech businesses looking to explore opportunities on the UK market. He says that there has definitely been a shift in how we look at buildings in terms of their construction, fabric, and materials. “Let’s say 20 years ago, we would be perhaps more focused on building new buildings and making new things. There is a definite change in the last five years or so into reinventing existing buildings, refurbishing, and bringing them back to life,” he explains. “The reasons for this are around carbon footprint, and embodied carbon in the existing building structure – it’s seen as more valuable to try to reuse and recycle rather than to simply demolish and send building materials to landfill.”

This is where proptech systems come into the picture, playing a huge role in optimising the use of existing buildings. According to Martin, proptech can be described as a technology that enhances the fabric of the buildings that they already occupy, for example by using additional sensors to measure activity and usage of rooms and spaces. “But increasingly, proptech is interested in changing the way property uses energy, reducing energy use and operating costs associated to heating, lighting, and water usage. We want to achieve a better-quality environment, but at the same time, use less energy doing so. And proptech is a means to access those benefits.” A humanistic and energy-saving approach The way workspaces are designed today, reflects on the vast variety of spaces that is needed and a more humanistic approach has been adopted in recognising the needs of different people. “We want to make sure that people can have different types of environments and spaces to work in, according for the work that they do, and the type of person that they are,” Martin says and elaborates: “Not everyone works their best in the open plan and not everyone works their best in a small office. Not everyone works their best in a noisy environment, just as not everyone works their best in a very quiet library kind of environment.” A recent example of how a both humanistic and energy-saving approach comes to play, is Oktra’s client Gymshark, a sportswear brand based near Solihull in the Midlands. As the business was growing, it needed

“There is definitely

something to be learned from Swedish technology development that we can take advantage of in the UK.

larger and more sophisticated premises catering for the diverse needs of its growing number of staff. “One of the innovations that we brought into the environment, were more intelligent lighting systems which respond to the users and the number of users in an environment, and the types of spaces that they were in. The lighting systems offer automatically and intelligently adjusted light levels and coloration to offset mental fatigue and stop people from becoming unnecessarily tired. So, we use less energy, but we alleviate mental fatigue.” AI – the next big leap Martin predicts that AI will be the next big leap within proptech, making buildings more intelligent with the use of data. “We used to use security barriers to record the amount of people that were in buildings for health and safety purposes. I think with AI, we will go way beyond that. It becomes this ball of data that we will use not only to look at how many people are in a building, but how the building can respond to the people that are in it, to raise the level of their experience.” And AI could very well pose one of the most interesting opportunities for proptech businesses to explore. “AI is definitely the next big thing that’s going to be integrated more and more. I think it is the biggest gap in the proptech market for sure.”

Commercial advantages driving the development While Martin can see many similarities in the development of proptech in Sweden and in the UK, one of the main differences is the natural environment of the two countries. “We have a fairly temperate environment in the UK. Summers aren’t that hot, and winters aren’t really that cold.” But because of the country’s dense population, attention needs to be put on the expenditure required to run buildings and create infrastructure, which is always passed on to the tenants, developers, and landlords – ultimately Oktra’s clients. “So, any commercial advantage that people can find through the use of proptech, will make it more popular.” He continues: “I think Sweden has known about environmental change and has taken an advanced position in how efficient buildings can become and how they manage energy, probably a little bit ahead of us.” As an example, Martin brings up a project where a university in central England chose air source heat pumps developed in Sweden, when reevaluating its heating and cooling systems. “They looked to Sweden because they were more efficient, and that was just a simple procurement analysis for them. It feels like there is definitely something to be learned from Swedish technology development that we can take advantage of in the UK.”

CIRCULARITY: THE NEW NORM IN WORKSPACE FURNITURE TEXT & PHOTOS: MAJA STENBERG

In today’s business world, where sustainability and flexibility are paramount, SCC member NORNORM, exemplifies innovation in workspace solutions with its unique subscription-based office furniture service. “We’re driving change by integrating the circular economy into the business sphere,” Filip Johannesson, Head of Growth, says. Fresh from their UK launch, NORNORM is steadily advancing towards its goal: making a global impact with its circular approach.

ilip observes, “Businesses invest heavily in office setup, only to realize later that it doesn’t meet evolving needs.” This common scenario underscores a larger issue: annually, millions of tons of furniture are discarded due to changing workplace requirements and shifting design trends. NORNORM’s circular, subscription-based model aims to significantly reduce the carbon footprint and waste inherent in traditional furniture production while responding to the growing demand for workplace sustainability and adaptability.

Filip further highlights the regenerative aspect of their business model. “Our commitment transcends traditional sustainability. We’re not just aiming to lessen environmental harm; we’re actively working to regenerate resources and establish a sustainable cycle of usage and reuse. This approach allows businesses to reduce their environmental impact by up to 70%, proving that ecological responsibility and economic feasibility can coexist harmoniously. It’s not just about making better choices for the environment; it’s about creating a positive, lasting impact.”

“In the ever-evolving business world, adaptability is more than a convenience – it’s a necessity,” Filip states. “Our subscription model is designed for today’s dynamic climate, enabling companies to efficiently modify their office spaces in response to changing operational needs, while simultaneously reducing their environmental footprint.”

Global ambitions rooted in Scandinavia Originating in Sweden and Denmark, NORNORM began as an IKEA project before evolving into an independent entity, backed by both IKEA and Verdane, a growth investor. Currently active in eleven European nations, the company has set its sights on a broader, global expansion.

He continues: “Flexibility in our model goes beyond mere physical rearrangement. By choosing to downsize or redistribute their office spaces, companies are not only optimising their operational efficiency but are also actively contributing to environmental conservation. Our approach offers a practical, eco-friendly solution to the traditionally costly and inflexible practice of buying and discarding office furniture.”

“This company was envisioned for global impact. To truly benefit the environment, our efforts must be worldwide,” says Filip. Choosing London and the UK for expansion was an obvious decision for NORNORM. “London’s vast office market and progressive real estate sector align perfectly with our sustainability ethos,” he notes.

BRAD WILLIAMS, GROWTH & FILIP JOHANNESSON, HEAD OF GROWTH AT NORNORM

A timeless design philosophy NORNORM’s approach to design is deeply rooted in sustainability and longevity. “Our design philosophy revolves around versatility and durability. We select furniture that can withstand the test of time, both in terms of style and functionality,” Filip explains. This approach is reflected in their commitment to circular design principles, ensuring that each piece is designed for disassembly and durability, made from sustainable materials, and adaptable to various settings. By focusing on timeless design, NORNORM avoids the pitfalls of ‘fast-furniture’ – a trend that leads to significant waste and environmental degradation. Filip likens their furniture to iconic fashion staples: “Think of our pieces like a classic white shirt or a versatile black dress. They’re designed to be relevant and functional, decade after decade, echoing the ethos of lasting value and sustainable elegance.” Fostering a circular global community Filip believes that the need for adaptable and environmentally responsible workspaces is a permanent trend, necessitating ongoing innovation in office design. “The challenge is to go beyond

“In the ever-evolving business world, adaptability is more than a convenience – it’s a necessity.

sustainability, towards a regenerative business model. We’re leading by example, showing that it’s possible to be both circular and economically viable,” he asserts. NORNORM’s mission is to redefine the intersection of environmental integrity and economic viability, nurturing a global circular economy. Filip succinctly captures this ethos: “Our journey is not just about minimising harm; it’s about actively doing more good. We’re shifting from the mindset of ‘doing less bad’ to one where ‘more good’ is at the forefront of our business models.”

THRIVING SWEDISH BUSINESS COMMUNITY IN THE MIDLANDS TEXT: JONAS EKLUND | PHOTO: SCC

The Midlands is at the forefront of areas such as automotive and logistics, industrial digitalisation, as well as life sciences. With a long industrial heritage and history of innovation in transport, the Midlands has a clear advantage in future mobility initiatives, creating plenty of opportunities for businesses to thrive in the region. We caught up with Susan Simpson, Real Estate Partner at SCC member Fieldfisher, and SCC Midlands Chapter Chair, to discuss the growing Swedish business community in the Midlands and the incentives for companies to establish in the region.

hat I’ve always really liked about working with Swedish companies is that they have a very forward-thinking attitude. They are not just driven by profits but are very much driven by doing the right thing, and exploring what the opportunities are to make this in a more sustainable and efficient way.” Susan Simpson, Real Estate Partner at Fieldfisher, holds over 20 years of experience of acting for developers and landowners in relation to both residential and commercial development across the UK. Susan first

made contact with the Swedish Chamber through one of her clients, SCC patron Skanska. “I’ve worked very closely with Skanska on a number of projects for over 15 years. It was through working with them on their development projects, that I particularly got to know the Swedish market,” she explains. “Me and one of the other partners started to go to Sweden, where we got to know about the Chamber in Sweden and were told that there is a very active Swedish Chamber in the UK. So, we got involved in the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK in about 2007.”

The most well-connected region Birmingham is the second largest city in the UK and the financial centre of the West Midlands. According to a recent review issued by the Birmingham University in partnership with the Birmingham and West Midlands Chambers, the region attracted the largest share of foreign direct investment outside of London in 2022. With the High Speed 2 railway coming in and a huge amount of work happening in the Midlands’ road network, Susan says that the connectivity offers increased opportunities for businesses looking to establish in the region. “The Midlands is by far the most connected place in the whole of the UK, whether it’s by road or rail. It creates an opportunity for businesses in the region to have access to the whole country and to the whole of Europe, all basically within two hours.” Growing Swedish business community The Chamber’s recent business footprint report revealed that 87 Swedish businesses alone are employing almost 7,000 people in the West Midlands, and another 3,300 in the East Midlands. Wanting to support the growing Swedish business community in the region, Susan recently took on the role as the Chamber’s Chapter Chair for the Midlands. “I was really keen to get something happening in the Midlands. The Chamber has clearly done its research on the footprint of Swedish businesses, and it was clear that there were a lot of Swedish businesses here. I really wanted to spread the news of this because I think it’s good for people to have a forum and explore things that they have in common, to then help the businesses expand,” she says and continues: “It’s definitely a place that’s growing, and it seems like it would be a great place for the Swedish Chamber to be better represented, and to start pulling those things together.” Creating a platform in the region The Chamber’s recent event in Birmingham attracted a full house of guests as they were invited to look deeper into the Swedish business footprint in the West Midlands. “The thing that surprised me when we did the event was that there were all these amazing Swedish businesses that nobody had ever heard of. They’re clearly very well integrated into the Midlands community, but in a very understated way.” Susan believes that the results from the business footprint survey are really only scratching the surface

of the presence of Swedish businesses in the region. “I think that actually, there are a lot of Swedish businesses here. It’s good to highlight that to the businesses so that they interact a bit more and get more of an awareness of what everybody’s doing in the region. And really, use that as a platform to get to know other businesses better.” Opportunities for business For businesses that are looking to establish in the Midlands, there is a lot of support available, not least through the Department of Business and Trade, and the West Midlands Growth Company. And for people recruiting, it is, according to Susan, a great place to be. “The Midlands has one of the youngest populations in Europe, and the largest number of engineers in the UK. There are a number of universities that people can recruit from, or ally with for research and development.” Looking at the main opportunities for business, Susan mentions three key sectors to look out for. “The Midlands is a world-leading automotive hub. If you’re doing anything automotive related, you really need to be here. When Polestar decided to locate in the West Midlands, it was because of the world-leading engineers. And for logistics, it’s a great centre. Einride chose the Midlands for the existing road networks and because the power supplies in the Midlands are the best. It’s easier to set up electric networks around this area.” On the Life Sciences side, Susan says that Birmingham is very much leading the way with the use of data in diagnostics, and for Creative Industries that need big spaces for their studios, the land values are comparatively cheaper in the region. “If you’re doing anything that involves taking space, the West Midlands is probably about half the price of the rest of the UK.” Drawing synergies from both cultures According to Susan, there is great potential for Swedish and British businesses to collaborate and draw synergies from their respective cultures, something that became very clear at the recent event. “It was just incredible how innovative the Swedish businesses were. They clearly approach problems in a different way to conventional UK businesses, and that bringing together those two different cultures and thought processes is a very successful combination.”

Julen i Svenska kyrkan Julbord Juldagen JulaftonJulafton Julafton Julbord Christmas Smorgasbord

Our popular Christmas smorgasbord offers a buffet style selection of traditional Swedish Christmas food, such as meatballs, pickled herring, Jansson’s temptation, salmon, ham, deli cheese among many other delicious offerings.

Friday 15 December 7pm Book your ticket on www.eventbrite.com or scan QR code.

Välkommen kyrkan förför attatt firafira julafton VälkommentilltillSvenska Svenska kyrkan julafton Juldagens gudstjänst söndag Välkommen till Svenska kyrkan för att fira julafton Söndag2424december. december. kl 11 Julmässa i Ulrika Eleonora kyrka söndag 24 december. 11.00 Julkrubbegudstjänst Gudstjänst vid julkrubban klkl11.00 11.30 Slängrumpa Ringdanser och ringdanser klkl11.30 kl 11.00 Julkrubbegudstjänst Präster: Peter Wänehag klkl12.30 kl 11.30 Slängrumpa och ringdanser Magdalena Sjöholm 12.30 Jullunch Jullunch klkl14.00 14.00 Kalle KalleAnka Ankaspåjulstorbildkl 12.30 Jullunch Kantor: Fredrik Karlsson klkl15.00 15.00 Jultomten Jultomtenkommer kommer kl 14.00 Kalle Anka på storbild kl Pyssel- och rimstugakli biblioteket 15.00 Jultomten kommer Pyssel- och rimstuga kl Pyssel- och rimstuga i biblioteket

kl 17.00 Julbön Pris för jullunch £10

Tickets £30-50

Pris för jullunch £10

Barn upp till 12 år gratis.

www.rivalcolour.com

LINK

367

DEDIC AT ED T O T H E S W EDISH - BR I T ISH BUSINESS COMMUNIT Y SINCE 1906

Print in Good company!

» The SCC use Rival

for printing services – in fact you’re looking at our printing NOW!

“I think the key concept you need

1-11 The Link No 367.indd 1

08/12/2023 13:19:26

CONNECT WITH THE INDUSTRY AT THE EVENT FOR DIGITAL MARKETING

Debatable Issue 14 – November 2013 | Souvenir Edition

A summary of the debates held in the House of Commons by the UK Youth Parliament, 15th November 2013

“Democracy is such a beautiful thing – I want a piece of that” (Georgina Hands, MYP for Lincolnshire Central)

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Real Time Advertising Summit

Video Summit

28/02/2014 11:08

28 28

IF YOU CAN PRINT ON IT...WE CAN PRINT IT! #adtech_london @adtech_london

Spice-2943 Cover-245x170_v2.indd 1

20/08/2013 16:14

IN OTHER NEWS SWEDEN’S NATIONAL BRAND SEES LARGEST IMPROVEMENT IN THE UK

IKEA TO LAUNCH NEW CITY STORE IN BRIGHTON SCC patron IKEA recently announced the plans to open its 23rd UK store in Brighton. The announcement follows Ingka Centres’ acquisition of Brighton’s main shopping centre Churchill Square, in which the new store will be located alongside a mix of flagship retail and dining options. “We really look forward to bringing IKEA closer to where our customers live, work and socialise and becoming a part of this vibrant community,” said Peter Jelkeby, CEO and CSO at IKEA UK, in a statement.

This year’s Nation Brands Index was conducted during the summer of 2023. The survey shows that Sweden has a strong and stable nation brand. The biggest positive change has taken place in the UK, where Sweden ranks sixth compared to 14th. In particular, there has been a change with regards to peace and security, where Sweden ranks third compared to 12th last year. Sweden’s position in the UK has also improved in the field of culture.

VOLVO LAUNCHES NEW COMPACT SUV

ERICSSON DEPLOYS UK’S FIRST SITE-WIDE 5G NETWORK IN THE PORT OF TYNE

SCC Patron Volvo has joined the new wave of electric cars by recently launching the EX30, a more affordable choice for a compact SUV without compromising its quality. The Swedish company is best known for its big SUV’s and chunky Wagons, such as the XC90, but the newly released electronic SUV aims to make the brand more accessible to the younger generation of buyers, spearheading to a greener and more sustainable future. The new vehicle was showcased during Outer Thinking, SCC’s flagship event held at Nobu Portman Square Hotel.

Port of Tyne is partnering with SCC patron Ericsson and BT to deploy a 5G private network and smart port technology across the entire estate. First of its kind in the UK, the network will allow the port to integrate a series of future 5G applications and advanced technologies to support new customer requirements and enable the transition to a green smart port.

PREVIOUS EVENTS Over the year, the SCC hosts a wide range of different events, such as Business Breakfasts, Roundtable Discussions and Business Insights for our Young Professionals community. Here are some of the events hosted in the previous months. See more photos: scc.org.uk/events/gallery

From left to right: 1) Alexander Goodwille (Goodwille) and other members of the community listening to a panel discussion at the Nordic Private Equity Forum. 2) TRH The Crown Princess and Prince Daniel of Sweden, and Fredrik Warneryd (SCC) at Outer Thinking: Swedish-British Summit. 3) Pru Ashby (London & Partners), Isabella Gillström (Hg Capital), and Mark Prisk FRICS FRSA (Saltaire Housing Limited) giving advice to the participants of the Ecosystem Exchange Proptech programme. 4) Jean Innes, CEO of the Alan Turing Institute, speaking to the delegates of the High-Level Delegation Visit: Interdisciplinary AI. 5) Members of the SCC community networking at the Link Up Drinks event hosted by SMB. 6) Kirstine Kundby-Nielsen (Danske Bank) speaking at the Business Breakfast event on the UK macro landscape. 7) Amanda Jenssen and Augustifamiljen performing at the Annual Christmas Luncheon at the Landmark hotel. 8) Fredrik Warneryd (SCC), Dr. Aarti Anhal (before nine), Marco Galletti (SEB) and Hannah Carlsson (SCC) at the Next Generation Leaders meet-up. 9) Helena Norrman (Kekst CNC), Elin Ljung (Nordic Capital), George Chalmers (Molten Ventures) and Niclas During (Trill Impact) discussing the Green Transition at the Nordic Private Equity forum. 10) Swedish-British Reception at the Ambassador’s residence in Stockholm. 11) Attendees networking at the Swedish Business Footprint event in Birmingham. 12) H.E Stefan Gullgren, Ambassador of Sweden to the UK, at the Executive Forum & Dinner. 13) The Lucia Procession, by Norrsång Choir, at the Annual Christmas Luncheon. 14) Timothy Bodley-Scott (UCL) speaking at the High-Level Delegation visit.

RECIPIENT OF THE SCC’S EXTRAORDINARY MEMBER AWARD 2023:

MEET LARS OLSSON TEXT: JONAS EKLUND | PHOTO: RADEK DRANIKOWSKI

On 1 December, Lars Olsson was presented the SCC’s Extraordinary Member Award at the Chamber’s Annual Christmas Luncheon. Lars received the prize for his “dedicated, outstanding and long-term support of the Chamber’s mission of promoting Swedish-British business relations.” We took the opportunity to sit down with him for a chat about his work as SCC Board Member and views on the Chamber’s importance to the Swedish-British business community.

Congratulations on the SCC’s Extraordinary Member Award 2023 – how does it feel? Thank you. What a wonderful surprise it was to learn that it was me. I remember when we instigated the award in 2018 but I would never have considered being on the receiving end. Why do you believe the jury chose you as the recipient this year? I would like to think that I have made a meaningful and lasting contribution to the Chamber over the years. I have been fortunate to be able to support the Chamber with a patronship and scholars with the help of Stena. My time has been invested in the Board and Committee work, being part of starting up the Industrial Forum and ensuring the Chamber will remain on a stable financial footing as Chairman of the Finance Committee. I have also been a strong advocate of investing in systems to ensure that the Chamber is keeping up the pace and have helped to allocate the means to do so. During the years I have also had the opportunity to act as a mentor, mainly for the Stena Scholars but also in the Chamber’s general mentorship programme.

the intention for this to be permanent but here we are over 30 years later, and I am still in London. Apart from having had many roles at Stena Line, I have had the opportunity to be involved in the large UK Shipping sector. I was Chairman for the Passengers Shipping Association, Chairman for the Cruise and Ferry Section at the UK Chamber of Shipping, Vice Chair for Maritime UK, and I am also a Shipwright and Freeman of the City of London.

Tell us a little about yourself and your career journey. I came to the UK in the early nineties after having worked in Sweden, America and Canada. It was never

ABOUT THE EXTRAORDINARY MEMBER AWARD The award is presented annually to formally acknowledge and recognise individual support and contribution to the Chamber’s mission and work by members of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK. Lars is the fifth recipient of the award, following Karin Ehnbom-Palmquist in 2022, Håkan Winberg in 2020, Count Bertil Bernadotte in 2019, and Dr Anders Wall who received the first award in 2018.

What is your relation to the Swedish-British Business community and the Chamber? Thinking about it, I really only became a part of it when I joined the Chamber. As a Swedish company based here, your primary focus is on the market itself, so the Chamber has a very important role in bringing the community together. In your view, how has the Swedish-British business community evolved over the years? There have of course been many changes but perhaps one of the more notable is the reduction in Swedish staff sent out to work in the UK. It was commonplace to fill mainly managerial positions this way but I believe

that the UK operations for most Swedish companies have evolved into a much more integrated way of working. The Chamber has played an important part in championing the UK market and promoting Swedish business within it. Where do you see the Chamber in the coming years? I believe the Chamber will continue to remain an important part of the Swedish business community here in the UK. It is a place where you can meet and socialise with likeminded people, make new connections that can benefit both the business and the individual, gain insight, and learn about new developments.

AI COLLABORATION IGNITED:

SWEDISH DELEGATION IN THE UK TEXT & PHOTOS: MAJA STENBERG

In mid-November the SCC, together with the Office of Science and Innovation at the Embassy of Sweden in London and the British Embassy in Stockholm, invited a group of representatives from Swedish universities and authorities to London to explore the AI-landscape in the United Kingdom. The delegates spent two full days meeting with AI focused universities, research organisations and other relevant stakeholders – with the purpose of exchanging knowledge and promoting partnerships between the countries.

weden and the UK share a rich history of trade relations and research collaborations. Not only being the home to four of the world’s top ten universities, the UK can also pride itself on its thriving technology sector, worth over one trillion dollars. Given its impressive reputation in higher education and position as important research partner to Sweden, the interdisciplinary AI-focused delegation visit, taking place 15-16 November, was initiated to nurture the SwedishBritish relationship whilst creating opportunities for collaboration in research and academia.

“I wanted to create a concept with the purpose of getting the right people together with maximal output and value for all participants,” says Marika Amartey Kaliff, Science and Innovation Counsellor, Embassy of Sweden London, UK. The Office of Science and Innovation was established by the Swedish government in 2022, and is an instance of the Embassy committed to promote strategic collaborations between Sweden and the UK in research, innovation, and higher education. Outlining the concept

PARTICIPANTS

of the delegation visit, AI was a natural choice of focus according to Marika. “There are many groundbreaking initiatives in both Sweden and the UK that should be showcased and explored. The role of AI in research and higher education is a priority for the UK government and it supports a lot of programmes in this field.” The UK’s Focus on AI Reflecting the UK’s commitment to maintaining a global leadership position in AI, the British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s ten-point plan for Science and Innovation launched in March 2023 identified AI as one of five critical technologies for the British economy. In November, the UK was also the host of the AI security summit, further highlighting its relevance to the exceptionally topical field. “It is always important to get people together and discuss topics close to heart and get a better awareness of work and progress created elsewhere, in particular for the development of emerging technologies that move extremely fast and require unexpected collaboration,” says Marika. Marika means that that these types of initiatives should be fruitful for all involved and points out that even the most leading experts in the field will reach new insights by learning and sharing with others. Sharing this vision on the value of exchanging knowledge and expanding networks is also highlighted by Thomas Schön, delegate and Beijer Professor of Artificial Intelligence at Uppsala University: “Although many of us have our own contacts with researchers and individuals that we will continue working with, trips like this establish connections at a different level within representatives in organisations. This is really useful in larger collaborations and can be very hard to do on your own.”

The expected growth of the global AI market between 2021 and 2028

The projected number of jobs created globally by 2025 due to the acceleration of AI

million

» KTH Royal Institute of Technology » Linnaeus University » Mälardalen University » Swedish Defence University » Swedish Higher Education Authority » Umeå University » University of Gothenburg » Uppsala University

Insights in AI operations across disciplines Partnering up with its equivalent institution at the British Embassy in Stockholm and the Business Services team at the SCC, the Office of Science and Innovation at the Embassy of Sweden in the UK invited a total of 16 delegates from 8 Swedish universities and agencies to London to take part in the programme. Welcomed by a dinner at The Ambassador’s Residence, the delegates got the chance to meet with leaders from academia, industry, and government to kick start the event. Companies focusing on AI such as BlueBear, Synbiosys, Mindfoundry and HN company were also invited, to give their thoughts on what can be done to bridge the gap between the industry and academia. Then followed a two-day programme, visiting and learning from a number of leading university representatives, focusing on AI in fields spanning all the way from security and defence to music and gamedesign. The delegation was also given insights into the AI research and innovation ecosystem in the UK, by meeting with organisations and institutes focusing on data-, and life sciences. In total, the days featured presentations and Q&As by 20+ speakers, including Jean Innes, CEO of the Alan Turing Institute, Prof. Deeph Chana, Professor at Imperial College London and Managing Director at DIANA, NATO, and Prof. Steve Hailes, Head of Department for UCL Computer Science. “We have heard a lot about the universities’ and institutes’ strategies, and how they are planning their research and activities. It is important that we understand the way that universities in the UK and Sweden are functioning when it comes to funding, because it pinpoints where

SOURCES: WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM & FORTUNE BUSINESS INSIGHTS

AGENDA

we can meet in collaboration and projects,” says Annika Borgenstam, delegate, Professor in Micro and Nano Structures in Alloys and Vice President for Research at KTH Royal Institute of Technology.

Day 1

Day 2

The Francis Crick Institute

Queen Mary University and Surrey institute

Imperial College Saab Innovation Hub The Alan Turing Institute

King’s College UCL Panel Discussion with representatives from

Igniting future partnerships In a joint leadership statement conducted by the Swedish and British Prime Ministers in June 2023, science and innovation is highlighted as one of the prioritised areas of collaboration between the countries. Hence, going forward, Marika hopes to see more initiatives like these opening doors for cross-national collaborations. “In addition to this strategic agreement, there is a Memorandum of Understanding for the Life Sciences in place between our countries. The UK has also rejoined Horizon Europe which is almost essential for ambitious strategic research collaboration. I would love to see more bilateral activity in all of these areas.”

Marcus Bohlin, delegate and Professor in Applied AI at Mälardalen University, comments: “The UK and Sweden are both nations with a very high development of technology, and we have a lot to gain from collaborating even more within the industry and academia altogether. Particularly within expansive fields like AI, where a lot of changes are affecting the society and business in both countries.”

Agreements such as the ones mentioned above are, according to Marika, great ‘excuses’ to ignite dialogues and create new partnerships for Swedish universities, particularly for the delegates participating in this trip. Not only strengthening historical bonds between the countries, but initiatives like these could also pave the way for a future where international partnerships continue to drive innovation and contribute to the global advancement of AI.

As collaborations between the SCC and the Office of Science and Innovation in London has proven successful in the past, Marika concludes by highlighting the importance of bringing together its competences to create similar initiatives in the future. “We are a small but smart country, and resources are limited. Therefore, it is essential that we utilise our combined skills to add value to the Swedish research and innovation ecosystem.”

ANNOUNCING A NEW SCHOLARSHIP IN PARTNERSHIP WITH GOODWILLE TEXT: JONAS EKLUND | PHOTO: GOODWILLE

Through a generous donation from SCC member firm and long-standing patron Goodwille, we are pleased to offer the brand-new Annika Åman-Goodwille Scholarship to an ambitious and newly graduated talent from a Swedish University, Högskola, or equivalent. The scholarship gives the successful candidate the opportunity to gain international experience by joining the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK for a full year in London – the world’s leading financial centre and Europe’s business capital.

oodwille was established by Annika ÅmanGoodwille in 1997 to help Swedish businesses enter and be successful in the UK, through its flexible range of professional business services. Remaining a family-owned business, Goodwille has helped over 2,000 companies primarily from the Nordic region to enter the UK market, including many high-profile Swedish brands such as Lindex, Zettle & Readly. “Since the very beginning, Goodwille has made it its mission to maintain and foster close connections between the UK and Sweden. In commemoration of Goodwille’s Founder and my mother, as well as the company’s 25-year history, it felt only fitting to sponsor a young talent with international aspirations in making their move in the world through the Scholarship programme at the Chamber,” says Alexander Goodwille, Development Director at Goodwille. The Annika Åman-Goodwille Scholarship is offered to a young talent showing proof of strong entrepreneurial spirit and who has completed a post-gymnasium qualification or degree in a legal, financial, payroll or HR field from a Swedish University, Högskola or equivalent. The successful candidate is offered a full-year position within one

of the Swedish Chamber’s departments: Business Services, Events and Programmes, Marketing and Communications, or Membership and Community. “The SCC Scholarship Programme dates back to the early 1980’s and has seen the launch of many successful alumni careers over the years – all made possible through generous scholarship grants and donations,” says Fredrik Warneryd, Chief Executive of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK. “The new Annika Åman-Goodwille Scholarship secures the continuity of the programme and fortifies the longstanding partnership between Goodwille and the Chamber even further.”

MEET CARL PIHLGREN TEXT & PHOTO: SAGA PALMÉR

New SCC board member and EY Partner, Carl Pihlgren, has a foot in no less than three countries. Based in Stockholm, he keeps his ties to his previous home countries, the UK and the US, by staying active in the two countries’ Swedish Chambers. The Link met up with him at EY’s Stockholm office to get to know more about him and his relationship with the UK.

’ve always had a connection to the UK, ever since I was a child. My mother was an au pair in Yorkshire back in the 1950’s, and when I was a child we spent some summers there, doing language courses and those type of things.” Carl’s relationship with the UK began at a young age; growing up, he spent several summers at the English countryside and later on, as he completed his Law studies at Lund University, he moved to London to continue with a Master’s degree in European Law at the University of London. “I’ve always been interested in international matters, so when I graduated from Lund University, I was keen on going abroad to continue my studies. I ended up going to London in 1990, taking both a Master’s degree at the University of London, and individual courses at King’s College, London School of Economics and Queen Mary University of London.” After his studies, Carl returned to Sweden where he served three years at the County Administrative Court in Mariestad, then moving to Gothenburg to serve at the Administrative Court of Appeal. It was during this time that he first entered the field where he would spend the next decades – tax law. “While I was serving at the Administrative Court of Appeal, I encountered a lot of tax cases and found it very interesting. So later, when it was time for me to get a ‘real job’, it came natural to me to stick to that path.” Entering EY In 1995, Carl joined EY as a tax lawyer. Thanks to his experience from the University of London, he was

offered a position within the firm’s department for international taxes, working both with international businesses and Swedish companies abroad. “As I had international experience, I got to work on EY’s international accounts – including some of the large multinational businesses based in the west part of Sweden, as well as with various international clients based outside of Sweden.” Carl’s experience within the international department, combined with his interest in international issues and his relationship to London, made him stand out as a candidate when EY needed Swedish representatives to the London office. This time, he joined a team working with global clients. “Back then, the London office used what we called a ‘desk system’, meaning it created these clusters of team members from various countries, and had them working together with global clients. When they needed a Swedish representative to join one of them, I was offered the position and decided to go for it.” Encountering the Swedish communities abroad Carl’s second move to London was in 1997, as he joined EY’s international team. This is when he first got in touch with the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK, and the Swedish-British community. “One of my Swedish colleagues, a senior audit partner, was a board member at the SCC, and when I joined EY’s London team, he brought me in to the Chamber as a junior.” He recalls. “We went to events, created partnerships and worked with clients we met through the Chamber community.”

“The value is just

incredible, and there is so much knowledge gathered in one place.

After a couple of years in London, Carl moved back to Stockholm only to get ready for his next international move. This time, his work brought him across the Atlantic and into the Big Apple, where he touched down in 2000. “Me and my wife moved to New York, where I was working with US companies investing in Sweden. We truly loved it there, and we ended up spending a decade in between Stockholm, New York and, later, Connecticut.” Despite his appreciation for the US, Carl kept his ties to the Swedish community, and he joined the SwedishAmerican Chamber of Commerce in New York. He eventually became director of the Chamber – a title he still holds and cherishes today, 13 years later. “I always recommend our junior colleagues moving to the US to join the Chamber. There are so many benefits of being part of the Chamber community – it offers useful programmes, you meet people with whom you might have valuable exchanges – it’s just a great platform for anyone who wants to build a network, be it personal or professional.” Building a broader network Today, Carl is back in Stockholm, but he keeps his role as Director of the Swedish-American Chamber in New York. Being back in Europe has allowed him to reunite with another old acquaintance – the city of London. “I’m in London on a regular basis, I’d say at least once a

month – a big part of my team is operating from London and I have plenty of Swedish clients with businesses or subsidiaries there.” As Carl started reviving his relationship with the UK capital, he decided to get involved with the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK, and on 8 June 2023, he was appointed board member at the SCC’s Annual General Meeting. Now he’s looking forward to leveraging the learnings and experience what is available within the board, and the rest of the SwedishBritish community. “The value is just incredible, and there is so much knowledge gathered in one place – if you look at the Chamber and its Board of Directors, it adds up to hundreds of years of experience in doing business. It’s both a neutral platform for us to meet and discuss current issues, as well as an endless source of learning and lessons.” Most of all, Carl hopes that by joining the board, he will be able to help Swedish companies who want to enter and flourish in the UK. And while he continues working on that mission, he says he is equally excited about his next chapter within EY. “During this financial year, EY is focusing on a few key areas – sustainability being one which keeps expanding rapidly. This is affecting us in multiple ways, and I’m excited to see how it can help us, as well as the businesses we work with, grow and develop.”

A TASTE OF SWEDEN IN EVERY SIP TEXT: MAJA STENBERG | PHOTO: LÖFBERGS

For many, coffee is more than just a daily ritual: it’s an experience. Whether it’s the high-street café takeaway cup on the way to work in the morning, or the fresh-ground Sunday brunch coffee enjoyed at home – SCC member and coffee retailer Löfbergs seeks to satisfy all kinds of palates and coffee-related needs. “Customers automatically link Swedish with quality and style,” says Will Cole, Marketing Director at Löfbergs UK, as we dive into the Swedish heritage behind the Löfbergs brand, and its advantages in the UK market.

t all started in the small town of Karlstad in 1906. At a time when the area was heavily reliant on cheap vodka trade, three brothers named Löfberg got together with the intention to do something different to mark the place on the map. Starting off with importing and selling coffee, they began roasting their very own coffee in Karlstad only a few years later, around the same time as the phenomenon of fika swept across the country. And up until this day, Karlstad is known as the well-rooted home of the Swedish purple coffee brand as we know it. The value of the Swedish Brand Löfbergs first entered the UK market in 2011. Initially providing coffee to hospitality and food service customers, its retail products can now be found on the shelves at Tesco, Waitrose and Ocado. “We think there’s a big opportunity for Löfbergs in the UK retail market. At a time when we’re seeing lots of headlines about the cost of living and risks of recession, we’re introducing high-quality products with good value, thanks to our bigger pack formats,” says Will.

When it comes to standing out among its coffeeproducing competitors here in the UK, Will is positive that the Swedish heritage is of significant value. “Customers automatically link Swedish with quality and style. It drives the high standard of our coffees from how they’re sourced, all the way through to materials and packaging.” Possibly, this could be one reason to why Löfbergs seem to attract even the most adventurous and passionate coffee drinkers out there, eager to explore new, unfamiliar brands. Still, Will says that the greater portion of their customers are signified by their appreciation for simplicity, consistency, and value – often associated with the ‘Swedish Brand’, even in a broader perspective. “They want quality and value but without any additional fuss or complexity. They’ll try a new coffee but not if there’s a lot of jargon or if it’s not an improvement on what they’re used to.”

“

Customers automatically link Swedish with quality and style.

However, the Swedish way of enjoying coffee – traditionally strong and of high quantities – might not captivate all consumers. To ensure they have something to offer every palate, Löfbergs recently developed a UK-specific range of lighter roast Colombian coffee, more in line with British taste preferences. A new era in the UK coffee culture The British coffee culture is experiencing a revival, especially in the wake of the pandemic, according to Will. As people seek unique experiences from baristamade coffee, the footfall to high street cafes and coffee shops is on a steady increase. “Besides, the pandemic has definitely had a lasting impact on how we enjoy coffee at home. The sale of whole beans is particularly strong, showing that people have invested in equipment to enjoy a better cup of coffee in the comfort of their own homes.” For those looking to elevate their at-home coffee experience, Will explains that the best place to start is to use whole beans. “Being able to freshly grind them for each cup you make will deliver the biggest noticeable difference. It also gives a lovely aroma to your kitchen.”

Speaking of emerging trends on the UK coffee scene, Will mentions ‘functional coffees’ as one of them. These are coffees infused with ingredients or supplements that offer additional benefits besides energy, such as mood enhancement or gut health. A circular vision Independent of what the future holds in terms of trends and opportunities, Löfbergs is dedicated to continuing sharing their love for coffee, while remaining responsible and sustainable doing so. For instance, the company has a goal of becoming 100% circular by 2030. “This means that all of our packaging will be 100% recyclable and made from recycled and/ or renewable materials, and that we will remove the use of all fossil fuels to reduce our climate-related emissions to net zero,” says Will. And when it comes to ambition and long-term commitment, Löfbergs has proven successful with that before. With over 100 years since the first coffee-bean was roasted in the small town of Karlstad, the company is now established in 18 markets, in which an equivalent of 10 million cups of their coffee is consumed daily – offering a taste of Sweden in every sip.

PREVIOUS EVENTS

From left to right: 1) Johan Odén (Mediaflow) presenting at the Link Up Drinks event at SMB. 2) Michael Sheren (Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership) and Anna Skoglund (Goldman Sachs) about Investing in Impact. 3) Hannah Carlsson (SCC) moderating an Evening Talk with Caroline Cooke (Elekta) for the Young Professionals Community. 4) The SCC team performing the traditional ‘Pomp & Circumstance’ at the Annual Christmas Luncheon. 5) Håkan Jevrell, State Secretary to the Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, H.E. Judith Gough, The British Ambassador to Sweden, and H.E. Stefan Gullgren, Ambassador of Sweden to the UK, speaking at Outer Thinking. 6) Jonathan Goodman (Polestar), Susan Simpson (SCC’s Midlands Chapter Chair), and Mike Lewis (West Midlands Growth Company) at the Swedish Business Footprint event in Birmingham. 7) A great number of enthusiastic guests attended Impact at Ham Yard Hotel. 8) Sam Hearne (Deliberate PR) speaking at the Ecosystem Exchange Proptech Programme. 9) We were delighted to see so many from the community attending Outer Thinking: Swedish British Summit at Nobu Hotel. 10) Gabriel Mellqvist (Dagens industri), Master of Ceremonies, moderating a panel at the Nordic Private Equity forum. 11) Dr. Nadia Caro-Goldrine (Evolvere Future of Health), Peter Jelkeby (IKEA UK & Ireland, SCC Chair), Stefan Sporsén (Augustifamiljen), Hélène Barnekow (Ascension, SCC Vice Chair), and Carolin Alkegaard (Nettwerk Music Group) at Outer Thinking. 12) Dr. Aarti Anhal (before nine) hosting the Masterclass: Optimal performance in the new world of work, for the SCC’s Young Professionals community.

POLITICAL PREVIEW 2024:

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR BUSINESS GUEST COLUMN: MATTHEW SUTTON, HEAD OF UK PUBLIC AFFAIRS, KREAB LONDON

As we close the door on 2023 the UK is gearing up for what is likely to be yet another defining political year as we prepare for a General Election in 2024. Whilst it is still uncertain when this will take place – opinions differ on whether this will be called in the spring or next winter – the political landscape in Westminster is likely to undergo a seismic shift in the coming twelve months and business needs to prepare itself accordingly.

ollowing the signing of the strategic partnership agreement between the UK and Sweden in October 2023, there exists real opportunity for business to engage with both political parties who will be looking to finalise their policy positions in the coming months ahead of the election. The potential for change The opposition Labour Party have consistently held a healthy lead over the incumbent Conservative government over the last two years. This lead shows no signs of abating despite repeated attempts by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to resuscitate the Government’s electoral fortunes with a series of announcements aimed at re-establishing their economic credibility following the fall of Boris Johnson and the short-lived administration of Liz Truss.

their voice and industry is heard. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has already indicated that he sees a future Labour government working closer with the European Union following a fractious relationship between the bloc and the Conservative Party following the Brexit referendum and the UK’s exit from the EU. This could extend to environmental standards, the finance sector and broader trading agreements, but the scope for closer collaboration is there to be exploited. Down but not out Whilst the Conservatives appear to be on the backfoot and on the precipice of electoral defeat, nothing is ever certain in politics. Despite the Government facing an increasingly uphill struggle to overturn the public’s perception of them as an administration in its final throes, they should not be counted out just yet.

The momentum is clearly with the opposition, who seem poised to win the next election despite showing very little in the way of their plans for government. This will inevitably need to change in the early part of 2024, and the party will be expected to set out what they aim to achieve should they return to government for the first time in over a decade as part of their election manifesto.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will be counting on restoring both his political and his party’s credibility before calling an election. Key to this will be repairing public confidence in his handling of the economy. Whilst this year’s King’s Speech and Autumn Statement left many underwhelmed, there is still the prospect of a tax cutting Spring Budget in 2024, potentially a matter of weeks before a General Election.

This presents a window for opportunity for business to engage with Labour Party officials, ensuring that

Expectation on Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to pull the proverbial rabbit out the hat ahead of polling day

with more tax cuts and higher growth, has never been higher. This is the only way to appeal to voters and win back trust in the Conservatives one more time. Far from shutting themselves off, the Government will be more willing than ever to hear from industry in a bid to save their electoral fortunes. Outside the UK Domestic issues aside, foreign affairs also have the capacity to play a role in how the election plays out as Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer look to position themselves as statesman on a global scale. The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have already demonstrated that these issues resonate with voters. With the upcoming EU and US presidential elections, geopolitical issues are therefore likely to play an integral role in the political debate in 2024. Companies able to demonstrate their expertise in world affairs are likely to be ideally placed in helping define foreign corporate policy, both in the UK and abroad.

Looking to the future The coming twelve months are therefore shaping up to be an important but politically turbulent period for businesses operating in the UK. Engaging with actors across the political spectrum in Westminster and Whitehall will become an increasingly business critical function, and companies need to be aware of how changes to the political landscape can affect their business. With the General Election fast coming into view, political parties need new ideas and thinking, but they also require real-life experiences, evidence, and data to evaluate the feasibility and practicality of policy ideas. Organisations consequently need to prioritise their political engagement now in order to avoid increasing their risk levels and maximizing the potential benefits. Failure to do so could leave them exposed and unprepared, regardless of the outcome of the election.

NEW MEMBERS

ounded by businesses for businesses, the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the United Kingdom is the ultimate business platform connecting Swedish and British companies and entrepreneurs across the North Sea. We are a not for profit organisation, and help businesses establish, grow and develop. Our focus is on providing relevant and informative forums and meeting places, on forging new and exciting networks and ecosystems, offering valuable training programmes for personal and professional development and to deliver first-class business services tailored to your business needs. We bring value to member businesses across all sectors and industries, from large corporates to SMEs, entrepreneurs and startups, in the United Kingdom as well as in Sweden. WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MEMBERSHIP? CONTACT: HANNAH.CARLSSON@SCC.ORG.UK

ALLEN & OVERY

ECAPS AB

A&O is a leading full-service global law firm which has a long history providing legal advice to Nordic and international clients. A&O’s Nordic desk is headed by Swedish national Lisa Goransson who brings together her in-depth knowledge of the Nordics and our team’s experience to deliver our objective, “think global, act local”, making A&O a compelling choice for companies doing business in this region.

ECAPS AB specialises in advanced rocket engines and eco-friendly “green” propellants for the space industry. Our standout achievement is the LMP-103S propellant, offering superior performance while reducing environmental impact. We’re trusted innovators, committed to propelling the aerospace sector into a sustainable future.

ĒVOLVĒRE FUTURE OF HEALTH

JEFFERIES

We grow value with you by connecting you to the inflection point of the Future of Health. We operate collaboratively, across stakeholders making the relevant introductions, bridging markets, and forging partnerships with the aim to generate efficient commercial route that will fast forward the Emerging Market of The Future of Health.

Jefferies is a leading global, full-service investment banking and capital markets firm that provides advisory, sales and trading, research and wealth and asset management services. With more than 40 offices around the world, we offer insights and expertise to investors, companies and governments.

NORNORM

LEIFF NATURAL CAPITAL SOLUTIONS LTD

NORNORM offers a circular subscription service for office furniture. We aid companies in minimising environmental impact and maintaining a flexible workspace. Easily expand, downsize, or change furniture as needed

LEIFF designs and operates commercial nature-based projects which protect and restore Forest Landscapes. We play a vital role in the Green Transition on the pathway to Net Zero.

NOVATRON FUSION GROUP AB

PETGOOD

As a company, Novatron Fusion Group is utilising state-of-the-art technology in collaboration with worldleading physicists, engineers, and academia. We strive to establish fusion energy and the NOVATRON concept as the preferred and flexible large-scale dispatchable source of clean, safe, and virtually limitless energy.

We are petgood – the do good pet food. A Swedish company on a global mission to create a more sustainable and transparent pet world, where pets can enjoy healthy food without burdening our planet. We offer complete and balanced insect-based diets as well as other innovative and sustainable products for both cats and dogs.

SMB

SKYQRAFT

Based in the west end, we are a highly-ranked commercial law firm recognised as leaders across a range of practice areas including immigration law. We assist organisations and individuals to successfully navigate the immigration environment post- Brexit.

Skyqraft provides faster, more accurate, and sustainable inspections of energy infrastructure enabling power grid owners to navigate the challenges posed by increasing energy consumption and secure the reliability and longevity of their grids. Powered by AI, quality assured by experts, We offer modern grid inspection solutions, revolutionising the way power grid owners assess and maintain their infrastructure.

STEVE EDGE DESIGN

TRUID AB

At Steve Edge Design, we believe in relationships. Very special relationships. With our clients, and with their brands. And brands, like people, need to build a special relationship with the people they are talking and selling to.

Truid strengthens digital trust between businesses and their customers. Our robust digital identity solution encompasses identity proofing, authentication, and digital signing - seamlessly integrated within a single app. This empowers our partners to safeguard their data and their customers’ information from from data breaches and the growing threat of AI, ensuring longterm security and confidence.

IN OTHER NEWS

HUSQVARNA X DOOM SWEDEN AND THE UNITED KINGDOM SIGNS STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP On 13 October, Sweden’s PM Ulf Kristersson and UK PM Rishi Sunak signed a strategic partnership between the UK and Sweden. The aim is to deepen and broaden the countries’ cooperation in a number of areas, such as innovation, research, and the green transition. Through the partnership, Sweden and the UK is aiming to further strengthen their strong cooperation on security and defence, which includes collaboration on counterterrorism and defence materiel exports.

AIRA INVESTS £300 MILLION IN THE UK In late November, SCC member and clean energy-tech business Aira launched in the UK, with a mission to help one million UK customers switch from gas boilers to clean energy heat pumps. At the launch, the company pledged to invest £300 million in the next three years to accelerate decarbonisation. Aira forecasts to reduce UK families’ heating related costs by 25% and instantly lower CO2 emissions by 75%.

Recently, SCC patron Husqvarna partnered up with the game makers of Doom to showcase the iconic game on Husqvarna’s lawnmowers. The launch, which caught the gaming world by surprise at the Swedish gaming festival Dreamhack, celebrates Doom’s 30-year anniversary. The engineers at Husqvarna and the designers at Doom cleverly used the existing launchpad of the lawnmower for the controls of the single- and multiplayer game, allowing users to connect and play against each other. The partnership is not only unique but showcases the adaptability of both Doom’s software and Husqvarna’s appliances.

UPCOMING EVENTS

NOVEMBER

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON 2024

7 MARCH

Book your EARLY-BIRD tickets by 31 January 2024. The Swedish Chamber’s Christmas Luncheon has a long history dating back over a century. Today, it is the pinnacle of the business calendar, bringing together business people from across the SwedishBritish community and is the largest luncheon of its kind outside of Sweden. The Luncheon will feature a traditional Lucia procession, a grand raffle, firstclass entertainment, great company, and unique networking opportunities.

NORDIC M&A FORUM 2024 The Nordic M&A Forum 2024 will be discussing the year ahead for Nordic cross-border M&A and financing, and brings together stakeholders from across the industry, from banks, asset managers, private equity and advisory firms, from both the City and the Nordics.

23 JANUARY

SWEDISH-BRITISH EDTECH CONNECT London & Partners and the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK organises Swedish-British Edtech Connect. Join us for an afternoon where we dive into the many opportunities of a UK expansion, from the practical setup and tools for success, to the do’s and don’ts from those who have done it before you.

25 MARCH

ECOSYSTEM EXCHANGE: FOODTECH We are inviting the brightest, most innovative and prominent Swedish Foodtech businesses to join two half-days sessions. Ten companies will be selected to be coached through masterclasses and inspirational speeches and have the opportunity to meet important stakeholders in the industry.

17 APRIL

ECOSYSTEM EXCHANGE: CAPITAL MARKET TECHNOLOGY

On behalf of The Embassy of Sweden, London, the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK organises Ecosystem Exchange: Capital Market Technology, to gather the brightest, most innovative and prominent Nordic and Baltic SME’s to join the programme.

We know the Nordics by heart. Since 1856, we have provided Nordic customers with financial solutions and understand the unique challenges you face as a Nordic national living abroad. That is why we offer Private Wealth Management services tailored to your international needs. To find out more, please contact Stefan Stjerngren, Helena Whitmore or Daniel Wikehult +44 (0) 20 7246 4225 privatebanking@seb.co.uk

Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (publ) (SEB), London Branch sebgroup.com/privatebanking This communication is made by Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (publ), London Branch for informational purposes only. Our London Branch is available to introduce you to the SEB Private Wealth Management & Family Office network outside the United Kingdom. Authorised and regulated by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority. Deemed authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority. Subject to regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and limited regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority. Details of the Temporary Permissions Regime, which allows EEA-based firms to operate in the UK for a limited period while seeking full authorisation, are available on the Financial Conduct Authority’s website.