The British Business Awards, established in 2008, have become a prestigious and highly anticipated event in the business calendar, celebrating the depth, breadth, and success of British businesses operating in China, as well as the excellent achievements of Chinese businesses in the UK. Organised by the British Chambers of Commerce in China, these awards honour excellence in various sectors, including education, innovation, and sustainability.

The 2024 event marks the ninth biennial awards and includes nine categories, recognising leadership, partnership, innovation, social impact, and other significant contributions to Sino-British trade and investment relations. The Awards Gala will take place in Shanghai on 21 November 2024​.

Education Partnership of the Year Award

The Education Partnership of the Year Award will highlight UK HE or FE institutions that actively engage with China and contribute to UK-China collaboration, raising awareness of their success among audiences in both countries.

Award criteria:

  • Eligibility: Restricted to UK higher and further education institutions listed on the UKVI Register of Licensed Sponsors (Tier 4).
  • Nominations: Must be endorsed by a Vice-Chancellor or College.
  • Judging: A three-step process, fully audited by KPMG, involves an independent judging panel and public voting (which contributes 10% to the final score)​.

Judges will look for evidence of:

  • A partnership that has made a significant impact across areas like teaching, graduate employability, and student experience.
  • Long-term collaborations aimed at sustainable cooperation.
  • Enhanced international profiles for UK institutions and the Chinese partners, and has contributed to the Chinese partner’s international engagement.
  • Contributions to local and regional development in both the UK and China​.

Key dates for 2024:

  • Applications open: 24 July 2024
  • Applications close: 26 September 2024
  • Finalist announced: 23 October 2024
  • Award Ceremony and Gala Dinner: 21 November 2024

Previous Winners:

  • 2022: University of Edinburgh
  • 2020: Queen’s University Belfast
  • 2018: University of Edinburgh
  • 2016: University of Nottingham (Ningbo)

 

 

UK institutions are invited to submit their application for the Education Partnership of the Year Award at https://britishbusinessawards.org/ by 26 September 2024​.