The British Chamber of Commerce in Japan

Citations

Best Local CSR Initiative -- Refugees International Japan

RIJ wins Best Local CSR Initiative in recognition of its impressive legacy in Japan of more than thirty year's continued operation--a remarkable feat considering it survives solely on private donations. The judges note that RIJ was not selected because of its mission of raising funds in Japan for targeted projects overseas which directly assist refugees or those internally displaced due to conflict. Although RIJ's work in this regard is a tremendous example of social responsibility, the judges chose RIJ as best local CSR initiative because it not only leads an excellent example as a socially responsible corporation under its CEO, British Citizen Jane Best's stewardship, but also in recognition of how RIJ has managed to generate CSR practice in Japan in its impressive engagement of both big and small corporates through its dynamic local fundraising and refugee advocacy initiatives.



Corporate Excellence --Oxford Instruments, K.K

Oxford instruments was selected out of a number of impressive nominations as demonstrating corporate excellence on the basis of its enduring and committed investment in Japan since the 1960's and its ability to generate market dependency on a number of its technologies in Japan. The judges were particularly impressed with Oxford Instruments' commitment to promoting scientific exchange between the UK and Japan, not only through strategic partnerships with Japanese companies, but also through the work of Oxford Instrument Japan's Millennium Science Forum and its annual Sir Martin Wood Prize awarded to young scientists who have performed outstanding and original research in a Japanese university or research institute in the field of condensed matter science (or otherwise known as "solid state physics"). Ultimately, the judges felt that Oxford Instrument's legacy and local reputation stands out as a model of corporate excellence for other British companies in Japan.



Corporate Innovation --Intralink, K.K

The Japan entity of British company Intralink is BCCJ corporate innovator for 2009 because its has succeeded in Japan as a result of its dynamic and innovative business model that has also enabled several other British companies to enter and flourish in the Japanese market. The judges felt that Intralink's business exemplifies corporate innovation in its ability to adapt a range of pre- and post-market entry services including opportunity assessments, partner selection and liaison office servicesto British companies seeking entry into Japan. The judges were also impressed by how Intralink has made a business that speaks to the aims of the BCCJ by fostering business links between Britain and Japan.



Best Entrepreneur-- Career Cross

British citizen Richard Bysouth is awarded BCCJ Best Entrepreneur in recognition of the success Career Cross, his online recruitment business for Japanese and English bilingual professionals. Richard's story and his development of Career Cross is an impressive example of a British entrepreneur achieving success in Japan. With little experience and virtually no capital, Richard saw opportunity in the advent of online recruitment and the relatively inactive bilingual recruitment market in Japan in the late '90's and developed a highly successful business that is relied upon by many of the big names in recruitment. The judges were also impressed by how his business provides and avenue for bilingual professionals to seek work in Japan and the UK alike.




The British Chamber of Commerce in Japan

Kenkyusha Eigo Centre Bldg, 1-2 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0825
www.bccjapan.com