The British-Polish Business Awards returned in 2026 for their second edition. The official Gala marked continuation of an initiative dedicated to recognising outstanding achievements and fostering strong economic ties between the United Kingdom and Poland.
Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, the Awards have rapidly gained recognition as a key platform for showcasing excellence in investment, innovation and cross-border cooperation.
Held on 28 May 2026, this year’s Gala brought together prominent representatives of business and government to celebrate organisations and individuals whose contributions are helping to shape a dynamic and forward-looking UK-Poland economic partnership.
The Awards are organised by the British Embassy in Warsaw and the British-Polish Chamber of Commerce (BPCC), whose ongoing collaboration supports the development and growing impact of this initiative. The 2026 edition was supported by media partners: TVN24 BIS and Puls Biznesu.
Winning Business in Poland
BP POLAND
bp is one of the leading international energy companies in Poland, with a presence spanning over three decades and a wide network of fuel stations, retail services, and energy solutions. The company operates across fuel and mobility services, while contributing to Poland’s economy and supporting the transition towards more sustainable energy systems.
Why were they chosen?
For 35 years, bp has been a strategic contributor to Poland's economy and energy security. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, bp played a critical role in safeguarding Poland's fuel supplies through crude oil supply agreements with ORLEN, helping to replace Russian imports and stabilise the market during a period of acute disruption. To date, bp has invested PLN 5.5 billion in Poland and contributed PLN 15 billion in taxes, while supporting around 10,000 jobs directly and indirectly. Its nationwide network of more than 570 service stations underpins Poland's role as a key EU logistics hub, while ongoing investment in EV charging infrastructure, biofuels and sustainable aviation fuel supports long term resilience and competitiveness.
Winning Business in the UK
PANATTONI
Panattoni is one of the world’s leading industrial real estate developers, specialising in the delivery of modern logistics and warehouse facilities across Europe and globally. In Poland, the company plays a key role in supporting supply chains and economic growth by developing high-quality, build to suit and sustainable industrial spaces.
Why were they chosen?
This award recognises Panattoni for its outstanding foreign direct investment into the UK and its long term commitment to strengthening the country's logistics and industrial infrastructure. The UK is central to Panattoni's global growth strategy, with well over £1 billion of overseas capital invested.
A flagship example is Panattoni Park Swindon, a £900 million development set to become one of Europe's largest logistics parks and to support thousands of jobs. Together with major investments in Kent and Aylesford, all delivered to net zero carbon standards, Panattoni's sustained investment, regeneration and environmental leadership represent a strong vote of confidence in the UK.
Polish Investor of the Year
PRESS GLASS HOLDING SA
Press Glass Holding S.A. is a leading manufacturer of processed flat glass for the construction industry, supplying advanced glazing solutions for windows, façades, and interior applications. With operations across multiple international markets, the company plays an important role in delivering high quality, energy efficient glass products that support modern and sustainable building design.
Why were they chosen?
Press Glass is recognised for its long term commitment to the UK economy, demonstrated by the opening of its 23,000 square metre state of the art factory in Port Talbot in 2025. This landmark investment builds on more than a decade of sustained growth in the UK, during which Press Glass has expanded organically and through acquisitions to establish four production sites in Port Talbot, Peterborough, Cumbernauld and Barnsley, employing over 1,000 people nationwide. The Port Talbot project safeguards existing jobs, creates new roles and sets new industry standards through advanced automation and sustainable manufacturing solutions. Ranking among the UK's leading manufacturers of insulated glass units, Press Glass continues to strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity and makes a lasting contribution to the UK construction sector as an exemplary Polish investor.
Find out more about the company
UK Investor of the Year
Rolls-Royce
Rolls Royce plc is a leading British engineering company specialising in the design, manufacture, and servicing of advanced power and propulsion systems for aerospace, defence, and energy applications. Through its global operations, the company delivers mission critical technologies that power aircraft, naval systems, and energy infrastructure around the world.
Why were they chosen?
Rolls Royce has made a major, long term British investment that strengthens Poland's position as a hub for high value business services and advanced engineering. The Global Capability Centre launched in Kraków in December 2025 is creating a European hub for finance, procurement, HR, data analytics and project management, already employing over 120 highly skilled professionals and set to grow further. Beyond services, Rolls Royce is a strategic partner for Poland's economy and security: supporting aerospace manufacturing through its Aero Gearbox joint venture; powering energy security and critical infrastructure, contributing to defence capability; and underpinning national connectivity through LOT Polish Airlines. This breadth and depth of engagement exemplify a world class UK investor in Poland.
British-Polish Collaboration
Polish Armaments Group (PGZ)
Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) is the largest defence industry holding in Poland and one of the leading groups in Europe, bringing together dozens of companies delivering advanced equipment and systems for armed forces and security services. The Group develops and manufactures a wide range of technologies – from armoured vehicles and artillery to electronics and air defence systems – supporting national security and cooperating with international partners.
BAE Systems
BAE Systems is a leading UK defence, aerospace, and security company providing advanced, technology led solutions across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains. Working with governments and partners worldwide, the company develops, engineers, and supports systems that enhance military capability, protect national security, and safeguard critical infrastructure. In Poland BAE Systems has a significant presence in Poznań as part of its Digital Intelligence business, focused on cyber security, data analytics, and advanced IT solutions for governments, defence, and commercial clients - working on areas like cyber defence, communications intelligence, and large scale data analysis.
Why were they chosen?
BAE Systems and Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) exemplify a high impact UK–Poland industrial partnership delivering tangible outcomes for national and European security. Their landmark cooperation on the production of 155 mm ammunition brings together UK technological expertise and Polish industrial capability to significantly strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity in Poland at a time of heightened demand. Underpinned by a Strategic Partnership Agreement, the collaboration reflects a shared long term commitment to joint industrial development, technology transfer, and skills enhancement across the defence sector. Developed through an intensive year long collaborative process, the partnership has established a strong platform for future joint programmes and export opportunities. By aligning complementary strengths, scale and ambition, BAE Systems and PGZ have created a partnership that materially reinforces European defence resilience and marks a major step forward in UK–Poland defence and industrial cooperation.
Leadership Award
Anna Rulkiewicz, LUX MED
Anna Rulkiewicz is President of the Management Board of LUX MED, part of UK’s BUPA Group, and a respected leader in Poland’s healthcare sector, with many years of experience in developing private medical services.
Why were they chosen?
Anna Rulkiewicz is a standout example of strategic, values driven leadership in Polish healthcare. As CEO of LUX MED since 2007, she built Poland's largest private healthcare platform, integrating hospitals, outpatient care, diagnostics, and insurance to serve around 3 million patients annually. She has led sector wide digital transformation, large scale prevention and corporate health programmes, and initiatives promoting mental health, workplace wellbeing, and women's leadership. Through senior advisory, supervisory and policy roles, she actively shapes Poland's health system and social dialogue. Her sustained impact, scale of delivery and commitment to patient centred innovation make her a unique and influential leader in Poland and the wider CEE region.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Michael Dembinski
Michael Dembinski is an acclaimed expert on UK-Poland economic relations and Chief Advisor to the British-Polish Chamber of Commerce. For many years Michael has been actively engaged in strengthening business relations between the United Kingdom and Poland.
Why were they chosen?
Michael Dembinski has exerted a lasting influence on UK–Poland trade relations as a leading advocate, analyst, and policy interlocutor. Over more than two decades at the British Polish Chamber of Commerce, he has supported hundreds of companies, shaped the bilateral business agenda, and contributed to UK-Poland policy dialogue on trade, investment, and regulatory issues. A trusted adviser to business leaders and public institutions, he is widely cited on economic trends and market developments, helping inform decision making on both sides. His continuity, credibility and deep understanding of both markets have made him a central figure in building trust, resilience and long term partnership between the UK and Poland.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy
Our modern Industrial Strategy is making it quicker and easier to do business in the UK.
The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy is our ten-year plan to strengthen infrastructure, reduce costs for businesses and simplify regulation, providing the stability and ease you need to make long-term investment decisions.
With a highly skilled workforce and unrivalled global business connectivity, the UK provides an ideal location to scale, invest and grow your business. Access the G7’s lowest corporation tax, generous R&D tax credits and 100% capital allowance expensing.
The economic partnership between the United Kingdom and Poland is stronger today than ever before. The second edition of the UK–Poland Business Awards demonstrates how dynamically and on multiple fronts our cooperation is developing — from growing direct investment and trade to joint initiatives in energy transition, new technologies, and security. The recipients of these awards perfectly illustrate the ambition and potential of our cooperation.
Dame Melinda Simmons
His Majesty’s Ambassador to Poland
The UK's Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is a specialised government body with responsibility for negotiating international trade policy, supporting business, as well as delivering an outward-looking trade diplomacy strategy. DBT is in close partnership with regional investment and economic development agencies in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland means it is well placed to be the gateway to help global businesses achieve their investment objectives in all parts of the UK.
Our team at the British Embassy in Warsaw is well equipped to guide you on your journey to invest in the UK. We offer free and confidential advice and services to inward investors, giving new investors the confidence to invest and helping existing inward investors to expand and grow.
