Official Partners
Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire is a world-leading hub for science and technology. Spanning 700 acres, it hosts over 240 organisations and 6,000 professionals working across sectors such as Space, Clean Energy, Life Sciences, and Quantum Computing. With institutions like the European Space Agency and Diamond Light Source on site, Harwell is a key driver of UK innovation and a strategic partner in the Thames Valley Chamber’s World Expo 2025 Osaka programme.
Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce (TVCC) has strengthened its international ties with Japan through the…
The Chamber is leading a trade mission to Osaka, to develop new connections, trade and…
Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce that Harwell Science and Innovation Campus…
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) proudly announces the launch of the "J-Startup…
First Light Fusion, the world’s leading inertial fusion company, hosted a delegation from the Japanese…
JETRO London, together with Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Embassy of Japan in…
The Chamber recently launched their Osaka Expo 2025 programme of activity, at Konami Digital Entertainment B.V in…
The Department of International Trade has released the full operational services for the World Expo…
Day One – Trade Mission to Osaka
Our Trade Mission to Osaka began with an inspiring first day, hosted by METI Kansai and Mission Official Partners, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus.
Delegates from Velocys, Sulnox Group PLC, Content Guru, Neutreeno and the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) were welcomed at METI Kansai by Director-General Mr. Kazushige Nobutani, alongside remarks from British Deputy Consul General, Matthew Ellis, and TVCC Chief Executive, Paul Britton.
The day continued with an in-depth visit to the University of Osaka, including presentations on innovation and start-up creation, followed by company insights from Microwave Chemical Co., Ltd. Afternoon visits to Kanadevia Corporation and Keihanna Science City offered tours, networking and engaging discussions on cutting-edge technology, AI, and research initiatives.
It was a packed schedule of introductions, insights and collaborations, setting the stage for a dynamic and productive Trade Mission.
Day Two – Kyoto
With support from our Mission Official Partners, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, day two of the Trade Mission took us to Kyoto for a full schedule of business engagement and cultural discovery.
Hosted by SME Support Japan and Kyoto Research Park, delegates took part in tailored B2B matchmaking sessions, supported by expert advisors specialising in international collaboration. A special thank you to Mr. Satoshi Uchida, Director of the Matching Support Department at SME Support Japan, and his team for their warm welcome and excellent organisation.
In the afternoon, the group explored some of Kyoto’s most iconic sights, including the UNESCO World Heritage Tenryu-Ji Temple, the Sogenchi Garden, and the famous Bamboo Forest – an inspiring way to round off another successful day of connections and insights.
Day Three – Osaka
A huge thank you to the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) for hosting the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce delegation on a truly memorable day in Osaka.
The highlight of the programme was the signing of a new Memorandum of Agreement between OCCI and TVCC, marking the 10-year anniversary of our first MOU together, a proud milestone and a celebration of our enduring partnership.
Delegates then joined the UK Day Business Forum Seminar, expertly organised by OCCI. Paul Britton delivered a keynote address, while David Williams and Masako Eguchi-Bacon took part in panel discussions, exchanging perspectives with Japanese businesses on innovation and future collaboration.
The day concluded with B2B matchmaking sessions, coordinated by SME Support Japan, giving delegates the opportunity to explore new partnerships and deepen connections across the Kansai region.
A day of milestones, meaningful dialogue, and strengthened ties between the UK and Japan.
Day Four – Expo 2025, Osaka Kansai
Our Trade Mission concluded with an inspiring final day at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai, showcasing global innovation, sustainability, and creativity.
Delegates were warmly welcomed at the UK Pavilion by Commissioner General for the UK, Carolyn Davidson, before exploring the Japan Pavilion with Kanadevia, including a tour of their biogas plant transforming site waste into clean energy. Other highlights included the Pasona Natureverse Pavilion, featuring a miniature beating heart grown from iPS cells, and the Future City Pavilion, presenting Japan’s bold vision for Society 5.0 – a human-centred future powered by technology.
The day ended in spectacular fashion with the Show of Water and Air, generously hosted by Mr. Shingo Torii, Chair of the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Vice Chair of Suntory Holdings.
This remarkable finale capped an unforgettable week in Osaka and Kansai – celebrating 10 years of partnership, forging new collaborations, and experiencing the very best of Japanese innovation and hospitality.