Chapter Zero Slovenia
Christmas Gala in London Reconnects Leading Political Decision-Makers and Business Leaders
London, 29 November 2024 - For the sixth consecutive year, the British-Slovenian Chamber of Commerce held its Christmas Gala in the heart of London, a highlight of the Chamber's social and business calendar. Traditionally, more than 170 distinguished guests from the worlds of business, politics and diplomacy gathered at the prestigious Institute of Directors. Once again, the event fulfilled its purpose - to bring together leading policy makers and business leaders, open doors to new business opportunities, and strengthen existing relations between Slovenia and the UK.
The Gala commenced with opening remarks by Barbara Uranjek, CEO of the Chamber, and Luka Vesnaver, Chairman of the Chamber, Member of the Supervisory Board of NLB and Director of ION Advisory. Steering the evening's program was Mart D. Buh, Business Development Manager at the Chamber, who made the evening an unforgettable one.
Among the distinguished guests of the evening were Marko Lotrič, President of the National Council of the Republic of Slovenia; Asta Vrečko, Minister of Culture; Lord German, Member of the House of Lords; and Robert Prelesnik, Managing Partner at Rojs, Peljhan, Prelesnik & Partners, each delivering a keynote speech underlining the importance of cooperation between the two countries. The event also welcomed Slovenian Ambassador to London, Sanja Štiglic, and British Ambassador to Ljubljana, Victoria Harrison, the first blind British Ambassador to be posted abroad. Both Ambassadors, who assumed their roles earlier this year, expressed their enthusiasm for the successful strengthening of Slovenian-British business ties. The evening was also attended by Nikolina Prah, State Secretary at the Ministry of Finance.
The Gala also drew a host of prominent business leaders. Among the attendees were Leon Korošec, Vice President of the Elan Group; Imre Balogh, President of the Management Board of Hranilnica Lon; Borut Čeh, Managing Director of Labena; Vita Godec, Managing Director of Lenis Farmacevtika; Marko Bombač, President of the Management Board of the Ljubljana Stock Exchange; Janez Škrabec, Managing Director of Riko; David Benedek, Member of the Management Board of Sava Re; Janez Kranjc, President of the Management Board of Prva Group; Petra Juvančič, Executive Director of the Managers' Association of Slovenia; and Nina Kojima, former London correspondent for RTV Slovenia, accompanied by her husband, Tosh Kojima, a renowned London financier.
The evening was further elevated by exceptional musical performances. Renowned Slovenian pianist Ermin Tkalec, based in London and a recipient of numerous national and international awards, delighted the audience with a selection of classical compositions. Adding to the atmosphere, a lively blues concert brought a relaxed and festive vibe.
A special thank you goes to the Gala's Gold Partner, Rojs, Peljhan, Prelesnik & Partners, and to the Gala Partner, A Tax International, who made the event possible.
Many attendees also used their visit to London as an opportunity to join the Chamber’s business delegation held in the days leading up to the Gala or to participate in the business conference "Next Steps in Strengthening UK-Slovenia Relations". The conference also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between SPIRIT Slovenia and the West London Chambers of Commerce. Learn more about the conference, organised by the British-Slovenian Chamber of Commerce and SPIRIT Slovenia at the London Stock Exchange, here.
Photo highlights from the Gala are available here.
