London, 28 November 2025 – The British-Slovenian Chamber of Commerce held its 7th Christmas Gala at the Institute of Directors in London, bringing together more than 150 guests from business, politics, diplomacy, and the Slovenian diaspora. The Gala has become a signature occasion in the Chamber’s calendar, combining festive spirit with opportunities to deepen business links between the two countries.

In their remarks, our CEO Barbara Uranjek Kozina, Chairman Luka Vesnaver, and Vice Chairman Miha Košak stressed that the Gala has become an important venue for connecting leaders across borders and sectors, and a reflection of shared spirit, vision, and joy. The evening’s program was once again moderated by Mart D. Buh, Business Development Manager at the Chamber.

The keynote speaker Meira Hot, Vice President of the National Assembly and President of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with the UK, reminded guests that people and long-term partnerships sit at the heart of ties between Slovenia and the UK. In the name of the Law Firm Rojs, Peljhan, Prelesnik & Partners, a long-standing partner of the Gala, Robert Prelesnik also addressed the audience.

The Gala brought together a wide range of prominent business leaders, including Janez Škrabec, Managing Director of Riko, which has supported the Gala since its very first edition in 2017; Imre Balogh, President of the Management Board of Hranilnica Lon; Igo Gruden, Member of the Management Board of Hranilnica Lon; Vita Godec, Managing Director of Lenis Farmacevtika; Marko Lukić, Owner and CEO of Lumar; and many others.

This year also marked closer cooperation with the British Business Chamber Croatia (BBCC), with several Croatian guests joining the celebration, including Paul Suchar, President of the BBCC; Tomislav Mesić, Board Member at Ledo Plus; and Daniel Nevidal, Chief Executive Director of InterCapital.

A considerable part of the Gala audience came from leading Slovenian business associations and networks, including members of the YES business association, led by Managing Director Jure Prinčič, the Managers’ Association of Slovenia, represented by Executive Director Petra Juvančič, and the Association VTIS, represented by its President, Bojana Selinšek.

For many guests, the Gala rounded off a busy week in the UK. In the days before the event, they took part in the Chamber’s Business Delegation to Oxford and London and attended the BSCC Business Conference at PwC, where SPIRIT Slovenia reached an important milestone by signing a new Memorandum of Understanding with the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce. The Director of SPIRIT Slovenia Tamara Zajec Balažič, and Deputy Director Nataša Kos, joined us in London for the occasion.

Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed fine dining, live music, and sparkling wine by Penine Istenič, which added a distinctive Slovenian note to the London setting.

A sincere thank you goes to the partners who supported this year’s Gala: Rojs, Peljhan, Prelesnik & Partners as Crown Partner, A Tax International as Diamond Partner, and Riko as Gold Partner.

Photo highlights from the Gala are available here.