The British-Colombian Chamber of Commerce has been crowned International Chamber of the Year at the British Chambers of Commerce Chamber Awards 2026.
The Chamber Awards are a highlight of the business calendar, celebrating the people and organisations that strengthen the Chamber Network and help companies grow and prosper.
This year’s awards have been organised with support by Quest. It provides outsourced HR, health and safety, employment law and business compliance support to organisations across the UK.
BritCham Colombia was recognised for its BritCham Academy, a flagship platform bringing together webinars, professional training, sustainability awards, trade missions and education fairs. In three years, the Academy has trained more than 7,000 people from 2,200 companies, with 33 training programmes delivered last year.
The Academy has extended specialist training to underserved regions, including an in-person programme in Leticia in the Amazon, and 60% of participants have been women.
Its commercial model combines public funding, sponsorship and event income. Since its launch, Chamber affiliations have increased by 13.72%, while two UK Education Fairs in 2025 attracted more than 1,000 participants and connected them with 26 British universities.
On receiving the award, Santiago Uribe, the Chamber’s Executive Director, said:
“We’re delighted to be named International Chamber of the Year and proud that the impact of BritCham Academy has been recognised in this way. Our ambition has been to give businesses and professionals across Colombia access to high-quality skills, knowledge and international opportunities, while creating even stronger commercial and educational links with the UK.”
Michael Hayman MBE, Chair of the British Chambers of Commerce said:
“BritCham Colombia has created an ambitious and inclusive platform that delivers clear value for members and the wider economy. Its Academy is widening access to skills, supporting innovation and strengthening commercial links between Colombia and the UK. Its scale, reach and sustainable model make it a worthy International Chamber of the Year.”
Des Shaw, CEO of Quest, said:
“BritCham Colombia has demonstrated how a Chamber can combine commercial strength with meaningful social impact. The Academy’s reach, quality and focus on inclusion are highly impressive, and its results speak for themselves. Quest is proud to support this award and congratulates the team.”