The Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards has officially launched a new initiative aimed at fostering high-level insight, collaboration, and strategic discussion among the UK’s most influential business leaders.

Called The Excellence Exchange, the programme debuted on 15 May 2025 at Ten Trinity Square Private Club in London, in partnership with Vistage UK.

Positioned as a new chapter in the evolution of the British Business Excellence Awards, the Excellence Exchange is designed to go beyond recognition and celebration, creating a dedicated forum for peer-to-peer learning and reflection at the highest level of UK enterprise.

Hosted by Sarah Austin, Founder and Director of the Awards, alongside Juliet Morris and Rebecca Drew, Managing Director of Vistage UK, the inaugural event welcomed award-winning entrepreneurs, senior executives from the BBEA community, and Vistage Chairs from across the UK.

The launch featured candid roundtable discussions on key business topics, including the current market outlook, raising capital in a volatile climate, and sustainable growth strategies in a shifting economic landscape.

“The Excellence Exchange was born from a desire to spark real, unfiltered conversations among Britain’s business leaders,” said Sarah Austin. “It’s a space where challenges are shared, lessons are learned, and ideas are shaped — all in the spirit of excellence and enterprise.”

Held as an exclusive luncheon within the historic Ten Trinity Square — home to the Four Seasons Private Members Club — the event underscored the Awards’ commitment to building a community of leading business voices and delivering year-round impact beyond the annual ceremony.

“This is about more than recognition,” added Rebecca Drew. “It’s about helping leaders connect meaningfully, outside of the spotlight, and shaping the future of British business through honest conversation and collaboration.”

One of the event’s participants, Varun Bhanot, Co-founder and CEO of MAGIC AI and former BBEA award winner, described the event as a “space for reflection rather than recognition,” highlighting the value of revisiting the lessons that have emerged along the entrepreneurial journey.

The Excellence Exchange will continue to develop as a key element of the BBEA’s year-round programme, designed to support the UK’s business community through insight-led events, partnerships, and networking opportunities.