New Trade Network Model Wins Global Chamber Award
Business leaders should note how high-frequency networking and youth programs are now central to modernizing global trade chambers.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Financial Services
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Mark Surgenor, CEO of HSBC in Sri Lanka, has received the 2026 British Chambers of Commerce International President's Award. The recognition honors his efforts to modernize chamber operations and deepen commercial ties between the United Kingdom and Sri Lanka.
Why it matters
The award highlights a strategic shift toward high-frequency networking and youth engagement as a model for international trade organizations. This approach effectively converts traditional chamber functions into active platforms for commercial insight and practical deal-making.
The award recognizes a tenure involving 19 forums and events that engaged more than 200 member organizations across a network that operates in 75 countries.
The players
Mark Surgenor
The current CEO of HSBC in Sri Lanka who also serves on HSBC boards in Indonesia and Australia.
British Chambers of Commerce
A business support network with operations in 75 countries that facilitates international trade and policy advocacy.
Council for Business with Britain
An organization in Sri Lanka that promotes commercial and economic links between the UK and the local market.
The details
Surgenor transitioned the Council for Business with Britain in Sri Lanka from a traditional advocacy body into a functional platform for access and commercial connections. By launching CBB NextGen, he established a formal pipeline for younger professionals to contribute to the organization. This strategy integrates high-level networking with structured professional development to bridge bilateral business gaps.
Timeline
August 2024 to June 2026: Mark Surgenor held 19 forums and events.
2026: Mark Surgenor received the International President's Award.
Market Landscape
This recognition follows a broader trend within the British Chambers of Commerce to modernize its international network across 75 countries. The work in Sri Lanka marks a departure from traditional advocacy toward a model focused on high-frequency commercial connectivity.
Operators in international markets should evaluate their own networking strategies to determine if they are currently accessing sufficient, high-quality commercial data. Shifting from periodic meetings to active platforms for junior professionals may help expand access to new market insights.
The takeaway
Surgenor's model demonstrates that modernizing trade links requires actively recruiting younger talent to keep business networks dynamic. Business leaders should consider integrating a formal next-generation component into their industry partnerships to ensure long-term relevance.
Further reading
For more on industry modernization, see the Financial Services section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Belfast News Letter.
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