Introducing Anna Crona - SCC's new Business Service Manager

23 April 2019

Jonas Eklund

We are happy to introduce Anna Crona, the new Business Service Manager at the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the United Kingdom. Anna will improve the business services already offered by the SCC as well as introduce a number of new ones, such as the 'London Bootcamp' and the 'Growth Readiness Programme. In this interview, originally published in our April issue of the LINK, she tells us why she decided to join the Chamber and what she will bring to the table.

Welcome to the Chamber, Anna. Can you tell us a bit about your background?

I have extensive experience in marketing, brand strategy, concept development and communication with IKEA. I have worked with global concept and communication development and I have been responsible for IKEA’s web development and internationalisation of the brand online. Last, I was Marketing Director UK and Ireland. Together with my team, we ran all parts of marketing and communication, ranging from store solutions to campaigns. After 25 years I left IKEA and established a Swedish creative digital production company, Stopp, in the UK market together with a partner. I have also been working independently as Advisor and Non-Executive Director.

What made you decide to join the Chamber as the new Business Service Manager?

I missed the operational side of building, growing a business and being part of a dedicated team. I saw the unique opportunity to be able to contribute to establish and grow Swedish and British businesses, a great combination of the two countries that I consider being my home(s). I also saw a great fit for my experience and interest in entrepreneurship and tech development. The Chamber is such a great platform to nurture innovative companies, support with tools, guides and provide valuable connections to support their focus and growth.  

The Business Service Manager position is new to the Chamber. What will be your main focus and how will you develop the range of services offered?

The Chamber has of course served companies before with market research, ‘starting up a company in UK’, matchmaking, delegation visits, etc. What we are doing now is organising ourselves, clarifying our offer and sharpening the services. We will be more focused on the areas where we see the strongest need and where we see that the Chamber has an important role to play. We see not only ‘Starting up in the UK’ as part of this focus but also mentorship and training programmes for acceleration and inspiration, such as our upcoming ’Growth Readiness Mentorship Programme’ for start-ups. And of course, serving our British clients looking for connections and support in taking a product and company into the Swedish market.