CBBC’s Flagship UK-China Spring Business Forum Returns to London, Convening Close to 200 Business Leaders
We welcomed distinguished speakers from government, think tanks, academia and business who came together to explore how shifting global dynamics and China’s evolving economic priorities are reshaping both opportunities and challenges for the UK’s engagement with China.
The forum was followed by CBBC’s Spring Reception where guests had the opportunity to network with members of the UK-China business community.
Opening the forum, Sir Sebastian Wood KCMG, Chair, CBBC emphasised the importance of sustained engagement in an increasingly complex global landscape marked by geopolitical tensions and trade fragmentation. He stated: “Staying open is the right response to increased protectionism,” and highlighted current conditions as “a historic opportunity for engagement,” noting strong alignment between China’s latest policy direction and UK growth priorities.
In his keynote address, Sir Chris Bryant MP, Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade and Member of Parliament for Rhondda and Ogmore underscored the importance of maintaining constructive economic ties with China despite geopolitical challenges. He noted: “More than ever, we need free and fair trade… we are clear-eyed about where we need to collaborate and compete.” He also pointed to renewed bilateral mechanisms and government engagement as practical steps to “end the ice age in UK-China relations,” and to create clearer pathways for addressing business concerns.
H.E. Ambassador Zheng Zeguang, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the United Kingdom highlighted China’s continued commitment to high-quality development, modernisation and further opening-up. He called on both countries to “roll up our sleeves and double down on cooperation” and uphold mutual respect, mutual benefit, openness and inclusiveness,” emphasising the importance of stable and constructive bilateral relations. He noted that UK-China trade now exceeds £120 billion annually and pointed to significant untapped potential across sectors including services, green development, medicine and healthcare, and cultural and creative industries.
A fireside chat with Martin Wolf, Chief Economics Commentator, The Financial Times moderated by Sir David Quarrey, Group Head of Public Affairs, HSBC, explored China’s role in a rapidly changing global landscape. Martin Wolf described the current environment as “an era of disorder,” shaped by shifting power dynamics and economic uncertainty, while highlighting China’s “genuinely astonishing” technological progress. Whilst there are real structural challenges facing the Chinese economy, it also remains a major engine of innovation with significant implications for the global economy. Reflecting on future opportunities, he added: “China is too big an opportunity to ignore.”
A panel on Global Perspectives examined how businesses can respond to shifting geopolitical and economic dynamics. Guests heard from Janet Henry, Global Chief Economist, HSBC, Andrew Cainey, Senior Associate Fellow, International Security, The Royal United Services Institute, Dr Yu Jie, Senior Research Fellow on China, Asia-Pacific Programme, Chatham House and Dr John Minnich, Assistant Professor in International Political Economy, LSE in a session moderated by Andrew Seaton, Vice President, China-Britain Business Council.
The speakers agreed that current global changes are “deeply structural,” driven by rising nationalism, strategic competition, and China’s growing economic and technological strength. And while this period of disruption presents challenges, it may also lead to a new equilibrium over time.
Panellists highlighted China’s expanding role across the Global South, where trade and investment ties are strengthening at pace. China’s global engagement was described as increasingly proactive, with emerging markets set to play a central role in its future growth. At the same time, intensifying US–China technological competition and varied approaches across Europe underscore the complexity of the global landscape, requiring businesses to navigate opportunities alongside evolving challenges.
The final panel on China Opportunities focused on practical pathways for UK engagement, highlighting strong complementarities between the two economies. Guests heard from Cathryn Law, Director for China, Development and Market Access (CDMA), Department for Business and Trade, Shaun Grady, Chair, AstraZeneca UK, Ian Plummer, Chief Customer Officer, Autotrader and Councillor Nick Small, Cabinet Member for Growth & Economy, and City Councillor, Liverpool City Council in a session moderated by Alan Vallance, Chief Executive, ICAEW. The speakers emphasised China’s scale and pace of change - “the scale is different, the speed is different” - as well as its growing role as a source of innovation, particularly in life sciences and advanced manufacturing. China was described as “a phenomenal source of innovation” and a key partner for future growth.
Panellists pointed to significant opportunities for UK firms across sectors including consumer markets, automotive, education, and clean energy, supported by two-way investment and continued market opening. The rise of Chinese brands internationally, particularly in electric vehicles, was noted as a major trend reshaping global competition.
Looking ahead, speakers emphasised the importance of long-term collaboration, people-to-people exchange, and building “China literacy” to unlock future opportunities. Partnerships grounded in trust and mutual benefit were seen as essential to navigating complexity and delivering sustainable growth in UK-China relations.
The conference finished with a final fireside chat with Alex Schoch, Group Director of Flexibility and Electrification, Octopus Energy and Horatio Evers, CEO, Ming Yang Europe. The discussion was moderated by Peter Burnett OBE BBS, Chief Executive, CBBC.
The speakers highlighted the role of joint innovation in accelerating the energy transition and enhancing affordability. “Together we have one aim – we want to reduce prices and promote electrification.” The discussion also underscored the importance of addressing issues such as supply chain resilience and data security as part of long-term cooperation.
The event closed with CBBC’s Spring Reception, offering attendees further opportunities to exchange insights, strengthen connections, and reinforce collaboration across the UK-China business community over canapés and refreshments.
For more enquiries about the event please email Arman.Fazileh@cbbc.org.
