Winners Announced for the UK-China Business Awards 2026

King's College London, Silverstream, Clan Healthcare and the Royal Shakespeare Company were amongst the winners at the inaugural UK-China Business Awards.

Businesses and organisations were shortlisted across eight different categories: Exporter of the Year, Most Innovative Company of the Year, Professional Advisory of the Year, Marketing Campaign of the Year, Graduate Employability Initiative of the Year, Cultural Partnership of the Year, Chinese Corporate in the UK, and UK Corporate in China. 

Clan Healthcare won the award for Exporter of the Year, which was sponsored by Pilgrim’s Europe. This award celebrated UK companies that have demonstrated exceptional success in exporting to China: showcasing exporters that exemplify excellence in international trade and set the benchmark for UK-China business success. Clan Healthcare, founded in 2021 by Amy Duan, exports UK-manufactured supplements to China. Leveraging expertise in healthcare and biotech, it develops bespoke products for the Chinese market. Rapid growth, strong revenues, and regulatory approvals position it as a rising UK-China health and wellness exporter.

Recognising a UK or Chinese business that has demonstrated outstanding innovation within the UK-China business landscape. The Most Innovative Company of the Year award went to Silverstream. Silverstream Technologies is a London-based maritime clean-tech company specialising in hull air lubrication systems that reduce vessel fuel use and emissions by 5-10%. Working with China since 2016, it has built strong shipyard partnerships, established a Shanghai office, and secured over 150 vessels in service and many more on order. 

Sponsored by Invest HK, the Professional Advisory of the Year award was won by PwC. This award celebrated an advisory firm that has provided exceptional guidance and expertise to support UK-China business success. PwC is a leading global professional services firm with 23,000 UK staff and 17,000 across Greater China. It has one of the longest established China Business Practices in the market, operating continuously for over 20 years. PwC has been a constant partner to UK and Chinese businesses through cycles of growth, uncertainty and structural change. 

Honouring marketing initiatives that have resonated with Chinese audiences through cultural relevance, creative strength and clear audience response, the Marketing Campaign of the Year award went to the University of Glasgow. The University of Glasgow, founded in 1451, is a leading research institution and Russell Group member with a long-standing China relationship since the 19th century. It engages Chinese audiences through digital platforms, delivering high-impact marketing, student recruitment, and academic collaboration across Weibo, WeChat, Bilibili and RedNote. 

Recognising a university or organisation which has demonstrated exceptional commitment to preparing Chinese graduates for successful, meaningful careers, the Graduate Employability Initiative of the Year award was won by King's College London. With over 6,800 Chinese students, King’s has the fifth largest Chinese student population of any British university. It collaborates with Chinese universities, runs exchanges, and launched a joint medical school with SUSTech in Shenzhen. King’s also supports students through its Lau China Institute and Careers in China programme.

The award for Cultural Partnership of the Year celebrated partnerships that brings the UK and China closer together through the power of culture, the arts, the creative industries, and sport. The winner was Royal Shakespeare Company and Education in Motion. Founded in 1961, the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) is a world-leading theatre company using performance and education to inspire creativity and connection globally. Through a decade-long partnership with Education in Motion, the RSC has engaged over 2,000 students annually across nine schools in China, delivering teacher training, artist residencies, and Shakespeare festivals. 

Sponsored by ACCA, the award for Chinese Corporate in the UK spotlighted the efforts of Chinese companies which have made significant contributions to the UK economy and business community. The award went to Westwell - founded in 2015 in Shanghai, Westwell develops AI-driven autonomous logistics systems combining software and hardware. Operating in over 30 countries, it supports ports including the Port of Felixstowe. Incorporating its UK company in 2026, it continues to advance smart, low-carbon global supply chains.

Finally, Diageo won the award for UK Corporate in China. This award category celebrated UK companies that have moved beyond exporting to establish a sustained, on-the-ground presence in China. It acknowledges organisations that have embedded China into their long-term global strategy through local operations, investment and partnerships. Diageo, a global premium spirits leader with over 200 brands sold in 180 countries, has operated in China since 2002. With investments in a Shanghai R&D centre, a Shenzhen logistics hub, and a Yunnan distillery, it blends global expertise with local innovation, including baijiu. Diageo drives premiumisation, sustainability, and responsible drinking while meeting evolving Chinese consumer preferences.