A roundtable on industrial cooperation and investment matchmaking between Chinese and British businesses highlighted opportunities for collaboration in innovation, energy transition, and technology, with support from both governments to strengthen bilateral ties and explore shared prospects for growth.

by Xinhua writer Gao Wencheng

LONDON, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- A roundtable on industrial cooperation and investment matchmaking held here this week brought together a Chinese business delegation from Beijing and British business representatives for collaboration.

"From the United Kingdom, we have an extraordinary group," said Jack Perry, chairman of the 48 Group, organizer of the event, highlighting that leaders from finance, energy, healthcare, consumer brands, professional services, academia and the advanced technology area were in attendance.

"These are companies that have transformed how people access clean power, redefined global retail and branding, built world-class healthcare services, pioneered next-generation batteries and storage, launched fintech platforms, and developed AI technology with global impact," he said.

Across the table, Chinese companies specializing in energy, investment, consumer goods, digital technology and culture brought fresh opportunities for cooperation. "We are here not for ceremony, but to create partnerships and deliver results," Perry said.

INNOVATION LEADERSHIP

Why are these Chinese partners so attractive to British businesses? The answer lies in innovation.

"It is China's leadership of the energy transition," said Christopher Fitzgerald, group director for international affairs at Octopus Energy.

As Britain's largest energy supplier, Octopus Energy has already acted on this conviction. This year, it joined Chinese automaker BYD to launch Britain's first vehicle-to-grid bundle that offers users "free charging" through smart charge-discharge technology and rebates.

According to Fitzgerald, the company also sources high-quality products from China and works with local partners in the energy transition. "China is at the forefront of innovation and international collaboration," Fitzgerald said, adding, "We want to learn from you, partner with you."

Matt Jackson, head of KPMG's UK-China business, has visited China four times this year. "China's development speed often makes you wonder: are we falling behind, or is China just running too fast?" he said.

"I've met with amazing companies, amazing people, as well as amazing innovation and technology," Jackson said. He recalled that the KPMG set up its UK-China business desk two decades ago and has since witnessed China's expanding pull, from capital entering British infrastructure, Chinese banks in London's financial hub, to today's tech collaborations.

Many of the key industries recently identified by Britain share natural synergies with China, Jackson noted. "The UK is welcoming Chinese investment. In many of these sectors, Chinese technology is already ahead of the game, and KPMG stands ready to support Chinese companies entering the British market."

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

Meanwhile, Jackson acknowledged that compared with China's rapid growth, Britain sometimes lags in engaging. "I often fear that we don't do ourselves justice as a country in reciprocating. But here today we have some of the UK's best companies, and we have the support of the government. We have the support of the UK's financial services," he said.

Such support was visible at the event. Hugh de Lusignan, head of financial services at the British Department for Business and Trade, stressed the importance of companies "getting on with business" and ensuring trade interactions keep moving forward.

He noted that Britain's financial services, insurance and foreign exchange markets help companies connect globally, build resilience and expand. "We want to develop that and make sure that companies from around the world can benefit," he said.

Lusignan also cited British Secretary of State for Business and Trade Peter Kyle's recent visit to China as "a very strong signal that more trade with the UK is welcome."

In a separate interview, Steven Lynch, director of international trade at the British Chambers of Commerce, told Xinhua that "this has not been a token visit, but part of a wider government push to re-engage, rebuilding political relationships, overcoming market access barriers, and unlocking deals worth hundreds of millions."

SHARED PROSPECTS

Beyond economics, China's cultural and brand charms are reshaping global perceptions.

David Roth, CEO of The Store, global retail practice of WPP, a British multinational advertising and public relations company, has tracked global development trends for years. His team's research shows China ranks highly in entrepreneurship and innovation. "China is now seen at number eight in terms of entrepreneurship, which is a significant increase over the years, and number three for being innovative," he said.

"More importantly, it is about the global rise of Chinese brands," Roth said. "Brands, and in particular Chinese brands, have an amazing contribution to make in defining and changing how 'Brand China' is seen. Technology, climate innovation, digital transformation, those core attributes will have a defining way, especially by the new emerging younger consumers."

A small gift from Beijing's Chaoyang District, hosting the Chinese companies, drove the point home. The Chinese guests brought along Labubu blind boxes from Pop Mart, a trendy toy brand now popular worldwide. British entrepreneurs eagerly opened the boxes to experience the appeal of Chinese consumer brands.

Wu Xiaojie, secretary of the Chaoyang District Committee of the Communist Party of China, highlighted the district's strengths in investment, innovation and cultural vibrancy. "With sound industrial policies, top-notch business services, and an open and inclusive outlook, we are ready to work with all of you to draw a new picture of China-Britain cooperation," Wu said.

For Timothy Hailes, who will serve as the lord mayor of the City of London from November 2026, the event spotlighted shared prospects. "There are huge opportunities here for these companies from the United Kingdom and from China to collaborate and succeed together. The prospects for win-win cooperation are evident," he said.■