Agenda

UK-China Business Forum 2024

1:30pm - Registration & Networking

2:00pm - Keynote Address

  • Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles KCMG LVO, Chair, China-Britain Business Council; Senior Adviser, HSBC Holdings plc

  • Bim Afolami, MP, Economic Secretary to the Treasury

  • H.E. Ambassador Zheng Zeguang, Chinese Ambassador to the United Kingdom

2:25pm - Opening Plenary: Setting the Scene 

The aim of the conference is to look at the realities of trade between the UK and China, including analysing the risks and rewards in year which promises significant change.  The plenary session will set the scene, looking at the current macro-economic situation, and considering the latest developments, particularly in terms of what it means for China – and for businesses working in China.

Our speakers have a wealth of experience working in and with the market, understanding the opportunities, as well the challenges.

  • Christopher Davies, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Continental Europe

  • Gordon Orr, Non-Executive Director of Swire Pacific, Meituan, Lenovo and EQT

  • Jinny Yan, Managing Director, ICBC Standard Bank

3:00pm - Panel Discussions (concurrent)

New Energy

China's central role in the energy transition can't be over-estimated. its industrial might is enabling cost reductions in the supply chain for renewable energy globally, which are crucial if the inflationary pressures that Europe has experienced in recent years are to be countered. And it's not just the scale of China's proposition, it's also the innovation that we are increasingly seeing in sectors such as energy storage and most evidently in NEVs, where Chinese brands are now world-leading.

The UK for its part remains a global leader in the deployment of pioneering financing of renewable infrastructure and at the cutting edge of advanced engineering in areas such as material science and floating offshore wind.

Stocked with experienced entrepreneurs who have found ways to harness the best of both countries' expertise, this panel will discuss how successful partnerships have been made possible and remain viable today. While the geo-politics of the day has caused challenges to many areas of UK-China trade and investment, the energy transition stands above them as a globally important endeavour that we can't afford not to embrace together.

  • Paul Taylor, Chief Advisor, CRRC Times Semiconductor Co. Ltd

  • Bill Ireland, CEO, Logan Energy

  • Yin Noe, Head of UK & EU, YRD Automotive Alliance

  • Eugene McKenna, Hydrogen and Sustainable Technologies Director, Johnson Matthey

  • James Brodie, Regional Director, Scotland, Commercial Director, Industrial, China-Britain Business Council (Moderator)

Managing your China Business

As the second largest global economy and, with Hong Kong, the UK’s second largest trading partner, many UK businesses see tremendous potential in the China market. Indeed, many have already found success, but that success requires understanding of, not only the opportunities in the Chinese market, but the challenges, too.

This session looks at how to manage a business in China, safely and sustainably. The speakers all have years of experience in the market, and will offer thoughts on the business environment and operational considerations, as well as current trends and advice on practical issues.

  • Duncan Levesley, Director, Public Services Advisory, Grant Thornton UK LLP

  • David Roth, CEO, The Store – WPP, Chairman BAV

  • Kristina Koehler-Coluccia, Head of Business Advisory, Woodburn Accountants & Advisors

  • Ben Rotheram, Director, Service Delivery, China, China-Britain Business Council (Moderator)

3:50pm - Coffee Break 

4:10pm - Panel Discussions (concurrent) 

Healthcare & Biosciences - Sponsored by Invest HK

Step into the future of healthcare with our panel discussion on innovation in China's healthcare and life sciences sector. Against the backdrop of China's rapid economic growth, sharp increases in funding, improvements in medical outcomes, and evolving demographics: the Chinese healthcare and pharmaceuticals markets have seen rapid advances over the past decade. This growth, along with China’s sophisticated digital infrastructure, has laid a fertile ground for innovation in healthcare and life sciences.

Join our panel of experts to learn more about how UK businesses are innovating and partnering in this market, discover the associated challenges and opportunities, and find out how competition is driving healthcare forward in one of the world’s most dynamic economies. 

  • Mark Hedley, Deputy Head, Investment Promotion, InvestHK

  • Sue Welburn, Vice Principal Global Access & Professor Medical & Veterinary Molecular Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh

  • David Game, SVP Global Product for Medical Education, Elsevier

  • Hilary Smith, SVP, Corporate & Commercial CGA and CCO Office, GSK

  • Elinor Greenhouse, Senior Adviser, Tech and Innovation, China-Britain Business Council (Moderator)

Supply Chain Management 

Whether you are selling to Chinese consumers, using China as an Asia service base, or a company sourcing from China, managing a steady and sustainable supply chain structure is crucial to running successful operations in China and beyond. But over the last few years, Covid and growing geopolitical uncertainty have increased the challenges, causing logistical disruption, rising costs, and labour market concerns, which can and has had a financial and – in some cases – existential impact on companies.

So, how do you deal with vulnerabilities in your China supply chain. This session explores options and strategies, with a panel including experts and companies on the ground, who are experienced in what works and what doesn’t – and who will also consider what the future might hold.

  • Marco Forgione, Director General, The Institute of Export and International Trade

  • Jane Liang, Chief Procurement Officer, Diageo

  • James Grayland, International Director, Heighten

  • Lise Bertelsen, Executive Director, Public Affairs, China-Britain Business Council (Moderator)

5:00pm - CEO Fireside Chat

  • Andrew Seaton, Chief Executive, China-Britain Business Council

  • Qing Pan, Member of Board of Management, JLR; President and CEO, Jaguar Land Rover China; and Member of Board of Management, Chery Jaguar Land Rover  

5:20pm - Closing Remarks 

5:30pm - CBBC Spring Reception 2024 - Learn more here 

The CBBC Spring Reception is an enjoyable occasion to catch up with old friends and network with new contacts, while celebrating the achievements of CBBC and our members.

We are delighted to have had Deloitte and Standard Chartered Bank join us as the Drinks Sponsors for the Reception.