Agenda

UK-China Spring Business Forum 2026

1:30pm - Registration & Networking ​

2:00pm - Welcoming Remarks & Opening Keynotes

  • Sir Sebastian Wood KCMG, Chair, China-Britain Business Council

  • Sir Chris Bryant MP, Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade and Member of Parliament for Rhondda and Ogmore

  • H.E. Ambassador Zheng Zeguang, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the United Kingdom

2:30pm -  Fireside Chat with Martin Wolf

This fireside chat will explore perspectives on China’s evolving economy and its place in a changing global landscape. The discussion will touch on broader economic trends, international dynamics, and the factors shaping business confidence, while offering reflections on the opportunities and challenges influencing UK-China engagement.

  • Martin Wolf, Chief Economics Commentator, The Financial Times

  • Sir David Quarrey, Group Head of Public Affairs, HSBC (Moderator)

3:00pm - First Panel Session: Global Perspectives

As the global economy undergoes a significant transformation, UK-China business engagement continues to evolve with new opportunities for collaboration and growth. This panel will explore how British and Chinese companies can adapt to changing global dynamics, strengthen resilience, and identify practical pathways for cooperation and mutual benefit in a rapidly shifting international landscape. Key topics will include the importance of multilateralism, trade frameworks, global macroeconomic trends, and great power competition.

  • 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

  • Dr John Minnich, Assistant Professor in International Political Economy, LSE

3:45pm - Tea Break & Networking​

4:45pm - Second Panel Session: China Opportunities

As China advances its next phase of economic development, mostly notably with the launch of its 15th FYP, new policy priorities and market dynamics are creating fresh opportunities for international business. This panel will explore China’s evolving economic strategy, key growth sectors, and opening-up measures, offering insights into how UK firms can align their strengths with China’s development goals and tap into long-term market potential.

5:30pm - Fireside Chat – CEO Perspectives

This fireside chat will bring together Zoisa North-Bond, CEO, Octopus Energy Generation and Horatio Evers, CEO, Ming Yang Europe to share insights into the benefits offered by UK-China collaboration in the energy sector.

Together, they will highlight the positive opportunities that UK-China partnership brings to our respective energy systems. Specifically, how working together can reduce costs for consumers, create investment opportunities that drive growth and jobs, and what government action is needed to unlock these benefits.

  • Zoisa North-Bond, CEO, Octopus Energy Generation

  • Horatio Evers, CEO, Ming Yang Europe

6:00pm-8:00pm - CBBC Spring Reception   

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.

Attendance is complimentary for attendees at the Forum.