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The 48 Group and Chaoyang District People’s Government Convene for the China - UK Investment and Industry Cooperation Executive Roundtable in London
September 19, 2025
The 48 Group and Chaoyang District People’s Government Convene China - UK Investment and Industry Cooperation Executive Roundtable in London
Business leaders, young entrepreneurs and policymakers gathered in London to discuss the future opportunities for companies from both countries
UK and Chinese Delegation with Mr. Wu Xiaojie, Party Secretary of Chaoyang District; H.E. Wang Qi, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in the UK; and Mr. Jack Perry, Chairman of The 48 Group
London, 17 September 2025 - The 48 Group, in partnership with the People’s Government of Chaoyang District, Beijing, convened the China - UK Investment and Industry Cooperation Executive Roundtable at the historic Law Society Hall. The event brought together senior policymakers, leading business figures, and young entrepreneurs from both countries to strengthen dialogue, foster mutual trust, and advance practical cooperation in trade, investment and innovation.
Prior to the main session, a special reception was hosted by Mr. Wu Xiaojie, Party Secretary of Chaoyang District; H.E. Wang Qi, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in the UK; and Mr. Jack Perry, Chairman of The 48 Group. They welcomed senior representatives from Aberdeen Group, Octopus Energy, Circle Health Group, WPP and KPMG. This candid exchange underscored the importance of direct engagement between government and business, with UK companies articulating the support they require from policymakers to facilitate their future expansion in Chaoyang.
Mr. Wu Xiaojie, Party Secretary of Chaoyang District; H.E. Wang Qi, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in the UK alongisde governmental officials from Chaoyang districts, Jack Perry Chairman of the 48 group and representatives from Aberdeen, Octopus Energy, WPP, Circle Health Group and KPMG
The Roundtable was formally opened by Mr. Jack Perry, followed by keynote remarks from Party Secretary Wu Xiaojie, H.E. Wang Qi, and Mr. Hugh de Lusignan, Head of Financial Services at the UK Department for Business and Trade. Speakers highlighted Chaoyang District’s role as a hub for international commerce, the opportunities available for UK businesses, and the potential for practical cooperation in areas including finance, healthcare, technology, and sustainability.
Jack Perry, Chairman of The 48 Group delivering opening remarks
Party Secretary Wu Xiaojie
Mr. Hugh de Lusignan, Head of Financial Services at the UK Department for Business and Trade
The in-depth discussion session was chaired by Alderman Timothy Hailes, Lord Mayor-elect of the City of London (2026–2027), and open with a Keynote speech by Sir Douglas Flint CBE, Chairman of Aberdeen.
Alderman Timothy Hailes, Lord Mayor-elect of the City of London (2026–2027) Chair of the roundtable
Sir Douglas Flint CBE, Chairman of Aberdeen formally opening the roundtable
The session welcomed a distinguished roster of UK and Chinese representatives, including:
Christopher Fitzgerald, Group Director for International Affairs, Octopus Energy Group
Simon Bumfrey, Head of Relationship Banking Europe, HSBC Innovation Bank
David Roth, CEO, The Store WPP (Global Retail Practice)
Jawad Khan, Chief Financial Officer, Circle Health Group
Simon Ollerenshaw, Global Head, Corporate Treasury Coverage, Barclays Investment Bank
Angela Cretu, Non-Executive Director, API Group; Angel Investor, AngelAcademe; former CEO, Avon
Geoff McGrath, CEO, Axiom Labs; former CEO of McLaren Engineering
Chen Longjing, Chairman, SIGIA
Ren Yiheng, President, Shanghai Doso Energy Technology
Liu Jiaming, General Manager, Beijing Laitai International Cultural Development
Huang Xin, Director of Overseas Competitions Department, Weibo IN
Ye Zhenzhen, Beijing Maoyang Holdings Development
Liu Mingtao, President, Fosun Hive
Jillian Sun, UK Senior Business Manager, Alibaba Group Holding
Dr. Souphi Samizadeh, Vice President, Royal Society of Medicine
Dr. Jacques Otto, Co-founder and Medical Director, IntraVita International
Johnny Harrison, UK Representative, ArcOn Brands
Christopher Fitzgerald, Group Director for International Affairs, Octopus Energy Group
Simon Bumfrey, Head of Relationship Banking Europe, HSBC Innovation Bank
Jawad Khan, Chief Financial Officer, Circle Health Group
Angela Cretu, Non-Executive Director, API Group; Angel Investor, AngelAcademe; former Global CEO, Avon
Managing Partner of LucidCatalyst and Co-founder of TerraPraxis
Chen Longjing, Chairman, SIGIA
Shared Vision for Cooperation and Looking Ahead
During the discussions, Party Secretary Wu Xiaojiere affirmed Chaoyang District’s favourable policy environment, robust business ecosystem, and international connectivity as a platform for deepening UK–China cooperation. UK representatives expressed strong interest in leveraging these opportunities, while The 48 Group reiterated its commitment to promoting two-way trade, enabling UK companies to succeed in China, and attracting Chinese investment to support sustainable growth and high-quality job creation in the UK.
Executive Roundtable in session
Roundtable in session
The London Special Session highlighted the unique role of The 48 Group in convening senior voices from government and industry, continuing its “Icebreakers” legacy since 1953 of building bridges between the UK and China. The Roundtable served not only as a forum for dialogue but also as a launchpad for future initiatives, laying solid foundations for enhanced economic engagement and strengthened mutual understanding between the two countries.
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