British trade officials target smaller innovative firms for China

The United Kingdom is shifting its focus in China from major corporations to supporting smaller, innovative companies seeking to enter the market, according to British trade officials.

"We're looking to see what we can do with innovative smaller companies and how we can help them enter the second-largest market in the world – and probably the most exciting market in the world," said Sohail Shaikh, British Deputy Trade Commissioner for China, at a media briefing on Tuesday in Guangzhou, Guangdong province.

As one example, Shaikh noted that a group of Chinese key opinion leaders is in London this week for Fashion Week. They are live-streaming for audiences in China while learning about the history of British brands.

Sarah Mann, British Consul-General in Guangzhou, said: "South China is a dynamic region and an essential part of the UK's engagement with China. We see exciting opportunities to deepen cooperation in areas such as innovation, green development, and people-to-people exchange. The UK is open for business, and we welcome new partnerships to grow together."

She added that the UK's Ten-year Modern Industrial Strategy is intended to improve infrastructure, reduce business costs, and simplify regulation, creating new opportunities for Chinese partners to invest, collaborate, and grow with the UK.

In the creative industries, the British Fashion Council is planning a visit to South China to explore collaboration with local brands, while Chinese retailers are expected in the UK during International Trade Week in November to connect directly with British companies, Mann said.