The discussion explored BYD’s strategic focus on the UK, the role of policy in accelerating the EV transition, and the company’s innovative approach to technology and customer experience. The conversation provided valuable insights into how BYD is navigating the challenges and opportunities of the global EV market.

Peter Burnett opened the discussion by asking Simon Bisp about BYD’s significant commitment to the UK, and why the UK offers BYD a particular opportunity. Bisp, who previously worked at Peugeot, explained that his transition to BYD was driven by the company’s unique positioning as a pioneer in electric and battery technology. “At Peugeot, the shift to EVs felt like a necessary direction, but at BYD, it’s in their DNA. They started as a battery manufacturer, and EVs have always been their focus,” he said. Bisp highlighted the UK’s importance as one of the largest automotive markets in Europe, particularly in light of the recent decision not to impose tariffs on EVs. “The UK’s policy environment has made it an even more attractive market for us,” he added.

Burnett then turned to the role of policy in shaping the EV market, noting that BYD had recently outsold Tesla in the UK. “How much does policy matter in driving this transition?” he asked. Bisp acknowledged that policy plays a significant role but emphasised that it primarily affects the speed of adoption rather than the overall strategy. “Our objective is to be the number one brand in every market we enter. Price and accessibility are key factors, and we’ve achieved price parity in the UK. Now, it’s about educating consumers,” he explained. Bisp pointed out that while many customers want to be environmentally conscious, price remains a decisive factor. BYD’s plug-in hybrid models, which offer an easier entry point for consumers with low EV penetration, have been particularly successful. “In China, 50% of our sales are plug-in hybrids, and they offer an impressive range of up to 2,000 kilometres,” he said.

The conversation then shifted to the challenges of transitioning to EVs in the UK. Burnett noted that dealers are now required to ensure that 28% of their sales are battery-powered EVs or face fines, with a broader target of 100% EV sales by 2030. Bisp expressed some reservations about this approach. “British people don’t like being told what to do. Instead of focusing on penalties, we should be encouraging people to buy EVs by highlighting the benefits,” he said. He criticised the current system, which allows manufacturers to offset targets by buying credits from others, arguing that investment in infrastructure would be more effective. “Tesla focused on creating reasons to purchase their vehicles rather than treating it as a profit centre. There’s a lot more we can do to make EVs appealing,” he added.

Burnett then asked about BYD’s recent US$5 billion post-IPO fundraising and how the company prioritises its investments. “Is the focus on EVs and battery development, or are there other areas?” he inquired. Bisp explained that BYD’s chairman, Wang Chuanfu, is deeply committed to innovation and adaptability. “The chairman often says that companies that don’t move forward simply die. He’s instilled a culture of constant evolution within BYD,” Bisp said. He shared an anecdote about visiting BYD’s museum in Shenzhen, which chronicles the company’s journey from its humble beginnings to its current status as a global leader. “I have a presentation for investors that I have to update every month because things change so quickly. We have over 100,000 engineers out of a million employees, and they are the beating heart of the organisation,” he said.

Bisp emphasised that BYD’s approach to innovation is not about solving specific problems but creating a “basket of solutions” for future challenges. “We don’t design for a particular problem; we develop a range of solutions that we can draw from when needed,” he explained. This philosophy extends to advanced driving technologies, automation, and alternative propulsion methods. “We’re working on solutions for problems that may or may not arise in the future,” he added. Bisp also highlighted BYD’s vertically integrated supply chain, which gives the company greater control over quality and costs. “When we first started making cars, people said we wouldn’t be able to sell them. So, we created our own sales network,” he said.

The discussion concluded with a brief mention of autonomous vehicles. Bisp noted that the technology for self-driving cars already exists, but regulatory hurdles remain. “The tech is there; it’s just a matter of regulation,” he said.

The fireside chat underscored BYD’s commitment to innovation, customer experience, and strategic growth in the UK. As Simon Bisp put it, “Our goal is not just to sell cars but to drive the transition to a sustainable future. The UK is a key part of that journey, and we’re excited about the opportunities ahead.” With its focus on education, accessibility, and cutting-edge technology, BYD is well-positioned to lead the charge in the global EV revolution.

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Chaired by Huang Shan, Director and Senior Fellow at Caixin Insight, the discussion featured insights from Joe Li, Head of China Desk at HSBC; Yang Ming, CEO of Westwell Holdings; Natasha Luther-Jones, Global Head of Energy and Global Resources Sector at DLA Piper; and John Dykes, Sales Director for Ming Yang Smart Energy. The panel explored how the UK can attract Chinese investment, the role of policy and infrastructure, and the synergies between the two economies in sectors like green energy and advanced manufacturing.

Huang Shan opened the discussion by referencing UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s commitment to cutting bureaucracy and creating a stable investment environment. “Starmer has emphasised the need to rip up red tape and ensure stability to attract investment,” she said. This sentiment was echoed by Joe Li, who noted the improving ties between the UK and Chinese governments. “It’s good to see the adults back in the room. The relationship is now being handled in a sensible and pragmatic way,” Li remarked. He highlighted HSBC’s unique position as a British bank with deep roots in China, symbolised by its name, which includes two Chinese cities. “We are at the core of this conversation, and we’ve already seen a significant increase in enquiries from Chinese investors,” he added.

Li also shared HSBC’s efforts to bridge the gap between UK SMEs and Chinese markets. “Last year, we took 20 SMEs on a week-long trip to China, and this year we plan to take 40 clients on a two-week trip. The interest is growing rapidly,” he said. However, he acknowledged the challenges posed by the UK’s regulatory environment, particularly in sectors like green energy. “When you have 4,000 documents required for planning permission, it’s hard for Chinese investors to understand. Grid reform is another major obstacle, with 700 megawatts of power projects pending due to outdated assessment processes,” Li explained. He welcomed recent efforts to prioritise “ready-to-go” projects, calling it a positive cultural shift.

Yang Ming, CEO of AI company Westwell Holdings, made his first public appearance in the UK at the forum, expressing optimism about the UK market. “The UK is a great market, with its ports, supply chains and growing demand for smarter, greener solutions,” he said. Westwell’s AI-powered autonomous trucks have been operational at Felixstowe, the UK’s largest port, for two years, improving efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. “Our focus is not just on what we do but on driving industrial change. The UK’s world-leading educational institutions and innovation hubs, like our partnership with a centre in Hong Kong, are key to this,” Yang added.

Natasha Luther-Jones provided a legal perspective on inward investment, particularly in the energy sector. She highlighted the National Security and Investment Act as a key concern for Chinese investors. “Energy is one of 17 sectors affected by the act, so each case needs to be assessed individually,” she said. Luther-Jones advised companies to make voluntary notifications to avoid delays, noting that only five out of 150 cases had been called in for review, with none being blocked outright. She also emphasised the importance of planning consents, local workforce considerations, and the potential for change-of-control issues. “Grid reform, expected in the first half of this year, will be a game-changer. It will prioritise projects that are ready to go, addressing the backlog of ‘zombie projects’ that have grid connections but lack land rights or funding,” she explained.

Luther-Jones also touched on the geopolitical dynamics shaping the energy sector. “European OEMs are struggling to meet demand, and Chinese manufacturers like Ming Yang are stepping in. For example, a German fund recently chose Chinese turbines over European ones because they were the only ones meeting the required specifications,” she said. She predicted that the UK and Europe would increasingly rely on Chinese manufacturers to meet net-zero targets, particularly in wind and battery storage. “The difficulty with net zero will be in heat, not power. We’ve seen this shift with solar, and now we’ll see it with wind and storage,” she added.

John Dykes, representing Ming Yang Smart Energy (MYSE), outlined the company’s strategy for aligning with the UK’s growth goals. “We focus on technology adaptation, innovation, and market integration,” he said. MYSE’s European R&D centre collaborates with top institutions to develop next-generation turbines and smart grid technologies. “Our aim is to meet UK and EU standards while contributing to net-zero goals,” Dykes explained. He highlighted the booming global demand for clean energy as a tailwind for MYSE, driven by sectors such as data centres and electric vehicles. “Policy incentives and technological innovation are key growth drivers. For example, our twin-rotor turbines maximise efficiency, and we’re now selling them globally, with plans to expand further west,” he said.

However, Dykes also acknowledged the headwinds facing the industry. “Inflation in raw materials like aluminium, copper, and resin has created significant challenges. Contracts signed years ago at outdated prices can lead to heavy losses,” he said. Regulatory compliance and the need to build trust with local suppliers were additional hurdles. “For a Chinese OEM, engaging local suppliers is crucial. It’s not just about investment; it’s about creating relationships and upskilling the workforce,” Dykes added.

The panel concluded with a consensus on the immense potential for UK-China collaboration, particularly in green energy and advanced manufacturing. Huang Shan summarised the discussion by emphasising the importance of stability, policy clarity, and cultural understanding. “The UK offers a wealth of opportunities, but to fully capitalise on them, we need to address regulatory barriers and build trust. Chinese investors are looking for long-term partnerships, and the UK has the expertise and infrastructure to make these partnerships successful,” she said.

As the forum demonstrated, the UK and China are at a pivotal moment in their economic relationship. With the right policies, infrastructure, and collaboration, the two nations can unlock significant mutual benefits, driving innovation and sustainability in an increasingly interconnected world.

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Hosted by Gordon Orr, Non-Executive Director of Swire Pacific, Meituan, Lenovo, Fidelity China Special Situations Investment Trust, and EQT AB, the panel featured insights from Fang Wenjian, Chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce in the UK and General Manager of Bank of China London Branch; Becky Liu, Managing Director and Head of China Macro Strategy at Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Ltd; Trey McArver, Co-Founder of Trivium/China; and Dr Carwyn Morris, University Lecturer of Digital China at Leiden University. The discussion explored China’s economic strategies, its impact on global trade, and the opportunities for collaboration between the UK and China.

Gordon Orr opened the discussion on China’s evolving role in the global economy by highlighting China’s growing influence across multiple sectors, from the fast fashion of brands such as Shein and Temu, to electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy. He noted that the UK and China together represent 80% of the global wind farm market, underscoring the importance of their collaboration in the green energy transition. Orr also emphasised the role of services, such as education, tourism and financial services, in strengthening bilateral ties. “China is not just expanding its services domestically but also globally, even into space,” he said, referencing a recent US$5 billion contract with the UAE to support lunar exploration.

China’s investments in digital infrastructure and green technologies were also a focal point. Orr cited examples such as BYD’s EV factories, Lenovo’s new production facilities in Saudi Arabia, and Meituan’s expansion into Saudi Arabia as its first market outside China. He also touched on the democratisation of artificial intelligence (AI), with initiatives like DeepSeek making AI more accessible and affordable. “The licensing of new drugs from companies like AstraZeneca, worth billions, and the fact that 38% of leading AI researchers in the US graduated from Chinese universities, further highlight China’s growing influence in innovation and talent development,” Orr said.

The conversation then turned to the impact of US tariffs on China’s global trade. Becky Liu shared her observations from a recent trip to the US, where she noted that tariffs remain a significant factor in trade discussions. “Trump’s tariffs were initially framed as a way to bring manufacturing back to the US, but the reality is more complex,” she explained. Liu argued that tariffs are less about economic protectionism and more about fiscal sustainability. “Tariffs are essentially a disguised form of taxation. While they may appear to target trading partners, the cost is ultimately borne by domestic consumers,” she said. Despite the trade war, China’s exports have grown significantly, with a 60% increase during the conflict and a 2.3-fold rise since. Liu also pointed out that China’s export markets have diversified, with the US, EU, and Korea now accounting for only one-third of exports, down from two-thirds seven years ago.

Liu also highlighted the role of Hong Kong as a financial hub, despite recent challenges. “Hong Kong remains the world’s leading market for IPOs, even though activity has declined by 95% in recent years,” she said. She expressed concern over US efforts to weaken Hong Kong’s status as an independent tariff zone under World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules, which could have broader implications for its role as a connector between China and global markets. However, she remained optimistic about Hong Kong’s future, noting its strong currency and potential to play a larger role in financing and financial services.

Trey McArver echoed the sentiment of optimism, emphasising China’s proactive approach to globalisation. “The Chinese government is clearly pro-globalisation, which is evident in its policies to promote investment and exports,” he said. McArver pointed to initiatives like the upgrading of China-ASEAN trade relations and the expansion of Chinese companies into global markets, such as BYD in Germany and Red Rock in the UK. “These companies are not just following government directives; they are driven by profit and supported by a domestic policy environment that has nurtured world-leading industries like EVs and batteries over the past two decades,” he explained. McArver also highlighted China’s focus on cutting-edge sectors like AI and quantum computing, as well as its efforts to upgrade traditional manufacturing industries.

Fang Wenjian, representing the China Chamber of Commerce in the UK, shared a similarly positive outlook. He noted that the top 900 Chinese firms contribute £100 billion in revenue and support 60,000 jobs in the UK. “Our members are increasingly interested in collaborating not just between the UK and China but also in third markets,” he said. Fang attributed this growing optimism to the UK government’s engagement approach with China, particularly in sectors like AI, clean tech, and advanced manufacturing. “To attract more investment, the UK needs to provide Chinese companies with a sense of long-term security and stability in the relationship,” he advised.

Dr Carwyn Morris brought a unique perspective to the discussion, focusing on the cultural and social dimensions of business. As a small business owner manufacturing in the UK and selling to Chinese boutiques, Morris emphasised the importance of creating a diverse and cosmopolitan environment to attract and retain talent. “People don’t just want to work; they want to live in a place with good schools, restaurants, and cultural opportunities,” he said. He cited Dusseldorf as an example of a city that has successfully supported Chinese businesses and diaspora communities, creating a vibrant pan-Asian cultural hub. “We are seeing the rise of new Chinatowns that feel more like Shanghai than traditional tourist areas,” he observed.

Morris also highlighted the challenges faced by Chinese students and entrepreneurs in the UK. “The UK’s education sector remains attractive, but frequent policy changes create uncertainty,” he said. He called for longer-term post-study visas to encourage students to stay and start businesses in the UK. “These students are not risks; they are the ones driving collaborative businesses and creating jobs. Without long-term support, we risk losing this valuable talent pool,” he warned.

The panel concluded with a consensus on the importance of stability, collaboration, and cultural exchange in fostering stronger UK-China ties. As Gordon Orr summarised, “China’s evolving role in the global economy means the UK has a unique opportunity to engage with this transformation. Whether it’s through trade, investment or cultural exchange, the potential for mutual benefit is immense.” The insights from the UK-China Business Forum 2025 underscored the need for both countries to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in an increasingly interconnected world.

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Taking place at London’s No. 4 Hamilton Place, the UK-China Business Forum 2025 centred on the theme of ‘Partnering for Growth’, exploring UK-China partnerships and the opportunities for growth in both markets through export and investment.

The event attracted leading speakers representing the UK and Chinese governments, as well as HSBC, KPMG, BYD, Standard Chartered, Bank of China, University of Birmingham, Alibaba, Brand Finance and the UK’s National Innovation Centre for Ageing, amongst many others. Together, they took a deep dive and shared cross-industry insights into areas including healthcare, the Chinese consumer market, smart transport, and investment opportunities into both the UK and China. The day provided ample opportunity for attendees to network and mingle with like-minded peers as well as industry leaders, and was followed by CBBC’s Spring Reception.

The UK-China Business Forum 2025 kicked off with Welcoming Remarks & Opening Keynotes from Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles KCMG LVO, Chair, China-Britain Business Council and Senior Adviser, HSBC Holdings plc; Emma Reynolds MP, Economic Secretary to the Treasury and City Minister, HM Treasury; and Wang Qi, Chargé d’Affaires, Chinese Embassy. 

The first panel of the day, which was sponsored by Standard Chartered, explored China’s Role in an Evolving Global Economy, examining China’s position as a global player in the context of a new world order which presents a host of opportunities and challenges both across bilateral and third country relationships. The panel was hosted by Gordon Orr, Non-Executive Director of Swire Pacific, Meituan, Lenovo, Fidelity China Special Situations Investment Trust, and EQT AB, who was joined by speakers Fang Wenjian, Chairman of China Chamber of Commerce in the UK, General Manager of Bank of China London Branch, Becky Liu, Managing Director, Head, China Macro Strategy, Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Ltd, Trey McArver, Co-Founder of Trivium/China, and Dr Carwyn Morris, University Lecturer of Digital China at Leiden University, Netherlands. 

The second panel of the day, which was sponsored by Red Rock Renewables, examined China’s Role in the UK – Inward Investment Opportunities. The session highlighted opportunities for Chinese businesses to invest in the UK and support the UK government’s growth agenda, as well as the potential of partnerships that can support the UK’s ambitious Net Zero commitments and bring Chinese innovation and new technologies to partners in the UK. The panel was hosted by Huang Shan, Director & Senior Fellow, Caixin Insight. Speakers joining included: Joe Li, Head of China Desk, HSBC UK Commercial Banking; Natasha Luther-Jones, Partner, Global Co-Chair, Energy and Natural Resources Sector and International Head, Sustainability & ESG, DLA Piper; Yang Ming, CEO of Westwell Holdings (Hong Kong) Ltd; and John Dykes, Sales Deputy Director for UK, Ming Yang Smart Energy Group Limited.

Following the first two panels of the day, Simon Bisp, Head of Sales, BYD UK and Ireland, took part in a CEO Fireside Chat with CBBC’s Chief Executive, Peter Burnett OBE BBS. In this one-on-one discussion, Simon shared his views on the UK as a destination for BYD’s international growth, sharing cutting-edge industry insights with attendees.

Following lunch and networking, the day’s dedicated breakout sessions took place. 

The first breakout session of the day, Building Brand Loyalty and Cultural Relevance in the Chinese Consumer Market, was sponsored by TONG Global and explored the potential of collaborations between UK and Chinese brands and emerging key trends that will define the market going forward. The session was hosted by Celine Tang, Retail & E-commerce Sector Lead, China-Britain Business Council, with David Haigh, Chairman and CEO, Brand Finance Plc; Jack Porteous, Commercial Director, TONG Global; Kai-Chuan Chao, Commercial and Cultural Partnerships, East Asia Lead, The British Library; and Antoaneta Becker, Director, Consumer Economy, China-Britain Business Council joining as speakers. 

Taking place at the same time was a breakout session on How the UK’s Green Transition can leverage China’s industrial might. This session explored China’s renewable energy assets and how China and the UK can collaborate to realise the UK’s Net Zero targets. The panel was hosted by James Brodie, Regional Director, Scotland, Commercial Director, Industrial, China-Britain Business Council, who was joined by panellists Chong Ng, Associate Director – Applied Research, Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult; Alexander Grant, Partner, Pinsent Masons; and David Finnon, CTO, Red Rock Renewables. 

Following a short break, the next round of breakout sessions kicked off with Prevent, Optimise, Thrive: Global Health Innovation Across Borders, a session exploring the changes that an ageing population bring to healthcare. The panel explored innovations across the private sector and academia, addressing global health challenges, leveraging shared expertise in preventative care, digital health, and patient-centred approaches. The session was led by Elinor Greenhouse, Senior Adviser, Tech and Innovation, China-Britain Business Council, who was joined by Sarah Nolan, Head of Global Programmes, UK’s National Innovation Centre for Ageing (NICA); Xiaoming Gao (Gavin), CEO, Penlon Limited; Vladimir Tsaganov, Head of AI Products and Solutions, Alibaba Cloud International; and Sharon (Ling Zhi) Heng, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Moorfields Private Eye Hospital. 

Alongside this, there was a session on Driving UK-China Collaboration in Smart Transport, which explored the opportunities for UK businesses to work with, as well as benefit from the advances that have been made in China’s smart transport solutions, with collaboration in this area offering environmental benefits to the UK, as well as financial benefits to companies, their employees and the country as a whole. The session was hosted by James Brodie, who was joined by speakers Simon Bisp, Head of Sales, BYD UK and Ireland; David Wong, Head of Innovation and Technology, SMMT; Professor Xu Hongming, Chair of Energy and Automotive Engineering and Head of the Vehicle Research Centre, University of Birmingham; and Herbert Lonsdale, International Automotive Consultant and former Global Skills Ambassador for the Institute of the Motor Industry.

The UK-China Business Forum 2025 concluded with a final CEO Fireside Chat, in which CBBC’s Chief Executive Peter Burnett OBE BBS sat down with Sir David Quarrey, Group Head of Public Affairs, HSBC. Quarrey shared valuable insights on the current state of UK-China relations and opportunities for economic growth and business collaboration in today’s geopolitical climate.

Following the Forum, attendees had the opportunity to join CBBC’s Spring Reception – an always enjoyable occasion to catch up with old friends and network with new contacts while celebrating the achievements of CBBC and our members. The Reception was sponsored by China Telecom (Europe) Ltd and Alibaba Cloud.

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