Claire Urry | Expanding Trade & Investment Between UK And China

In this episode of The Negotiation, we're delighted to speak with Claire Urry, Chief Commercial Officer at the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC), the premier British organization dedicated to fostering trade and investment between the UK and China.

Calling in from the picturesque English town of Horncastle, Claire gives a detailed breakdown of the UK and China’s robust trading relationship, which has benefited British businesses and communities across the country.

Claire explains the pivotal role of the CBBC in promoting UK-China trade, including providing support to British businesses looking to export to China. As a part of that service offering, Claire was recently in Shanghai to attend CIIE and FHC alongside a large delegation of British businesses. Claire shares her observations from the trade shows as well as her takeaways from her first visit to Shanghai in four years.

Our conversation also touches on the British sectors ripe for growth in China; the factors that explain the success of several British brands in China; and the sentiment of British business and government elites towards China. Enjoy!

Topics Discussed and Key Points

● Claire's recent experiences in Shanghai and her impressions of the city.

● The role and impact of the CBBC.

● Opportunities and challenges in the Chinese market.

● Growth sectors in China, including health and wellness, beauty and personal care, fashion, sports and leisure, and home and lifestyle.

● Successful strategies of UK brands in China, focusing on strong brand narratives and authenticity.

● The resonance of food and drink brands with Chinese consumers.

● The relationship between politics and UK-China business dynamics, and the imperative of maintaining a strong, cooperative partnership.