UK and China businesses join forces for a greener future

Business leaders from the UK and China have met in Manchester for the 2026 UK–China Clean Energy Cooperation Forum, exploring opportunities to strengthen ties and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.

The event brought together representatives from government and industry, with a series of discussions and partnership agreements aimed at turning shared ambitions into practical results.

Chinese Consul General in Manchester Tang Rui said soaring energy prices driven by geopolitical uncertainty have put enormous pressure on ordinary households. "Looking at China's development, our new energy sector is growing very fast. At present, China-Britain cooperation in clean energy is truly timely," Tang said. 

China’s manufacturing expertise was highlighted as a major asset in developing clean energy technologies.

Hannah Cowie, from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, told the gathering: “China has extraordinary manufacturing skills across technologies such as battery and other clean energy goods.”

But while technology is important, delegates stressed that building relationships and sharing knowledge are equally vital.

Dr Rebecca Hiscott, of Landbell Group, said: “I think forums are incredibly important for cross-border cooperation, for knowledge sharing, for exchange of ideas and just for building relationships as well. I think it’s incredibly important to have a physical presence.”

The forum covered a wide range of topics, from sustainable cities to the growing market for clean energy products. Among the companies looking to expand their presence in Britain was Chinese energy business Kuaipu.

Harper He, from Kuaipu Energy, said: “The UK’s our main target market and thanks to this forum, they give us the opportunity to make a connection with local communities and with the local partners.”

For others, cooperation is already delivering results. ZEEDA Energy, founded in 2010, has grown from a domestic pioneer into a leading global manufacturer of electric vehicle chargers. The company is now looking to build on that success in the UK.

Dr Amy Shang, of ZEEDA Energy, said the forum offered valuable opportunities to meet potential partners, particularly as the company develops its British operations and expands its local service capabilities.

Government support was also seen as crucial to creating the right conditions for long-term business relationships.

Yang Haoling, of DHL Express UK, said: “The China/UK governments together bring the framework for the co-operation which also strengthens the long term collaboration for the businesses.”

With the formal proceedings over, attention turned to networking – exchanging ideas, making introductions and establishing the contacts that could lead to future deals.

For all the talk of technology, investment and international strategy, the message from Manchester was straightforward: cooperation between the UK and China has an important role to play in delivering a greener future.

And, as delegates agreed, the commitment to making that happen has rarely been stronger.