Jack Perry, Chairman of the UK 48 Group, stressed to business leaders: “Britain builds the code, China builds the scale. Let’s work together to create the future.”
Chairman spoke at the 2025 China-UK Entrepreneurs Forum in London on Wednesday, the 14th. He pointed out that in a world where turmoil dominates the headlines, stability is a strategic asset. The UK can provide a reliable legal framework, world-class research institutions, an innovative culture and a real openness to global cooperation.
He highly praised the current cooperation between China and the UK in the high-tech field and cited some successful cases, such as BYD’s leadership in electric vehicles, Alibaba Cloud’s contribution in the field of smart infrastructure and Octopus Energy’s efforts in clean energy transformation. Perry pointed out that the UK currently attracts more venture capital in the field of artificial intelligence than any other European country, which complements China’s capabilities.
Because trade today is no longer just about supply and demand. We are entering a new era, and the decisions we make now on artificial intelligence, clean technology and digital systems will shape the next stage of global development. Perry added.
He emphasized that we must focus on the fit between our systems. This is the way to build a true partnership. Not asking for capital, but providing complementary value.
The UK can provide value. We now attract more venture capital in AI than any other country in Europe. We are not just experimenting with AI, we are scaling it, commercialising it and exporting it.
The 48 Group, world-renowned as the “Icebreakers”, led by Sir Jack Perry in 1953, facilitated the signing of the first trade agreement between the UK and China. More than 70 years later, the ice-breaking legend still inspired to open doors, with trust, experience and bold ideas.
Next week, Perry will lead representatives of the 48 Group to visit China. He is looking forward to this visit. A group of outstanding British companies and individuals will travel from Beijing to Shandong and then to Zhejiang. He said our focus is very clear. To build real partnerships in AI, predictive logistics, medi tech, and energy systems that will shape the next two decades.