British business leaders are positioning themselves to capitalise on momentum generated by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s official visit to China, as firms explore new opportunities across trade, investment and market access in the world’s second-largest economy.

The visit, the first by a UK prime minister in nearly a decade, included high-level meetings in Beijing and Shanghai that emphasised longer-term economic engagement and a comprehensive strategic partnership between London and Beijing.

Starmer travelled with a large delegation of business and cultural representatives aimed at deepening commercial ties and unlocking growth prospects for UK firms.

At the “Icebreakers” Chinese New Year celebration in London, hosted by longstanding bilateral organisations including the 48 Group and the China-Britain Business Council, UK business figures expressed enthusiasm about future cooperation with Chinese partners and the potential of China’s vast consumer and industrial markets.

Participants highlighted areas such as trade and investment, green energy transitions, financial services and scientific and technological innovation as promising fields for collaboration.

Chinese officials noted that key agreements reached during the visit, including anticipated visa-free access for UK nationals for short stays, would underpin expanded people-to-people exchanges and broader cooperation.

Government and business sources report that Starmer’s visit has already yielded significant commercial outcomes.

The British government announced that export and market access deals valued in the billions of pounds have been agreed, including tariff reductions for UK products such as Scotch whisky and commitments from major Chinese firms to expand operations in the United Kingdom.

In addition, China has signalled its intention to ease regulatory barriers across several sectors, creating new avenues for UK services, education and professional services firms seeking entry and expansion.

Global investors and trade bodies have interpreted these developments as part of a broader reset in Sino-British relations, with practical agreements on tariff cuts, financial cooperation and joint business forums driving renewed interest.

Corporate representatives noted that the relationships forged during the visit could translate into tangible contracts and partnerships in areas such as technology, clean energy, healthcare and financial services.

As UK companies assess opportunities emerging from these engagements, many are preparing to scale investments in China and strengthen bilateral commercial linkages in the months ahead.