- Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub leads its first standalone trade mission to Mainland China and Hong Kong – taking 11 ambitious Greater Manchester businesses to Hong Kong and Shenzhen from 2 to 5 November 2026, with some delegates continuing on to the 9th China International Import Expo in Shanghai.
- Delegation spans Greater Manchester’s priority sectors – including advanced manufacturing, digital and AI, life sciences, low-carbon technology, food and drink, and creative industries – with site visits to Hong Kong Science & Technology Park, Cyberport, BYD, and the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Innovation Cooperation Zone.
- Delivered in partnership with London & Partners – combining Greater Manchester’s industrial strengths with London & Partners’ extensive networks across Greater China to help delegates build long-term trade, investment and innovation ties.
Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub leads a business delegation of 11 Greater Manchester companies to Hong Kong and Shenzhen from 2 to 5 November 2026, supported by growth agency London & Partners.
This will mark the first time the two organisations have worked together on a business delegation to China, with the aim of helping Greater Manchester businesses explore the Chinese market, build international business connections, and strengthen trade and investment ties between the UK and China.
The delegation will bring together businesses across Greater Manchester’s priority sectors, including advanced manufacturing, digital and AI, life sciences, low-carbon technology, food and drink, and creative industries.
Through company visits, business meetings, industry tours and networking activities, the delegation will explore local market needs, will connect with potential customers, suppliers, distributors, and strategic partners, and will seek new opportunities for trade and investment.
Some participating businesses will also attend the 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai to explore further opportunities to work with Chinese businesses.
Connecting Greater Manchester’s Industrial Strengths with China’s Innovation Ecosystem
Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub is the business support organisation for Greater Manchester and part of The Growth Company. It helps businesses unlock their growth potential by providing support in areas including funding, innovation, people, sales, export growth, and sustainability.
Greater Manchester has longstanding and close trade ties with China. The Manchester China Forum was established in 2013 to promote engagement and cooperation between the two sides. In 2015 Manchester was the first UK city outside of London to operate direct flights to China, this development saw exports through the city-region rise by 265% to nearly £200m every month.**
The partnership brings together the strengths of both organisations to provide targeted support for businesses seeking to expand into the Chinese market.
London & Partners has extensive experience in international business development across mainland China and Hong Kong. Drawing on its networks and resources across Greater China, it supports participating businesses in understanding the market, connecting with potential partners and identifying commercial opportunities aligned with their growth ambitions.
Exploring Diverse Business Opportunities in Hong Kong and Shenzhen
In Hong Kong, the group will visit Hong Kong Science & Technology Park and Cyberport, and meet organisations including the Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund. They will learn how new ideas and technologies are developed locally and meet relevant organisations and potential partners with international business contacts.
In Shenzhen, the group will visit the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone, Zhonglian Zhigu, and BYD. They will learn about new technologies, hardware development and manufacturing, and new energy vehicles.
A session on the Chinese market and meetings with potential business partners, followed by a reception on the evening of 4 November, will bring the group together with Chinese companies, investors, and industry partners for face-to-face discussions.
This mission builds on the strong foundation that already exists between Greater Manchester and China. Together we look forward to developing more relationships and opening up more opportunities for everyone. Greater Manchester businesses are ambitious and ready to be ambassadors for our city-region.
Janine Smith, Executive Director of Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub
Together, London and Greater Manchester can open doors for growing UK firms, build trade with China, and show that the whole UK welcomes investment. These Greater Manchester businesses have the ambition to grow and are ready to export, we see real potential for them in the Greater Bay Area.
Anna Carson-Parker, Head of Operations at London & Partners
Elli Leeming, Head of Operations at soft drinks company Hip Pop, which is taking part in the mission, said:
Andy Brydon, Director at creative production company Curated Place, also joining the mission, said:
Through the visit, Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub and London & Partners aim to help participating businesses establish high-quality commercial connections, turn initial conversations into lasting partnerships, and lay the foundations for future growth in China.
The 11 businesses taking part in the mission:
- Blazing Blends
- Curated Place
- Chu Lo Drinks
- EMQN
- STEM on Track
- Invisu
- Insightful Brands t/a HIP POP
- KANE International
- The Salford Rum Company
- Sterling Quality Services
- Sealip
Mission brochure:
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