On 21 November 2024, C2W Group was named a finalist in the British Company of the Year Award (Medium Company Category) at the 2024 British Business Awards Gala Ceremony at the Kerry Hotel Pudong, Shanghai, one of the most prestigious celebrations of British business excellence in China.

Now in their 16th year, the British Business Awards are organised by the British Chambers of Commerce across China and celebrate outstanding achievements, highlighting the vital contributions of businesses and individuals fostering strong economic ties between the UK and China. The 2024 Awards drew 110 impressive submissions from a wide range of industries, with more than 50 outstanding businesses and individuals shortlisted during the first round of judging.

The VVIP Reception

Before the Gala Dinner, I had the honour of being invited to attend the VVIP reception alongside some truly distinguished guests. Dame Caroline Wilson DCMG, British Ambassador to China, was present — she later told the assembled guests that “business is a cornerstone of the UK-China relationship, and the British Business Awards are a testimony to British companies’ significant contribution to China’s development.” Also at the reception was British Consul-General Matthew Burney CMG, and Suwei Jiang from PwC, amongst about 20 amazing people.

But the highlight of the evening for me personally was meeting Sir Charles Bowman, former 690th Lord Mayor of the City of London, who I had the great pleasure of sitting alongside for the Gala Dinner. We got along wonderfully from the very first moment, and I can say without hesitation that he is one of the most genuine, warm, and impressive individuals I have encountered in a career full of remarkable people. It was a conversation I will not forget.

What makes that connection all the more meaningful is that Sir Charles later went on to become my sponsor for the Freedom of the City of London, an honour I received in October 2025. That evening in Shanghai, over a dinner table at the Kerry Hotel Pudong, was where that friendship began.

Why We Entered

The 2024 entry was built around the story of how C2W Group and Shield Works navigated one of the most challenging periods in our 20-year history, and came out stronger for it.

The post-COVID economic lull hit British businesses operating in China hard. Add to that an increasingly complex geopolitical environment, shifting supply chain dynamics, and rising cost pressures, and 2024 demanded something beyond business as usual. It demanded genuine strategic courage.

What C2W and Shield Works did in response was to embrace diversification, not as a defensive measure, but as a proactive strategic choice. We broadened our client base, deepened our manufacturing capabilities, and doubled down on what makes us unique in China: IP-secure, British-led, ethically managed manufacturing at world-class standards.

At the same time, we began our net zero journey in earnest. Shield Works is on a clear path to becoming one of the first carbon-neutral OEM manufacturers operating in China, a commitment that reflects where we believe responsible manufacturing must go, and one that we are proud to be pioneering in our sector.

And throughout all of this, we maintained our commitment to the community. The CTC charity work continued without pause. My work as Chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce South China deepened. The company’s purpose, built on the belief that British business in China can be done with integrity, remained the foundation of every decision we made.

That is the story we told. And we are proud that it resonated with the judges.

This Is a Journey, Not a Destination

This is the second time C2W Group has been a finalist for British Company of the Year, we were previously named in the Top 5 in 2020, which you can read about here. Each time, the judges’ feedback has been genuinely encouraging.

Being shortlisted, from 110 submissions, by 38 judges who collectively contributed nearly 2,000 volunteer hours, is an achievement in itself. We are proud of it. And we remain proud of the business, the team, and the values that earned us that place on the shortlist.

The next edition of the British Business Awards will come around in 2026. The story of C2W Group will only be stronger by then.

🔗 British Business Awards 2024 🔗 Shield Works Precision Manufacturing 🔗 C2W Group 🔗 Connect with me on LinkedIn

Mark Clayton FCMA CGMA CPA KOR — Group CFO, C2W Group | Co-Founder, Shield Works | Chairman, British Chamber of Commerce South China