- Home
-
- About
AboutWelcome
About Me
A Life of Purpose Across Borders: The Story of Mark ClaytonI’m Mark Clayton, a father, a British entrepreneur, CFO, social changemaker, and resident of China since I was 20 years old. Over the last two decades, I’ve built businesses, communities, lifelong partnerships, and a deep understanding of a country that has become my second home. But more than anything, I’ve spent my adult life trying to answer one question: How can we do business better – for people, for communities, and for purpose?
Early Life in the UK
Born and raised in the UK, my early life was shaped by a strong sense of independence, curiosity, and drive. Hailing from the picturesque market town of Hexham in the Northumberland countryside, I moved to China at the age of 20 after finishing my accountancy qualification for a gap year. My dad was based in Guangzhou at the time, opening Metro Cash & Carry stores across South China, and when I arrived, I knew immediately that I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I was excited by the energy, potential, and the challenge of building something meaningful in one of the world’s most dynamic economies. Two decades later, that “gap year” is still going, and what a journey it’s been.
Entrepreneurship in China: The Birth of C2W Group
China 2 West was founded in 2005 by Nick Cunningham, Ret. Royal Marines Major, who took me on in early 2007 as he needed a “numbers guy”, Nick mentored me and gave me the trust and freedom to build, create, and grow as an entrepreneur. Together, along with Mark Jacobs, we have co-built the C2W Group into what it is today, an industry-leading British manufacturing and supply chain group headquartered in South China, with teams and facilities in China, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, and Hong Kong. Today, C2W Group is the umbrella for two core businesses, along with some others:
- China 2 West, a sourcing and supply chain management company (est. 2005), and
- Shield Works, an OEM contract manufacturer (est. 2019).
As Group CFO and shareholder, I bring a strategic leadership and finance lens to growth, operations, and long-term sustainability, proving that manufacturing can serve both global industry and local integrity.
A Journey of Continual Learning from Apprentice to Never-Ending Learning
Throughout my career, I’ve believed that growth only happens when we keep learning. My educational and professional development includes:
- Fellow Member of the AAT (FMAAT)
- MSc in Global Management – University of Salford Business School
- Fellow Chartered Management Accountant (FCMA CGMA)
- Oxford Saïd Business School Strategic Leadership Programme; a 6-month executive development programme
- Financial Times Diploma in Non-Executive Directorship
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
I didn’t go to university after high school, instead opting for the apprentice route. I strongly believe the apprenticeship route is a powerful and practical pathway to success for many. Indeed, it has led me on this journey, a journey that has allowed me to lead with clarity in complex environments and advise across multiple boardrooms.
Mentors Who Shaped My Journey
Throughout my life and career, I’ve been fortunate to have the guidance of three extraordinary mentors who helped shape not only my path, but the person I’ve become. Brian Cordiner took a chance on me when I had zero experience in accountancy, hiring me for a role I technically wasn’t qualified for, then personally mentoring me, funding my AAT qualification, and allowing me time off to study. His belief in me lit the first spark.
At just 22, Nick Cunningham gave me the chance to live my dream working in a start-up. I began as finance and sourcing manager, a role that combined entrepreneurship with global exposure, and grew to become Partner and Group CFO. His leadership, integrity, and trust left a deep impression, and I carry many of his lessons with me today.
And then there’s my father, Alan Clayton, whose life and work in China gave me a front-row seat to what cross-cultural leadership truly looks like. Living with him in a foreign country between the ages of 20 and 22 was transformative, we forged a bond of friendship, mentorship, and mutual growth that remains one of the most meaningful chapters of my life. These three, and countless others, have left an indelible mark on me.
Their kindness, wisdom, and generosity of spirit fuel my own commitment to mentoring others and living with a strong sense of social purpose and service.
Leadership and Advocacy
As Chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce South China (since 2024), and before that vice-chair since 2020, and board member since 2019, I champion British businesses navigating the China landscape. My work focuses on inclusive growth, UK-China collaboration, and creating platforms like the Women in Business Committee and Supply Chain Working Group to advance equality and innovation.
In 2025, I was also appointed to the Advisory Board of the UK National Committee on China (UKNCC), helping to shape forward-looking UK-China engagement strategies.
In 2024, I proudly became the first business leader in China to sign and represent the Global Fair Pay Charter, serving as its custodian for British Business in China.
I have a passion for helping British business succeed and actively am going above the remit to build more bridges between business and government across the UK and China, for this I was honoured to receive Freedom of the City of London in 2025.
Please do get in touch if any of this resonates with you.
Come Together Community: Social Enterprise for Children in Need
In 2011, after the passing of a close friend, I co-founded the Come Together Community (CTC), a social enterprise built to unite expats, locals, and businesses around one cause: supporting children in need with complete transparency, no admin fees, no salaries, no inflated overheads, and no large marketing budgets. I still today serve as its chairman and in testament to the work we do, I was recently projected 50m tall onto the Opera House.
From humble beginnings, we’ve grown into a model of transparent giving, raising over USD 450,000 to date, with zero salaries or admin fees. We partner with vetted local charities, ensuring every contribution directly impacts education, health, and opportunity for vulnerable youth.
One of our most impactful collaborations to date has been with the Zhuhai Autism Society in providing a safe space for the children to thrive, and in delivering programs that support the development of transferable workplace-relevant skills and essential social abilities.
Outside of the CTC my other philanthropic duties include serving as the Director of UK and China Relations for the Sino-Phil Asia International Peace Awards Foundation Inc. and as Chapter Pursuivant for the World Brothers Chapter of the Knights of Rizal.
Honors and Recognition
I’m deeply honoured to have been recognized over the years for contributions to both business and community:
-
Feb 2019International Peace Award, Field of Philanthropy
-
Nov 2019UN China Social Impact Award, Community and Culture
-
Feb 2023AAT Excellence Award, United Kingdom
-
Oct 20242nd, AICPA & CIMA Finance and Business Leader of the Year, UK
-
Nov 2024CGMA Finance Leader of the Year, China
-
Feb 2025Knighted as a Knight Officer of the Order of Rizal (KOR), Philippines
-
Oct 2025Freedom of the City of London
These milestones reflect the teams, mentors, and communities I’ve been privileged to walk alongside.
Empowering the Next Generation
One of my greatest motivations is helping young professionals and entrepreneurs unlock their potential. Whether mentoring through BritCham, supporting SME founders, or advising social innovators, I aim to help the next generation lead with purpose, EQ, and global vision.
At the heart of this mission is my deep belief that SMEs are the backbone of every nation, vital engines of innovation, job creation, and long-term prosperity. Yet, all too often, they’re overlooked in policy, under-supported in funding, and underserved in advocacy. I’m committed to changing that narrative. Whether through manufacturing, trade, or advisory work, I champion the voices of SMEs and British manufacturers at every level, calling for more visibility, more targeted support, and smarter, more inclusive policy that reflects the vital role these businesses play in shaping our economies and communities.
What’s Next
As I look ahead, my mission remains rooted in authenticity, strategic leadership, and social purpose. I believe leadership means making space for others to rise, and I’m committed to building ecosystems where both business and humanity thrive.
Thank you for being part of my journey.
Let’s connect and build something meaningful together.