When I became Chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce South China in September 2024, one of the things I most wanted to do was ensure that empowering women in business was not just a talking point but a structural commitment, something built into how the Chamber operates, not just celebrated once a year.

On Friday 7 March 2025, the night before International Women’s Day, I was proud to see that commitment come to life.

At a reception hosted by the British Consulate-General in Guangzhou, with Consul-General Sarah Mann and her team as gracious hosts, we officially launched the BritCham South China Women in Business Club, bringing together leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers from across South China’s British business community for an evening of genuine connection and inspiration.

Making It Happen

One of the first things I did as Chairman was recruit and empower a new Executive Committee with fresh energy and new perspectives. Blandine Cressard was one of those appointments, and she stepped up to lead the Women in Business working group as its founding Chairwoman with exactly the passion and drive I knew she would bring.

Watching Blandine lead the launch of something we had talked about from almost the first week of my chairmanship was one of those moments that reminded me why this role matters. Real change requires real people willing to build it from the ground up. Blandine did exactly that.

My thanks also to Frangelica Liang and Shi Zhu of Sense by MEI, who sponsored the event so generously, and to the organising team, Chris Chen, Rachel Yan, Kacy Deng, Cami He, and Christy Liang, who delivered a genuinely special evening. And to the full WIB Club Committee: Blandine Cressard, Frangelica Liang, and Lily Shen.

Why This Matters

The theme of International Women’s Day 2025, For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment, is not a slogan. It is a direction of travel that requires consistent, sustained action.

The Women in Business Club exists to build networks, foster leadership, and create real opportunities for women in business across South China. Not as a side project. As a core part of what BritCham South China does and stands for.

Friday was the beginning. The momentum continues.

If you are based in South China and would like to get involved with the Women in Business Club, please get in touch with the BritCham South China team.

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Mark Clayton FCMA CGMA CPA KOR — Group CFO, C2W Group | Chairman, British Chamber of Commerce South China