News / Tech
Bristol tech network launches major China trade push
A Bristol-led tech network is launching a major new UK-China trade push aimed at opening up one of the world’s biggest innovation markets to regional firms.
Tech West England Advocates has unveiled a 2026 programme built around a two-way milestone exchange: sending UK tech businesses to China’s Greater Bay Area in November, while bringing Chinese companies to the UK in June during London Tech Week.
At its core, the initiative is about giving West of England tech firms, particularly those in and around Bristol, direct access to the Greater Bay Area.
The mission also coincides with the 25th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Bristol and Guangzhou.
For the first time, the delegation will visit Guangzhou alongside Shenzhen, often dubbed China’s Silicon Valley.
The latter is a vast $1.9t economy covering cities including Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Hong Kong, widely seen as one of the world’s leading tech and manufacturing hubs.
Tech West England Advocates has unveiled a 2026 programme built around a two-way milestone exchange
At the same time, Chinese firms will be invited into the UK ecosystem, with visits planned to Bristol to showcase strengths in aerospace, silicon and green tech.
Organisers say the aim is to create a “two-way bridge” for investment, talent and innovation, strengthening long-standing links between Bristol and Guangzhou while helping local companies scale internationally at a time when UK–China trade relations are back in focus.
Richard Lowe, founder of Tech West England Advocates, said the “timing is optimal” to deepen commercial ties and unlock new growth opportunities for the region’s tech sector
Richard Lowe, founder of Tech West England Advocates and mission organiser, said: “2026 is a landmark year. Celebrating 25 years of the Bristol-Guangzhou link while welcoming UWE Bristol as a partner allows us to scale our impact significantly.
“The programme builds on the momentum of recent high-level discussions between UK prime minister Keir Starmer and president Xi Jinping.
The programme is backed by partners including UWE Bristol and the Department for Business and Trade, Lowe said the “timing is optimal” to deepen commercial ties and unlock new growth opportunities for the region’s tech sector.
The vast $1.9t economic zone covers cities including Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Hong Kong (pictured), widely seen as one of the world’s leading tech and manufacturing hubs
“With bilateral trade exceeding £100bn annually and new visa-free access opening windows for UK founders, the timing for expansion has never been more optimal. This mission provides senior-level access, meaningful introductions, and real commercial opportunity.”
All photos: Tech West England Advocates
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
