Celebrating the Year of the Horse at the 48 Group Icebreakers Chinese New Year Dinner 2026

On Friday, 6th February, Emerald Strategy Partners (ESP) was honoured to attend the prestigious 48 Group Icebreakers Chinese New Year Dinner 2026 at The Dorchester in London, celebrating the arrival of the Year of the Horse and the enduring friendship and engagement between the United Kingdom and China.

Now in our second consecutive year attending this distinguished event, ESP was proud to once again join an evening that brings together senior leaders from business, government, culture, and education, reflecting the strength and depth of international cooperation between China and the UK.

A Distinguished Gathering of Leaders

The evening was led by Chairman Jack Perry, and featured an exceptional group of guests, including Zheng Zeguang, Chinese Ambassador to the United Kingdom, and Timothy Hailes, Alderman and future Lord Mayor of London.

Senior representatives from some of the world’s most influential organisations were also in attendance, including:

• Bank of China

• HSBC

• Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC)

• PetroChina

• China Mobile

• BYD / Denza

• Shanghai Pudong Development Bank

• Rio Tinto

• China Construction Bank

• UnionPay International

• China Minsheng Bank

• Tsingtao Brewery

• Octopus Energy

• ATFX

  
  

The presence of such a broad cross-section of institutions highlights the continued importance of financial, industrial, technological, and sustainable collaboration between China and the UK.

Strengthening Long-Term Engagement

For ESP, participation in the 48 Group Icebreakers Dinner represents more than attendance at a high-profile event. It reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting meaningful cross-border engagement, fostering dialogue, and building trusted relationships across international markets.

As a consultancy operating between Europe and China, ESP values platforms that encourage open exchange, strategic partnership, and long-term cooperation. Events such as this play an important role in maintaining constructive relationships and identifying new opportunities for collaboration.

This marked our second consecutive year attending the 48 Group Icebreakers Chinese New Year Dinner, and we are grateful for the opportunity to continue participating in such an important forum.

We look forward to returning in the future and to further strengthening the relationships and partnerships that underpin sustainable international engagement.