Shield Works

Shenzhen, March 17, 2024 – A senior delegation of UK Mayors and Deputy Mayors visited Shenzhen this week to explore business opportunities, strengthen relationships, and promote bilateral trade between the UK and South China. The delegation was welcomed by the Chairman of British Chamber of Commerce in South China (BritCham SC) Mark Clayton and the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) and engaged with key industry leaders, government representatives, and innovative enterprises.

Believed to be the largest-ever UK civic delegation to China, the delegation included:

• Richard Parker, Mayor of West Midlands
• Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor of London
• Paul Dennet, Deputy Mayor of Manchester
• Mike Wharton, Deputy Mayor of Liverpool
• Nadine Peatfield, Deputy Mayor of East Midlands
• Sarah Mann, HM Consul-General, British Consulate-General Guangzhou
• Trevor Lewis, Head of Trade & Investment, British Consulate-General Guangzhou

During their visit, the delegation engaged in high-level discussions with leading Chinese companies, including BYD, Honor, Tencent, and Mindray, and toured Yantian Port, one of the busiest container ports in the world. A key highlight of the visit was the official meeting with the Shenzhen Mayor, which focused on deepening trade and investment collaboration between UK regions and South China.

Mark Clayton, Chairman of BritCham South China and CFO of British manufacturing group C2W, commented on the significance of the visit:

“I have seen more UK delegations visit China in the past six weeks than in the last six years. The size and seniority of this delegation demonstrate that both the UK and South China are open for business. I implore everyone to reach across the table, to build relationships, and to work together to help UK and China businesses succeed. I also extend an invitation to all delegates to visit our Shield Works in Zhuhai on their next trip, to see a world-class IP-secure British factory operating in China—the perfect manufacturing partner for tech scaleups.”

In addition to official meetings and site visits, the delegation attended a Welcome Reception hosted by the British Consulate-General in Guangzhou, BritCham SC, and CBBC. London & Partners also brought a delegation of 15 UK technology companies to the reception, fostering new business connections between UK and Chinese enterprises.

The visit underscores the ongoing commitment of UK businesses and government representatives to strengthening commercial ties with South China. With Shenzhen recognized as one of the world’s most innovative cities, the exchange provided valuable insights and opportunities for UK companies looking to expand in the region.

About the British Chamber of Commerce in South China

BritCham South China (BritCham SC) is a not-for-profit membership organization representing British businesses operating in South China. The Chamber works to support UK companies by facilitating business networking, government engagement, and market insights. It plays a key role in promoting trade and investment between the UK and China.

About C2W Group

China 2 West (C2W Group) is a 100% British-owned manufacturing and supply chain management company, supporting businesses with product development, quality control, and production in China. C2W owns and operates Shield Works, a state-of-the-art OEM manufacturing facility in Zhuhai, offering IP-secure manufacturing solutions for international clients.

For media inquiries, please contact: Mark Clayton
CFO, C2W Group
Email: inquiries@china2west.com
Phone: +86 756 3828390

Hyperlinks

https://www.linkedin.com/in/markclaytonuk

http://www.britchamsouthchina.org/

https://www.cbbc.org

https://www.china2west.com

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Manila, Philippines – February 9, 2025 – Mark Clayton, Group Chief Financial Officer of C2W Group and Chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce South China, has been conferred the esteemed title of Knight Officer by the Order of the Knights of Rizal in a distinguished ceremony held in Manila on February 9, 2025.

The Order of the Knights of Rizal, established in 1911, is the sole order of knighthood in the Philippines, officially recognised by the government under Republic Act 646 to honour individuals who exemplify the principles and ideals of Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippines’ national hero. The Order promotes patriotism, internationalism, civic virtue, and social discipline and is recognised by the Honors Code of the Philippines as an official award of the Republic. It is also the oldest order of knighthood in Asia.

Mr. Clayton’s knighthood recognises his significant contributions to fostering international relations and championing philanthropic causes. Since relocating to South China in 2005, he has played a key role in expanding C2W Group, leveraging his expertise in finance, leadership, and cross-cultural collaboration. His leadership within the British Chamber of Commerce South China has strengthened UK-China relations, promoting business, trade, and economic development.

Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Clayton is a passionate advocate for social impact. In 2011, he co-founded CTC, an NGO dedicated to supporting children with autism and underprivileged youth, equipping them with essential social and work skills. His commitment to community service has been widely recognised, including the International Peace Award (2019) and the United Nations Social Impact Award (2019).

Upon receiving the knighthood, Mr. Clayton expressed his gratitude, stating:

“I am deeply honoured to be recognised by the Order of the Knights of Rizal. This accolade not only reflects my personal journey but also underscores the importance of fostering international understanding and giving back to the community. I remain committed to upholding the values of Dr. Jose Rizal and will continue to work towards strengthening global partnerships and supporting those in need. I truly believe that if we all did one thing to help another, no matter how small, the world would be a better place for everyone.”

The Order of the Knights of Rizal has a prestigious history of honouring individuals who exemplify Dr. Rizal’s virtues. Notable recipients include King Juan Carlos I of Spain, former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Mr. Clayton’s induction as a Knight Officer places him among these esteemed figures, highlighting his exceptional contributions to society.

About the Order of the Knights of Rizal

The Order of the Knights of Rizal is a civic and patriotic organization dedicated to honouring and upholding the ideals of Dr. Jose Rizal. Through various programs and activities, the Order promotes Rizal’s teachings, inspiring individuals to contribute positively to society and foster a sense of national pride.

About C2W Group

C2W Group is a leading British contract manufacturing and supply chain management company operating in China and Southeast Asia. With a focus on quality assurance, IP protection, and ethical practices, the company provides comprehensive manufacturing solutions to clients worldwide.

About the British Chamber of Commerce South China

The British Chamber of Commerce South China is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting trade and investment between the UK and South China. The Chamber provides a platform for networking, advocacy, and information exchange, supporting businesses in navigating the complexities of international trade.

About CTC

CTC is an NGO established to transparently raise and distribute funds with zero administrative or marketing fees, helping underprivileged children and those with autism or other developmental conditions.

Fair pay is a right, not a privilege. It is a fundamental component of a just society and a sustainable global economy. At SW, we believe in not only building strong supply chains but ensuring they are ethical, responsible, and fair for every worker involved.

That’s why in late 2024, I had the profound honour of signing the Fair Pay Charter—a globally recognized initiative advocating for liveable wages and economic fairness—as both the Custodian of the Charter for British Business in China and the first business to sign it.

What Is the Fair Pay Charter?

The Fair Pay Charter is a groundbreaking initiative with the potential to transform industries worldwide, ensuring workers receive a wage that allows them to live with dignity. The Charter has already raised wages for 5.2 million people in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and is actively working with governments and businesses in India, Malawi, Dubai, and beyond.

Founded and authored by Sheikh Aliur Rahman OBE and launched in May 2024 at Mansion House in London, the Charter is backed by key global leaders, including:

✔ Baroness Patricia Scotland, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth
✔ Nikhil Seth, UN Assistant Secretary-General
✔ Michael Mainelli, 695^th Lord Mayor of London
✔ Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London & C40 Cities Representative

With its adoption projected as a UN Social Development Goal in 2030, the Charter has the potential to positively impact up to a billion people across various industries—starting with the tea industry, where 99% of the workforce are women.

Why This Matters to SW

As a business operating in global supply chains, we recognize that ethical business practices are not just about compliance but about impact. The Fair Pay Charter aligns with our core values of:

✅ Ensuring fair treatment and wages across our supply chain
✅ Encouraging ethical business practices among our partners
✅ Advocating for industry-wide change in manufacturing and sourcing

At SW, we are committed to implementing the Charter’s principles and encouraging other businesses to follow suit. By partnering with suppliers and manufacturers, we aim to set new standards for fair pay in global trade.

A Call to Action: Join the Movement

Signing the Fair Pay Charter was just the beginning. Now, we invite businesses, leaders, and policymakers to take action:
💡 Review your supply chain—are workers being paid a fair, liveable wage?
💡 Advocate for fair pay—encourage your industry peers to join the movement
💡 Sign the Charter—commit to real change for workers worldwide

Fair pay is not just an ideal—it’s an achievable reality, but only if business leaders step up. At SW, we are proud to take a stand and encourage others to do the same.

🔗 Watch this video to learn more about the Fair Pay Charter

Join us in helping everyone get the Fair Pay they deserve. I’ve written more about the Charter on my LinkedIn post here.

Mark Clayton FCMA CGMA

CFO