The Young Icebreakers

The Young Icebreakers is a leading and respected network for young UK-China business leaders, continuing to reflect and enhance our strong heritage from the 48 Group Club. The Young icebreakers act as a bridge between China and the UK, provide a channel to share ideas, raise awareness and promote the achievements of British and Chinese young people, whilst creating a sense of collaboration and community among young professionals that are interested in China and the broader community.

The Young Icebreakers came into being following Premier Wen’s visit in 2006, and discussions with the Chairman of the 48 Group Club, Stephen Perry. The Young Icebreakers have remained in the focus of the Chinese leadership during visits to the UK. During his visit to London in January 2009, to attend the annual UK-China Summit, Premier Wen met members of the ‘Young Icebreakers’ to hear their views and encourage their enthusiasm for forging ongoing and further bonds of friendship between the two nations.We continue to hold regular high profile events including but not limited to, lectures, receptions and round-tables attended by high profile business leaders from the UK and China. These include Willie Walsh (Chairman of International Airlines Group), David Reid (Chairman of Tesco), Peter Sands, Group Chief Executive of Standard Chartered Bank and many more. We typically hold these events in Central London, but we have also held events in Beijing. There is a regular Young Icebreakers anniversary dinner which is held each year in late April or early May.

Young Icebreakers Events

Young Icebreakers China Launch Event

On July 11th 2013, the Young Icebreakers celebrated their inaugural lecture in Beijing. The event was held as part of the 60th Anniversary of the prestigious 48 Group Club, and was kindly supported by five esteemed sponsors – CQS, Linklaters, Arup, KPMG and IMI. The event was held at the Beijing Hotel with nearly 400 people attending. The event was preceded by a press conference and was widely covered by the Chinese media.

Lin Yue, Chair of the Young Icebreakers and Edward Holroyd Pearce, Chief of Staff of the Young Icebreakers opened the event, followed by a fascinating lecture delivered by Jim O’Neill (Economist and former Chairman of Goldman Sachs Asset Management) and Mark Tucker (Group Chief Executive and President, AIA Group) on the topic of “The Changing World”. Attendees also enjoyed an interactive Q&A session, chaired by 48 Group Club Chair Stephen Perry and a networking session with drinks and canapés. CRCC Asia assisted with the organisation of the event.

We have received much positive feedback regarding the event, and there is clearly an appetite for future events to be held in China, so please get in touch if you would like to volunteer or be involved with the Young Icebreakers in China (admin@the48groupclub.com).

Long Yongtu Lecture

On 1 July Long Yongtu, former Secretary General of the Boao Forum for Asia and former Vice Minister of MOFTEC (now known as MOFCOM), spoke at the 48 Group Club Young Icebreaker’s event about the challenges facing China over the next decade.

The event was opened by Richard Reid, Chairman KPMG London, who was followed by Peter Lu, Committee Member of The 48 Group Club Young Icebreakers, who welcomed Mr long Yongtu. After the talk the Q & A session was chaired by Stephen Perry, Chair of The 48 Group Club, and concluded by Lin Yue, Chair of the Young Icebreakers.

The event was kindly sponsored by KPMG.

At the event Mr. Long Yongtu was presented an ‘Icebreaker’s award, a 48 Group Club lifetime award for contributions to Sino-British relations

Young Icebreaker’s 5th Anniversary Dinner

On 2nd May the Young Icebreakers held their 5th anniversary dinner at the Royal China Restaurant. The guests of honour included Jim O’Neill and Ambassador Liu Xiaoming. In his speech Ambassador Liu Xiaoming called on the young business people in Britain to seize the opportunities to contribute to a brighter future of China-Britain relations. Please see the article below.

Willie Walsh Talk – 12 March 2013

The 48 Group Club, with the kind sponsorship of Linklaters, hosted a talk by Willie Walsh, Chief Executive Officer for International Airline Group.

Lin Yue, Chair of the Young Icebreakers opened the proceedings by welcoming Willie Walsh and guests. This was followed by Simon Davies, Firm wide Managing Partner of Linklaters who welcomed Willie Walsh

Willie Walsh spoke about the IAG‘s plans for the future following China’s trend for growth. He highlighted the importance of the new route from Heathrow to Chengdu and applauded China’s positive attitude to tackling the global financial crisis. The topics of both issues focussed upon the recent 18th Party Congress in China, the new leadership and the direct implications for China – UK trade, as well as the broader global challenges for China and the UK.

Dr. Gerard Lyons tabled the question and answer session dealing with issues such as an extra runway at Heathrow Airport, pointing out that the during the time spent over the arguments for a new runway at Heathrow, China had constructed 100 airports. Willie Walsh also urged the UK Government to ease visa controls on Chinese visiting UK to tap into the growing business and tourist opportunities.

The session ended with networking in Linklaters reception area. The 48 Group Club Young Icebreakers thank Linklaters for hosting such a successful event.

‍