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This statement was made by Nicholas Collins, CEO of McLaren Automotive, during the UK-China Business Forum in Beijing (January 2026).

Key Context & Nuance

Collins used this phrase to describe the role of multinational corporations as “stabilizers” in international relations. Here is how British business giants view this philosophy:

• Commerce as a Bridge: While political climates may fluctuate, business provides a consistent platform for dialogue based on mutual benefit.
• Economic Interdependence: Strengthening supply chains and R&D partnerships (like McLaren’s engineering collaborations) creates a “shared destiny” that discourages isolationism.
• Global Harmonization: In his view, when companies collaborate on technology and sustainability, they naturally align global standards, making the world feel smaller and more integrated.

Major Players Sharing This Sentiment

During the 2026 trade mission, several other UK “titans” echoed this “Global Britain” stance:

Company	Key Representative	Focus Area
AstraZeneca	Pascal Soriot	Innovation & Healthcare interconnectedness
HSBC	Mark Tucker	Financial integration and capital flow
Standard Chartered	Bill Winters	Supporting the “Green Transition” through trade

Significance in 2026

This quote marked a significant shift toward “Pragmatic Engagement.” After years of “de-risking” talk, the 2026 summit signaled that British industry leaders view deep commercial ties not just as a source of profit, but as a vital tool for geopolitical de-escalation.