In accordance with the Chamber Byelaws​, notice is given that the Annual General Meeting of the British Chamber of Commerce in China will take place on Wednesday 11th June 2025 at 3pm. The meeting will take place at the Residence of the British Ambassador, 15 Guanghua Road, Beijing, with all British Chamber members welcome to attend.

Nominations are also being taken for this year's Executive Committee election, in which one Chair, one Vice-Chair, and six At-Large positions will be elected.

What is the AGM?

The AGM is the Chamber's most important business meeting of the year. It is where we review the activities for 2024/25 and look forward to the next year. The main goals:

·       A year in review

·       Chair's Report

·       Treasurer Report

·       Elect the Executive Committee. This year, one Chair, one Vice-Chair, and six At-Large positions are available.

Who can attend the AGM?

Any employee from any of our member company can attend – and it is fine to have multiple attendees from one company. Individual members may also attend but may not vote. Non-members may not attend.

Who can vote at the AGM?

Each member company has one vote. Each member company has one "nominated person" who is the main point of contact with the Chamber and normally this will be the person who attends the AGM to vote. However, we can easily transfer the vote to another company representative if that person agrees. If more than one person attends from the same company then only one may vote – we will track this by giving voting members lanyards on arrival. Individual members do not have the right to vote. Please inform us in advance if you wish to change your "nominated person" for the AGM.

How can I stand for the Executive Committee?

1. Download the nomination form from our website here.
2. Be "proposed" and "seconded" by two members. These two members must represent two different member companies and cannot be from your own.
3.  Enclose a maximum 100-word biography and headshot with your nomination form. This biography will be published on BritCham's website after nominations close.
4. Submit this form by email to Graeme Wallace, British Chamber MD, or in person at Meeting Room 5, 3rd Floor, Hotel JEN Beijing by 5pm on Tuesday 3rd June 2025. Late nominations will not be accepted.

What is the ExCo and why is it important?

The Exco is the Executive Committee of the Chamber – 10 elected members who meet each month to make decisions about the strategy, finances and activities of the Chamber. There are six "At Large" (general) committee members, two Vice Chairs, a Treasurer, and the Chair.

Who can stand for election?

A "nominated person" from any Member Company may stand for election. Each member company has one "nominated person" who is the main point of contact with the Chamber. However, we can easily transfer the vote to another company representative if that person agrees. If you are unsure who this is or wish to change your "nominated person," please email wei.han@britishchamber.cn.  

How does voting take place?

A full list of candidates will be published and emailed to all members on Wednesday 4th June. Voting takes place in person at the AGM on Wednesday 11th June. Proxy voting is available for any member company who is unable to attend; full details will be circulated on Wednesday 4th June.

Elections will take place in the following order:

-       Chair will be elected first. This will be elected using the Alternative Vote.

-       Vice-Chair will be elected second. This will be elected by first-past-the-post voting.

-       At-Large Members will be elected third. Each elector will have six votes to cast; the six candidates with the most votes will be elected.

A candidate who is unsuccessful in one election may "drop down" to a later election. For example, a candidate who is unsuccessful in running for chair may run for vice-chair. If also unsuccessful, they may also run as an at-large candidate. All votes are cast in secret; only the result of an election is announced – not the number of votes received by each candidate.

Who oversees the election?

The election is conducted in accordance with the Chamber's Byelaws and overseen by a "Returning Officer," who is a representative of the British Embassy Beijing. The Returning Officer oversees all aspects of the election process, including certifying the vote count at the AGM.

What if I have more questions?

Please contact BritCham's Managing Director, Graeme Wallace, at graeme.wallace@britishchamber.cn.