[See & Be Seen] BritCham's 110 Yr Anniversary Government Dinner

See & Be Seen is our semi-regular peek into the people, parties, and pop-ups that give this city its buzz. From gallery openings and rooftop mixers to low-key scene-y happenings, we swing by, soak it in, and share a slice of what went down.

It's a light-touch look at where we were, what it was, and who showed up – followed by a gallery at the end most importantly – photo galleries at the end.

Scroll through. You might see someone you know. Or yourself. Probably holding a drink.

The British Chamber of Commerce Shanghai just turned 110 – not bad for an institution that's seen the city reinvent itself more times than the skyline. Founded in 1915, back when the Bund was still the city's front room and not its Instagram backdrop, BritCham has quietly outlasted wars, revolutions and economic booms, staying in step with Shanghai's rhythm through it all. Last week's anniversary bash pulled in over 300 people from the government and business worlds, plus a special guest: Peter Wilson, British Ambassador to China, on hand to toast the Chamber that's been connecting Britain and China longer than just about anyone else.

Now, in case you are feeling a bit of deja vu, yes we covered another 110-year anniversary event with BritCham, here. This event, hosted at the Intercontinental Hotel Hongqiao, was BritCham's first, ever government celebration dinner.

We have a few notes of congratulations from a few folks we stopped at the dinner, as well as the See & Be Seen gallery at the end. See if you can spot anyone you know!

and it was massive...

Credit: Brandon McGhee

Matt Burney, British Consul-General, Shanghai

Credit: Brandon McGhee

"Congratulations to BritCham Shanghai on its 110th anniversary – a remarkable milestone for one of the oldest and most dynamic international chambers in China, and indeed, in the world.

For over a century, BritCham has been a vital bridge between the United Kingdom and Shanghai, fostering trade, innovation, and friendship through times of profound change. Its community embodies the very best of British enterprise – adaptable, collaborative, and forward-looking.

As we celebrate this proud legacy, we also look ahead to BritCham's continued role in shaping a modern, sustainable partnership between Britain and East China – one built on shared ambition, mutual respect, and a true tradition of innovation.

Happy 110th anniversary!"

Kirsten Johnston, chair of the British Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, and founder and CEO of J.W.D.K., a branding agency

Credit: Brandon McGhee

"So, the British Chamber of Commerce Shanghai is celebrating its 110th anniversary this year – quite a milestone for us, really, as we're the oldest foreign chamber in China. While we're an independent organisation, we couldn't do what we do without the strong support of our government partners – that's His Majesty's Ambassador, the Consulates, the Consul General, and the Department for Business and Trade. Their partnership helps us stay closely connected with the UK community and support British businesses as they come into China.

Just as importantly, we value our close relationship with our Chinese government partners – particularly the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, or SOFCOM. That partnership is absolutely vital for us and for our members, because it's through those relationships that we can help to shape policy, improve the business environment, and ensure that British companies can thrive here in China.

We see our role as helping to advocate for our members – often in niche industries or areas where there might be room to make things a little smoother – and that dialogue really matters. The purpose of the 110th anniversary dinner you attended, in many ways, was to celebrate those relationships and the spirit of collaboration behind them. It's through open, transparent, and human-to-human engagement that we can truly support our members and strengthen our shared community.

So, a big congratulations to the Chamber, of course. Looking ahead, we are eager to explore how our members can contribute to the next phase of development in Yangtze River Delta, and how we can continue strengthening engagement between the UK and China to unlock new opportunities for British business."

Stuart Dunn, executive director the British Chamber of Commerce, Shanghai

Credit: Brandon McGhee

"Marking 110 years of BritCham Shanghai is not merely an anniversary – it is a reminder of the remarkable arc of history that binds Britain and Shanghai in enterprise, curiosity and quiet resolve. In 1915, 10 British firms meet to establish the British Chamber of Commerce Shanghai. Over that 110 years the constant factors have been Shanghai's irrepressible spirit and the UKs enduring commitment to partnership, trade and shared progress.

Today, Shanghai stands out as a global destination and the commercial centre of the world's 2nd largest economy – Our own growth mirrors that confidence: membership rising by over 30 percent in the last three years and the launch of our Hangzhou office last year as allowed us to expand our team and range of activities. The Chamber is here to support British brands – from household names to storied heritage houses who continue to invest, expanding and flourishing in Shanghai and East China."

And without further ado... here is the The See & Be Seen gallery for BritCham's 110 anniversary government dinner:

From all of us at City News Service. A hearty congratulations on 110 years BritCham Shanghai!