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Connecting China and the UK, Supporting International Growth

For more than 35 years, Alliotts has worked with Chinese businesses, investors, entrepreneurs and private clients looking to establish, operate and grow their interests in the UK.

Over that time, we have advised clients on a wide range of matters, from company formation and UK market entry to cross-border tax planning, acquisitions, property investment and long-term wealth structuring. Our clients range from large international groups and state-owned enterprises to privately owned businesses, family offices and high-net-worth individuals.

Our dedicated China Team combines strong technical expertise with a practical understanding of both Chinese and UK business environments. This allows us to provide advice that is not only technically robust but also commercially relevant, helping clients navigate the opportunities and challenges that arise when operating across different jurisdictions.

With offices in London and Guildford, a team of nearly 100 professionals and access to one of the world’s leading international professional alliances, we provide coordinated support for businesses and individuals operating between China, the UK and Europe.

Why Choose Alliotts?

Alliotts is a long-established professional services firm providing accounting, audit, tax, HR and business advisory services to businesses, investors and private clients.

In September 2024, Alliotts became part of Shaw Gibbs Group, further strengthening our capabilities across audit, tax, advisory and international business services.

We are also a founding member of Alliott Global Alliance (AGA), one of the world’s leading alliances of independent accounting, legal and consulting firms. Through more than 230 member firms across 105 countries, we can help clients access trusted local expertise wherever their business activities take them.

For Chinese businesses expanding internationally, this means having access to coordinated professional advice across multiple jurisdictions while maintaining a single point of contact in the UK. Likewise, UK businesses operating in China and across Asia benefit from access to experienced local advisers who understand the regulatory, commercial and cultural considerations involved.

In China, AGA member firms are located in key commercial centres including Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, enabling us to provide seamless support for Chinese businesses investing in the UK and Europe, as well as UK businesses operating internationally.

Mandarin and Cantonese Speaking Advisers

Our China Team is led by senior accountant Qi He and includes 14 Mandarin and Cantonese-speaking professionals with extensive experience supporting Chinese-owned businesses and investors.

Many of our advisers have spent years working with clients operating across both Chinese and UK markets. This experience helps us communicate complex tax, accounting and regulatory requirements in a practical and accessible way while recognising the commercial priorities that are often important to business owners, investors and management teams.

Beyond our own team, we work closely with specialist law firms, banks, asset managers and other professional advisers with significant experience of the Chinese market. This collaborative approach enables us to deliver coordinated solutions that address the wider commercial needs of our clients.

Our client base includes:

• UK subsidiaries and branches of Chinese state-owned enterprises and listed companies
• Chinese privately owned businesses investing in the UK and Europe
• Chinese-owned businesses operating in the UK
• High-net-worth individuals and family offices
• Property investors and developers
• International entrepreneurs and growing businesses

How We Help Chinese Businesses

Whether you are establishing a UK presence for the first time, expanding existing operations, investing in UK assets or managing ongoing compliance obligations, we provide practical support at every stage of the business lifecycle.

Our role is not simply to help businesses remain compliant. We work closely with management teams to provide the financial information, reporting frameworks and strategic insight needed to support informed decision-making and sustainable growth.

Recent assignments have included:

• Supporting the UK subsidiary of an overseas group with accounting, payroll and corporation tax compliance
• Assisting a Chinese-owned business with UK market entry, company formation and VAT registration
• Advising investors on the tax implications of acquiring and holding UK property assets
• Helping growing businesses implement cloud accounting systems and management reporting processes

Our services include:

• Company formation and UK market entry support
• Bookkeeping and outsourced accounting
• Payroll setup and administration
• VAT registration and compliance
• Statutory accounts preparation
• Audit services
• Management reporting and financial analysis
• Company secretarial services
• Corporate compliance advisory
• Cloud accounting implementation and support

FAQs

How can a Chinese company establish a business in the UK?

There are several ways for a Chinese business to establish a presence in the UK, including setting up a UK limited company, opening a branch office or acquiring an existing business. The most appropriate structure depends on the company’s objectives, ownership arrangements and long-term growth plans. We help clients evaluate the available options and guide them through the practical, legal and tax considerations involved.

What support does Alliotts provide to Chinese businesses entering the UK market?

We support Chinese businesses throughout the entire business lifecycle, from initial market entry and company formation through to accounting, payroll, VAT compliance, corporate tax, audit and business advisory services. Our aim is to help businesses establish a strong operational foundation while remaining compliant with UK regulations.

Do I need to register for VAT in the UK?

VAT registration requirements depend on the nature of your business activities and your level of taxable turnover. Some businesses are required to register immediately, while others may register voluntarily. We help clients understand their obligations, complete the registration process and maintain ongoing VAT compliance.

What accounting and compliance requirements apply to UK companies?

Most UK companies are required to maintain accounting records, prepare annual statutory accounts, submit corporation tax returns and meet various Companies House filing requirements. Depending on their size and activities, some companies may also require an audit. We help businesses manage these obligations efficiently and avoid unnecessary compliance risks.

Can Alliotts help with international tax planning?

Yes. We advise businesses and individuals on a wide range of international tax matters, including cross-border investment structures, transfer pricing, double taxation treaty issues and international expansion planning. Our goal is to help clients manage risk, maintain compliance and operate as tax efficiently as possible.

What tax issues should Chinese investors consider when investing in UK property?

Depending on the circumstances, UK property investors may need to consider Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and Inheritance Tax (IHT). The ownership structure, financing arrangements and long-term investment objectives can all influence the tax position. We provide tailored advice to help investors understand the implications before making investment decisions.

Do you provide services for high-net-worth individuals and family offices?

Yes. We advise high-net-worth individuals, family offices and internationally mobile clients on personal tax planning, succession planning, wealth structuring, trust arrangements and UK compliance obligations. We also support individuals before and after relocating to the UK.

Can you support Chinese-owned businesses already operating in the UK?

Absolutely. Many of our clients are established UK businesses with Chinese ownership. We provide ongoing support across accounting, payroll, tax, audit, company secretarial services and business advisory matters, helping management teams focus on growth while maintaining compliance.

Do you have Mandarin and Cantonese-speaking advisers?

Yes. Our China Team includes Mandarin and Cantonese-speaking professionals who regularly work with Chinese businesses, investors and private clients. This enables us to communicate complex technical matters clearly while understanding the commercial and cultural context in which decisions are made.

Can a Chinese citizen own a UK company?

Yes. There are no nationality restrictions preventing Chinese citizens from owning or being shareholders in a UK company. A company can be owned by one individual, multiple shareholders or a corporate entity. However, business owners should consider tax, regulatory and reporting requirements both in the UK and their home jurisdiction before establishing a company structure.

How long does it take to set up a company in the UK?

A UK limited company can often be incorporated within a matter of days. However, additional steps such as opening a business bank account, registering for VAT, setting up payroll and implementing accounting systems may take longer depending on the nature of the business and regulatory requirements. We help clients manage the entire process from start to finish.

What taxes does a foreign-owned UK company pay?

Foreign-owned UK companies are generally subject to the same UK tax rules as UK-owned companies. This may include Corporation Tax on profits, VAT on taxable supplies, employer payroll obligations and other applicable taxes. The specific tax position will depend on the company’s activities, ownership structure and international operations.

Can a Chinese company buy property in the UK?

Yes. Chinese companies can purchase residential, commercial and investment property in the UK. The most appropriate ownership structure will depend on the intended use of the property, financing arrangements and long-term investment objectives. Professional advice is often beneficial to ensure the structure is tax-efficient and aligned with the investor’s goals.

What should Chinese businesses consider before expanding into the UK?

Before entering the UK market, businesses should consider factors such as company structure, taxation, regulatory requirements, employment obligations, market conditions and funding arrangements. Planning these issues in advance can help avoid unnecessary costs and support a smoother market entry process.

What is transfer pricing and when does it apply?

Transfer pricing refers to the pricing of transactions between connected companies within the same group. UK transfer pricing rules may apply where a UK company conducts transactions with related parties in other countries. Businesses must ensure that transactions are carried out on arm’s-length terms and maintain appropriate documentation where required.

Can Alliotts assist with acquisitions and business purchases in the UK?

Yes. We advise clients on acquisitions, mergers, management buy-outs and investment transactions. Our services include financial due diligence, business valuations, transaction structuring, tax planning and post-acquisition support, helping clients make informed decisions throughout the transaction process.

Do I need an audit for my UK company?

Not all UK companies require an audit. Audit requirements depend on factors such as turnover, assets, employee numbers and group structure. We can assess whether an audit is required and provide audit services where applicable.

Can you help businesses operating across both the UK and China?

Yes. Supporting businesses and investors with interests in both jurisdictions is a core part of our practice. Through our China Team and international professional network, we help clients manage cross-border tax, accounting, compliance and commercial matters while coordinating advice across multiple jurisdictions when required.

What support do you provide after a company has been established?

Once a business is established, we can provide ongoing support including bookkeeping, payroll, VAT compliance, statutory accounts preparation, audit, corporate tax compliance, management reporting, HR advisory and strategic business support. This enables business owners and management teams to focus on growth while maintaining compliance with UK regulations.

Sector Experience

We advise clients across a broad range of industries, including:

• Renewable Energy and Energy Storage
• Oil and Petrochemicals
• Banking and Insurance
• Property Development and Management
• Manufacturing and Engineering
• Retail and Wholesale
• Cross-Border E-commerce
• Technology and Electronics
• Healthcare and Life Sciences
• Hospitality and Leisure
• Education
• Charities and Not-for-Profit Organisations
• Legal and Professional Services
• High-Net-Worth Individuals and Family Investments

Our combination of sector expertise, international reach and understanding of both the UK and Chinese markets enables us to provide practical, forward-thinking advice tailored to each client’s objectives.

Contact Our China Team

Whether you are establishing a presence in the UK, investing in UK assets, expanding internationally or seeking advice on tax, accounting, audit, HR or business matters, our China Team would be delighted to help.

Contact us to discuss how Alliotts can support your business and personal objectives in the UK, China and beyond.