Zhou Xiaoming, minister counselor of the Chinese embassy in London, says the Sino-UK business relationship has promoted the growth of Chinese companies and helped them go global. It has also boosted growth and employment and helped aid British economic recovery.

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"Britain has abundant experience in the service and creative industries and technical innovation, while China, as an emerging market, offers capital and a large potential market."

The fast growth of Chinese companies in London also highlights the huge potential of the Sino-UK business relationship.

Chinese investment in London has huge potential, Cao says.

He adds that over the next two or three years, new investment from China will surpass that from the US, from which the most foreign investment in London has come for many years.

From the US, 54 companies set up operations in London last financial year, compared with 49 in 2012-13, 32 of those being technology firms, including well-known names such as LinkedIn.

"Besides China, companies from other Asia-Pacific countries such as Australia, India, Japan and South Korea have also set up branches and are investing in London," Cao says.

Asian firms pledged about 3 billion pounds towards major regeneration projects in London in 2013-14, Cao says.

Across the world, London & Partners helped 260 international companies establish their businesses in London, 16 per cent more than the 224 companies it helped the previous year.